In particular, bitter melon soup with minced meat is considered by international nutritionists to be a simple dish but brings many clear metabolic benefits.
Bitter melon contains bioactive substances such as charantin, polypeptide-P and vicine, which have a mechanism of action similar to insulin. These compounds have the ability to reduce glucose absorption in the small intestine, while stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin more effectively.
Taking 200-300g of fresh bitter melon per day for 4-12 weeks significantly reduces fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes without causing excessive hypoglycemia.
Incorporating grated lean meat into soup not only helps increase flavor but also slows down the absorption of sugar from vegetables, thanks to the ability of protein to regulate the glycemic index (GI).
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), meals with adequate animal protein will help slow down starch metabolism and avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar after eating.
Protein from lean meat also helps maintain muscle mass and increase energy metabolism, especially necessary for people with diabetes in the weight control stage.
How to cook bitter melon soup with minced meat:
Ingredients for 2 people to eat:
2 fresh bitter melons (about 200g)
100g ground lean pork (or chicken breast)
Spices: pepper, sliced ginger, green onions, light fish sauce
1 liter of filtered water
How to cook:
Wash the bitter melon, fill in half, remove the intestines, slice thinly or leave the meat on the inside.
Mix the ground meat with a little pepper and chopped dried onions, which can be stuffed in bitter melon or cooked directly.
Boil water, add the meat and cook thoroughly, then add the bitter melon, cook for another 5-7 minutes.
Season to taste ( Limit the use of sweeteners and salt), sprinkle green onions and serve hot.
Do not stew it for too long, causing the bitter melon to turn bitter and lose vitamin C. Do not eat it on an empty stomach because it can easily irritate the stomach in sensitive people.
One study shows that the group of people who use bitter melon daily combined with a diet low in refined sugar have an average reduction in fasting blood sugar of 15% after only 4 weeks.
