Bitter melon tea, made from dried seeds, leaves, and fruit of the bitter melon vine, is a popular herbal tea in India and other countries. It is said to regulate digestion and blood glucose levels. The tea can be made with ground ingredients or bitter melon extract. It is steeped in hot water for at least five minutes and can soothe upset stomachs and help control blood sugar levels. However, research on its benefits in the west is limited.
Bitter melon tea is a blend or tea that is made using the dried seeds, leaves, and fruit of the bitter melon vine. Also known as bitter gourd tea, the herbal tea can also be made with ground ingredients or even a few drops of bitter melon extract. Popular in India and other nations around the world, this nutritional tea is said to help regulate digestion and maintain healthy blood glucose levels.
The process for preparing bitter melon tea is relatively simple. After filling a tea ball with the dried bitter melon leaves and fruit, the ball is steeped in water that has been heated in a kettle. Typically, the bitter melon is allowed to sit for at least five minutes, although some recipes call for a longer period. Sometimes the use of the leaves alone, or the leaves and fruit together, is recommended. Enthusiasts usually adjust the soak time to match their preferred strength or weakness.
In terms of the use of bitter melon tea as a medicinal aid, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence for the use of hot tea to help soothe upset stomachs and soothe other types of gastrointestinal problems. This includes constipation and bloating. While effective for some, others report that the tea tends to increase heartburn rather than ease discomfort. In general, people suffering from stomach ulcers are not encouraged to take the tea as a means to soothe an upset stomach.
There are also many testimonials about bitter melon tea’s ability to help control blood sugar levels. When consumed just before a meal, the drink’s components purportedly help the body absorb and convert carbohydrates more efficiently, leaving lower levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Studies conducted in several nations, including Australia and the Philippines, seem to support this benefit of bitter melon when consumed in any form, including tea.
At present, the amount of research on the benefits of bitter melon tea in the west has remained somewhat limited. The tea is sold only as a beverage, while bitter melon extract and capsules are sometimes classified as nutritional or dietary supplements, and are made available in herbal shops and health food stores in the United States, Canada, and other nations. While the health benefits of bitter melon tea are still up for debate, many people enjoy the spiciness and find the tea a great after-dinner alternative to coffee or various types of commercial teas.
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