苦瓜維他命C含量竟是「瓜果之冠」！

Among the many healthy foods, some are disliked due to their unique taste, such as cilantro, eggplant, and bitter melon, which ranks high on the "most disliked food list." However, according to the Cancer Foundation, bitter melon is actually rich in nutrients, especially its vitamin C content, which is up to 17 times that of apples, earning it the reputation of "king of fruits." In addition, the unique bitterness of bitter melon mainly comes from...TriterpenoidsThese phytochemicals have multiple benefits for the human body.

Bitter melon is rich in nutrients, and its triterpenoids have health potential.

Professor Chih-Yi Chang of the Department of Biotechnology at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology pointed out that bitter melon has an outstanding vitamin C content among many melons, even surpassing lemons, making it a true nutritional powerhouse. Furthermore, bitter melon is also classified as one of the "antibacterial vegetables" with antibacterial effects, demonstrating its potential in combating microorganisms.

Studies have found that triterpenoids can be extracted from the flesh, seeds, and even stems and leaves of various bitter melon varieties, including white, green, and wild bitter melon. These compounds have been shown to offer numerous health benefits and can help...Regulate bodily functionsIt also has a positive effect on cell growth and differentiation.

Helps regulate immunity and promote cell health

Bitter melon contains a variety of essential amino acids and inorganic salts. These nutrients help enhance the body's immunity, promote the activity of T lymphocytes, and thus help maintain the body's defense mechanisms against harmful cells. In addition, the antioxidants in bitter melon also play a protective role, helping to slow down the growth rate of harmful cells and even guiding them towards a more normal development, thus having a positive regulatory effect on cell health.

Animal experiments show that bitter melon juice helps...Inhibit bad cellsgrowth

International studies have also found that bitter melon extract has the potential to inhibit cell growth. Research from the Skaggs College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the United States indicates that co-culturing compounds extracted from bitter melon fruit or seeds with cells can inhibit the secretion of specific protein-degrading enzymes by these cells, thereby reducing their ability to invade and spread to surrounding tissues.

In an animal experiment, researchers divided mice into an experimental group and a control group, with the experimental group consuming bitter melon juice for six consecutive weeks. The results showed that, compared to the control group which did not consume bitter melon juice, the experimental group mice had a significantly reduced abnormal cell weight by 641 TP4T, without any obvious side effects. Furthermore, in cell culture experiments, bitter melon juice was also found to inhibit the growth of some cells, helping to regulate cellular physiological states.

Other health benefits of bitter melon

In addition to the aforementioned potential benefits, bitter melon has long been recognized for its ability to regulate blood sugar, control weight, and promote lipid metabolism. These functions make bitter melon a popular choice for many health-conscious individuals, especially given the prevalence of metabolic problems in modern society, where its health benefits are even more significant.

Conclusion: Reassessing the Nutritional Value of Bitter Melon

Although the bitterness of bitter melon deters many, it is actually rich in Vitamin C and unique phytochemicals, making it one of the most nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Whether it's regulating the immune system, maintaining cell health, or aiding metabolism, bitter melon demonstrates multifaceted potential value. Next time you encounter it at the dinner table, try looking at this "king of fruits" from a different perspective; it might bring unexpected health benefits.