The 6 Side Effects of Bitter Melon!
News of the week:
May Stimulate Miscarriage: Bitter melon if taken in excessive amounts can turn out to be a nightmare for pregnant women. They are known to be an emmenagogue (increased menstrual flow) and abortifacient effects.
Bitter melon can also trigger contractions. And for lactating women, bitter melon is best avoided . This is because while there is no scientific backing that bitter melons are bad for lactating women, their adverse effects on pregnant women can have similar effects on lactating women.
Drug Interactions: It is really shocking to learn that vegetables such as bitter melon , which are known for their healing properties, can even come in the form of medications. But that’s the fact. Combining bitter melons with standard remedies can reduce blood sugar levels abruptly. This can eventually lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Hence diabetic patients who are under medication should consult their doctors before consuming bitter melons .
May Cause Irregular Heart Rhythm: In 2010, a study published in the “Annals of Saudi Medicine” revealed something new. A 22-year-old man without any heart rhythm irregularities developed related symptoms when he drank half a glass of bitter melon juice before admission.
When the heart rhythm becomes irregular, it leads to the accumulation of blood in one side of the heart. This can result in platelet clots forming in the veins, thus causing a stroke or heart attack .
Bitter Melon is Bad for Children: It has been reported that red aril (the coating on the seeds) can be toxic to children. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, if your child is allergic to bitter melons , it is best to avoid giving them the vegetable.
Hyperglycemic Coma: Hypoglycemic comais a coma condition, which is caused due to excessive doses of injected insulin. This can lead to a sharp drop in blood sugar levels. There are case reports that suggest the onset of hypoglycemic coma and the onset of atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) with the ingestion of bitter melon.
Can Affect the Liver: You may wonder what the connection is between the liver and bitter melon . While this may seem a bit illogical, there is evidence that eating bitter melon for long periods of time to control diabetes can actually induce liver inflammation .
Bitter melons do not directly damage the liver . Prolonged use of bitter melon can elevate liver enzymes and result in a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Some of the points, or perhaps all of these bitter melon side effects , sound like new and unbelievable to you. It is natural, although it is extremely beneficial in a number of ways, its constant consumption can lead to complications.
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So the next time your mom asks you to eat bitter melon , show them this post and justify your fear of this vegetable. However, with moderate consumption it will not be harmful! Hope you enjoyed this article highlighting bitter melon side effects .