Current:Home > ContactBitter melon supplements are becoming more popular, but read this before you take them -TrueNorth Finance Path
Bitter melon supplements are becoming more popular, but read this before you take them
View
Date:2025-04-15 01:52:51
Bitter melon is on the rise.
It's long been a staple in Asian, African and Caribbean kitchens, either cooked or eaten raw. But now, bitter melon is becoming trendy as a popular supplement that supposedly helps prevent or improve certain health ailments. Even Kourtney Kardashian's supplement brand Lemme offers a bitter melon supplement that claims it helps "reduce cravings, promote healthy blood sugar levels and support glucose metabolism."
"Like other fruits and vegetables, bitter melon contains beneficial micronutrients like calcium, potassium and vitamin C that can support overall health," registered dietitian Miranda Galati tells USA TODAY. "It also contains fiber and fluid, which can help with satiety, gut health and weight management."
But bitter melon isn't safe for everyone to take. If you're in adding the fruit or supplement to your daily routine, here's what nutritional experts say you need to know first.
Is bitter melon bad for kidneys?
Though some early research has produced positive results, there isn't yet enough data to suggest that bitter melon has any "substantial health benefits," especially for diabetes management or low blood pressure, according to Galati. She also notes that there are also a handful of potential side effects that come from consuming large amounts of bitter melon or from taking bitter melon supplements.
"It can interact with medications, and like with any supplement, there’s risk for contamination if it’s not third-party tested with a reputable lab," Galati says. Kidney damage is among the possible side effects of bitter melon supplements, as are general gastrointestinal issues.
"Be sure to check with your healthcare team to discuss safety and dosage before starting something new," Galati recommends.
More:You may want to eat more cantaloupe this summer. Here's why.
What is the healthiest fruit?
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy, Galati says.
“The healthiest food in any category will depend on you, your budget, your culture, your health goals, and so much more,” Galati says. “It’s amazing to make more nutrient-dense choices when possible, but choosing the more processed or convenient option isn’t always a bad thing either. As a registered dietitian who wants you to build a healthy lifestyle that lasts, I’d recommend ditching the idea that there’s a healthiest version of anything.”
What are adaptogens?Why these wellness drinks are on the rise.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- When does the new season of 'Virgin River' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch
- TikTok asks Supreme Court to review ban legislation, content creators react: What to know
- Federal appeals court takes step closer to banning TikTok in US: Here's what to know
- Bodycam footage shows high
- With the Eras Tour over, what does Taylor Swift have up her sleeve next? What we know
- 'Unimaginable situation': South Korea endures fallout from martial law effort
- Gas prices set to hit the lowest they've been since 2021, AAA says
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Ohio Supreme Court sides with pharmacies in appeal of $650 million opioid judgment
Ranking
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Joe Burrow’s home broken into during Monday Night Football in latest pro
- What is Sora? Account creation paused after high demand of AI video generator
- Elon Musk just gave Nvidia investors one billion reasons to cheer for reported partnership
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- The best tech gifts, gadgets for the holidays featured on 'The Today Show'
- Neanderthals likely began 'mixing' with modern humans later than previously thought
- Is that Cillian Murphy as a zombie in the '28 Years Later' trailer?
Recommendation
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did
When does the new season of 'Virgin River' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch
Rebecca Minkoff says Danny Masterson was 'incredibly supportive to me' at start of career
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
Ohio Supreme Court sides with pharmacies in appeal of $650 million opioid judgment
Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan
GM to retreat from robotaxis and stop funding its Cruise autonomous vehicle unit