the cactus on insulin might be independent from glucose levels since no changes in C-peptide levels were observed.
In 2002, the University of Vienna researchers led by Roswitha Wolfram teamed up with various local research groups in Austria to publish the effect of prickly pear on glucose metabolism in hyperlipidemics (abnormally high lipid levels in the bloodstream).
The chart shows the comparison of the mean values for phase I and II of total insulin, and blood glucose separated for patients with isolated high blood cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia (group A) and combined hyperlipidemia (group B). Phase I ran for 8 weeks with a total of 7,506 calorie diet, 625 calories of which were replaced by prickly pear pulp during phase II (8 weeks). A significant decrease in both groups between the mean values of phase I and II was registered in total blood glucose by 11%. Insulin-levels were significantly lowered in group A, while group B showed no significant changes in insulin levels. (n.s. not significant)
This reinforces the results from previous studies that all the described positive effects exist in diabetics and non-diabetics alike. The preparation of the cactus also seems vital in achieving a hypoglycemic effect. It was significantly noted as well, that the hypoglycemic effect may not only be attributed to the fiber content of the cactus. As duly acknowledged in nutritional science, fiber intake delays glucose absorption. However, the hypoglycemic effect on patients simply cannot be explained by the dietary fiber the cactus contains, since a lower blood glucose was also observed even without any carbohydrate intake. “As C-peptide levels are unchanged it is clear that the hypoglycemic effect is not due to an increase in insulin secretion. Whatever the hypoglycaemic mechanisms of action of prickly pear are, they seem to promote a faster and better glucose entry into the cell, in diabetics as well as in non-diabetics, a process which requires the presence of insulin, but is not mediated by it,” the researchers said.
Bitter Melon supplements, teas and more
These are good ideas to prepare for the week if you have enough time, but in any progressive region, convenience has become a necessity. Working with two jobs, even three, people have every reason to just pop pills or carry thermos filled with teas as supplementation.
In addition to these veggies, taking Chromium GTF has also shown significant reduction in blood glucose levels. Through various research, intermittent fasting also increases glucose tolerance which is a good thing for both healthy and diabetic individuals.
Caveat
Although there has been an old, misleading and inaccurate CNN report on bitter melon inducing labor in pregnant women, this mostly applies on consuming the seeds of bitter melon, which contains phenolphthalein. The cactus seems a much safer option for expecting women. Chromium picolinate, a form of Chromium, turned to have carcinogenic effects in the body as well so make sure you buy the supplement labeled Chromium GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor). Again, these must be regarded as FOOD not medicines, per se. Hispanics and Asians have these as part of their diet. After all they are vegetables.
Until we wait for investor supported projects, and the more feasible nanotechnological approach for a cure, this cost-effective alternative is all for now.
References
Harinantenaina L., et al. 2006 Jul. Momordica charantia constituents and antidiabetic screening of the isolated major compounds. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 54:1017-21. PMID: 16819222
Tongia A, et al. 2004. Phytochemical determination and extraction of Momordica charantia fruit and its hypoglycemic potentiation of oral hypoglycemic drugs in diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 48:241-4. PMID 15521566
Wolfram, R. et al 2002. Effect of prickly pear (Opuntia robusta) on glucose- and lipid-metabolism in non-diabetics with hyperlipidemia – A pilot study.
Ahmad, N. et al. 1999. Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull. 25:11-3.
Frati-Munari AC et. al. 1991. Influence of nopal intake upon fasting glycemia in type-II diabetics and healthy subjects. Arch Invest Med 22:51–56
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nopal nota
Thank you so much for this valuable information, friend! It is true, My mother’s insulin levels have been regulated by bitter Melon.
Dear Friends,
You are absolutely correct!
Here in Brazil we call it Japanese mellon or sweet cucumber!
As far as prickly pear cactus, is it not the one that we call babosa and it is called internationally the cactus for Aloe Vera
Rgds
Antonio
MY HUSBAND LOWERED HIS GLUCOSE FROM 210 TO 114 IN 2 WEEKS TAKING:
ONE DB CARE CAPSULE
ONE BITTER MELON CAP 900MG
ACTOS AND AMARYL
WITH TAKING ONLY ACTOS AND AMARYL, HIS NUMBER WAS 200 AND THE DR THINKS SHE’S GETTING HIM ON INSULIN THIS MONTH. SHE HAS NOT
SEEN HIS 114 READING YET. NOT UNTIL JAN. 22ND. I WONDER WHAT SHE’LL SAY? IF SHE THINKS HE’S LYING HE SAID SHE CAN TAKE A BLOOD SAMPLE RIGHT IN THE MEETING.
my father had been drinking tea (Charantea) since he had discovered he has diabetes. he was really reluctant in taking any oral medications so we tried resorting to a tea type. although the data we had observed were quite subjective, he stated that he felt well after few months drinking tea together with his diet which is low in sugar alone and quite high in carbo.
Hi Davey, thanks for sharing your anecdotal experience. I think it pretty much boils down to the brand being the variable, if you choose to take the molecule compounds instead of the whole vegetable. I might be making a follow-up article on this and recommend which brands to choose from or what to look for when buying.
i’m from malaysia and lunch PRIA CAFE,coffe mixed with bitter melon.
if you want to be dealer just contect me at honggagah@yahoo.com
thank you for this chance to say that i have heard of bitter melon since i was small, now i understand the importance of this fruit. i live in canada and this almost unheard of. once again i thank you,now if you could send me any imformation where it is sold i will be very happy.
I am suffering from dabetics.
Is rice ok for diabete ?
How measure ?
all diabetic patients should eat bitter melon(pagar kai)
it greatly reduce the serum glucose level.
Where can recipes be found using bitter mellon
We put it in a blender and added grape juice. Not too bad
I live in a small town near Prince George BC Canada. Where can I buy ”
bitter mellon ?
Hazel:
Bitter melon is sold everywhere in Vancouver, BC, especially in the Chinese grocery. It’s cheap in Crystal Mall in Burnaby too. It’s about 1.70 a pound.
It is a popular dish in the Chinese restaurant. My husband often orders it when dine out.
Bitter melon (sliced or diced , softened by boiling)cooked with beef(sliced thin,seasoned with soy sauce, starch, sugar ), preserved black bean, and minced garlic.
Now I don’t stir fry with cooking oil any more. I just add little water when cooking(half cup of water). when everything is cooked I add one to two table spoon of extra virgin olive to the beef and bitter melon, just like adding olive oli to salad . The bitter melon tastes even better the next day. Let bitter melon( food) be your medicine. My dog loves it too.
Thanks for sharing the info.
I have p.c.o syndrome and am trying to get pregnant, one reason for pco can be insulin resistance. Any ideas? I also live in England and have no idea where to get theses things. thanks
In response to the post above:
Hi, Rose!
In answer to your question, try the Nutri Centre in London.
They will be able to help you.
Best wishes
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I am very interested in the fasting physiopathology of Nopal. Where can I find out more? The literature states that pectin among other fibers form a paste inside the intestines to slow the absorption of carbohydrates yet also lowers fasting glucose as well… How!!
I am diabetic with varied reading from 160 to 240 2hrs after meals.when I take Gemer 1mg prescribed, the reading will be 150. I am very confident to keep the glucose level normal by taking bitter melon.Small round shaped one will be more beneficial ,pl confirm.
Another important and effective way to reduce serum glucose level is to eat Jamun (Syzgium cumini) fruit and take a spoonful of powder of its dried seed (fruit-stone).
Jambul or Jamun or Jamblang is an evergreen tropical tree in the flowering plant family Myrtaceae, native to India, Pakistan and Indonesia. It is also grown in other areas of southern and southeastern Asia including the Philippines, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. The tree was also introduced to Florida, USA in 1911 by the USDA, and is also now commonly planted in Suriname. In Brazil, where it was introduced from India during Portuguese colonization, it has dispersed spontaneously in the wild in some places, as its fruits are eagerly sought by various native birds such as thrushes, tanagers and the Great Kiskadee.
It’s more like a question than a reply.
2 hours after light dinner (taken at 7 p.m.) I went for 90 minutes moderate walk after which my blood sugar level read 102. I didn’t take any thing to eat or drink except some water. In the morning, still fasting, my blood sugar level read 151. I am not taking any medication so far. Is there a way of reducing this blood sugar level below 100 without pharmaceutical medication. I really fear those medication steps.
Thanks for a response
Thank you so much for the life enhancing data.Diabetes is a slow killer.Am gonna pass word round of this wonder plant.Thank you.
Arthur
Hi, Im interrested in the bitter melon and other remedies for diabetes. I live in Sweden. Does anyone know where I can get hold of them around here?
Go to any Indian Grocery store, or some thing like Laos, Thiland, Burma or similar stores. If You cook it on low heat with Olive Oil…it taste great and its not even bitter. Good Luck.
ghjghjghjghj
Please help My mother suger level is alway very high please help where can I find bitter Melon in USA especially in Oklahoma State.
Hello Everyone, bitter melon is number one favorite veggie of mine.My iron is very low, calcuim is low.. etc.My blood pressure got too low. I forgot living in Canada, never think of bitter melon as my daily vegetables as I don’t see them in a small town grocery stores usually, until I realized talking to my mother, bitter melon is the best medicine when we grew up in the Philippines. Grandmother had them in our garden and cook it like mushrooms.I now make a trip to the bigger cities to buy bitter melons like at Superstore,Lob Laws,Whole Sale Store they often have them.And tons in the Chinese grocery stores (T&T) and just found out tons of them at the East Indian grocery stores.Any Asians stores.
The picture above is yet the very best, I guess as my grandmother said the bitter it is - is the best yet!
How I cook?, if no time to stir fry, I grill it just to soften it, remove the seeds,slice, squeeze with little salt(once,if too better for you do it more) to get rid of the bitterness, then add little venigar,onions, hot pepper if you like and serve.(just like a salad) very delicious.
Another thing: Stir fry with beef,or eggs, very good.
The Philippine dish is Penakbet with eggs,shirmp paste,okra,beef,squash,onions,etc. Really delicious.
Good Luck!
the best way to take Bitter Mellon for medication is to eat it Raw. It’s bitter, but no after taste. I juice it, put dash of salt. Or cut it as desirreable, remove the seeds, eat it with salad dressing of your choise. If you want to cook it, cook it(stir fry or grill) quickly, so it still crunchy. Eat fresh is better. I only cook of one day of 2 servings maximum. But I now prefer eat it fresh or drink the juice.
Good luck.
Thank you very much for the info. i have a bgl of 440 and am threatened with permanenet dependence upon insulin injections. I will try the bitter melon, cactus and (I am told) brussel sprouts.
Thanks for giving me hope