Bitter Gourd and Moringa Oleifera: Two Super Plants for Glucose, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Support

Plants have a long traditional history for use in the treatment of metabolic abnormalies. Two plants in particular have stood out for their potent healing effects on metabolic syndrome. They are the bitter gourd (momordica charanti) aka bitter melon and moringa (moringa oleifera).

Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd, commonly used as a fruity vegetable in many Asian countries, is also known for its healing properties for many conditions.

Glucose Support. The fruit contains at least three active substances for glucose support. They include charantin, vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p. These substances either work individually or together to provide glucose support. It also contains lectins or non-digestible sugar-binding proteins, which help reduce the amount of sugar absorbed by the digestive system [1].
Cholesterol Support. Bitter gourd helps in inhibiting conversion of sugar into fat and stimulating breakdown of fat in the body. The high content of fibre helps in digestion and maintenance of a normal level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body [2].
Blood Pressure Support. In a 2011 animal study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, ingesting bitter gourd is shown to lower blood pressure [3].
Others. Bitter gourd helps to combat inflammation and can be beneficial in treating conditions such as high uric acid, ulcers, colitis, constipation and gastrointestinal upset. Taking bitter gourd supplements or eating it promotes proper digestion due to its nutritional makeup, particularly the amount of fiber found in the vegetable.

Moringa Oleifera

Moringa is a plant that is native to the sub-Himalayan areas of the Indian subcontinent. Today, it can be found in the tropics and in many Southeast Asian countries. The leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are used to make medicine. The moringa tree is also commonly called “horseradish tree,” since its roots taste similar to horseradish root when raw.

Glucose Support. A recent study published in the March 2014 issue of Acta Histochemica, however, suggests that moringa, through its rich vitamin, mineral and antioxidant contents, can effectively provide glucose support [4].
Cholesterol Support. Recent animal studies showed the positive cardiovascular attributes of Moringa. In one study, Moringa was found to be comparable to statins (a widely used class of cholesterol – and lipid-lowering drug) in suppressing the initiation and propagation of lipid peroxidation and suppression of atherosclerosis formation [5]. Another study found Moringa to have hypolipidaemic effect and lower cholesterol [6].
Blood Pressure Support. When consumed appropriately, moringa also has beneficial effects on the blood pressure in humans. Moringa contains high amounts of Potassium, Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc – all important nutrients for blood pressure support [7].
Others. According to a study, moringa also exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties [8].

> A Microbiome Approach for Glucose and Cholesterol Control using Fermented Bitter Gourd and Moringa