Bitter Melon, also known as Karela, Momordica Charantia or Bitter Gourd is a herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps body functions operating normally. Clinical studies show that bitter melon increases the production of beta cells in the pancreas which leads to improvement in the insulin production of the body. It is also believed to be beneficial for the liver and can act as an anti-tumor agent. Because of its health benefits, bitter melon is used by many as an alternative treatment for diabetes.

The way it controls sugar is two-fold. First, Bitter Melon acts as a mediator between the body's cells and insulin already produced by the pancreas. Type II Diabetics and most people with high blood glucose levels still produce insulin, but in many cases their bodies have become resistant to it.

Bitter Melon blocks the formation of glucose in the bloodstream and breaks down the barrier that prevents cells from using their own natural insulin Worldwide, bitter melon or bitter gourd is accepted by medical practitioners as a strong anti-diabetic alternative. Researchers extracted from the fruits and seeds it's active principle, Polypeptide-p, a plant insulin. This plant insulin, when administered to diabetics, has less side effects than insulin obtained from the pancreas of animals. In countries where the killing of animals is prohibited, the bitter melon, is the alternative. Diabetes causes impotence because it alters the body systems such as the circulatory, nervous, and the endocrine system.

The organs in these systems all work in harmony to let blood flow into the penis so erection can take place. Higher levels of glucose caused by diabetes damages the blood vessels and the nerves. Complications in the state of blood vessels may hamper the flow of blood to the penis, hampering erection. In addition, a number of medical studies show that diabetic persons are more likely to have low testosterone levels.

Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible enhanced libido, energy, and other reproductive health concerns. Men with type 1 diabetes are more likely to become impotent once they reach 40 years of age. Many health experts are recommending the use of alternative medicines like better melons for diabetic management. Many studies show that bitter melon is able to reduce the blood sugar levels in the body.

Charantin, polypeptide P, and oleonolic acid glcosides are some of the ingredients of bitter melon that are essential in diabetes treatment. Charantin consists of mixtures of natural steroids which are shown to reduce blood sugar levels in the body. Polypeptide P, contains alkaloids that can also promote healthy blood sugar levels.

Oleanolic acid glycosides, on the other hand, may prevent the retention of sugar from the intestines. Improvements in these area leads to improved insulin levels in the body Clinical Studies p-Insulin was tested in a controlled clinical trial. In juvenile diabetics, the peak hypoglycemic effect was observed after 1-8 hrs; in patients with maturity onset diabetes, maximum fall in blood sugar level was noted after 12 hrs. Karela or Bitter Melon has also been reported to show hypocholesteroemic activity.

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