Supplement Reviews

Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon Extract)

This is yet another “insulin mimicking/blood sugar regulating” compound that has good research behind it. It is actually a common vegetable that has a bitter taste (hence the name bitter melon). It lowers glucose concentration, improves glucose tolerance, and promotes glucose disposal into muscle tissue. What’s interesting is that even after discontinuing this nutrient for a few weeks (after taking it for 30 days), its effects can still be seen. According to some research, it works by improving insulin secretion by the beta cells of the pancreas or by possibly improving the action of insulin itself (7). This nutrient is especially useful to people who have late night cravings or have blood sugar imbalances. In fact, this nutrient has been extensively studied in diabetics. A good dose is 100 mg taken 1-3 times daily with meals (using a 4:1 standardized extract).

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