The benefits of bitter melon for pregnant women exist because this plant contains nutrients that are beneficial for health. However, the consumption of bitter melon during pregnancy also needs to be re-examined because certain chemicals in it are suspected of triggering miscarriage. In Indonesia, bitter melon is usually processed into dishes or eaten as raw vegetables. Some people consume it in the form of bitter melon juice. Bitter melon, which is also often referred to as ‘paria’, is known as a herbal plant, because the fruit and seeds are useful and can be processed as traditional medicine.
Nutritional Content of Bitter Melon
Bitter melon has long been believed to be a herbal plant that is beneficial for health. This is because bitter melon contains various important nutrients, namely:
- Vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, and B12.
- Minerals, such as iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- Carbohydrates and fiber.
- Antioxidants, such as phenols, flavonoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Benefits of Bitter Melon, Including for Pregnant Women
Thanks to the nutritional content above, consuming bitter melon can bring various health benefits, including the health of pregnant women. The benefits that can be obtained from consuming bitter melon include:
- Lowering blood sugar levels
The most well-known benefit of bitter melon is lowering blood sugar. This is because bitter melon has compounds that can act like insulin, which is responsible for processing blood sugar into energy in body cells. Several studies have also shown that consuming bitter melon can reduce blood sugar levels and lower HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. However, this still needs to be studied further because there are also studies that state that bitter melon does not have a significant impact as a diabetes treatment. - Overcoming digestive disorders
The high fiber content in bitter melon can prevent constipation. However, excessive consumption of bitter melon can also cause side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting.
- Increase body immunity
Although very little, certain protein content in bitter melon can help increase body immunity. However, this benefit still needs to be studied further.
- Prevent breast cancer
Studies show that bitter melon has anticancer properties and extracts from bitter melon have been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. However, further clinical research is needed to determine the safe dosage, side effects, and effectiveness of bitter melon in fighting cancer.
- Lose weight
Consuming bitter melon can help you lose weight because this food is low in calories and rich in fiber. The high fiber content in bitter melon can provide a longer satiety effect so that it can reduce appetite.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
Although further research is needed, consuming bitter melon can help prevent heart disease. This is because consuming enough bitter melon can help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. The fiber, potassium, and antioxidant content in bitter melon can also improve heart health.
- Improves eye health
The vitamin A content in bitter melon can improve eye health. In fact, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C contained in bitter melon are believed to be able to reduce the risk of macular degeneration in the elderly.
Bitter Melon Safety for Pregnant Women
The health benefits of bitter melon are indeed diverse, but consumption of this fruit should be limited for pregnant women. Some experts even recommend avoiding it altogether. This is because the chemical compounds in bitter melon are thought to trigger uterine contractions, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage. In addition to pregnant women, consuming bitter melon while breastfeeding is also not recommended. However, so far the research has only been limited to animals. To be on the safe side, pregnant women should avoid consuming bitter melon. However, if pregnant women crave bitter melon, they can still consume it in small amounts. If necessary, consult a doctor first regarding the risks of consuming bitter melon for pregnancy. If after consuming bitter melon you experience side effects such as stomach ache, diarrhea, or contractions, immediately consult an obstetrician.
