The effect of bitter melon leaves lowering blood sugar level among diabetics is evident regardless of how it is prepared - boiled then eaten, in form of tea, capsule or tablet. But diabetics should be cautioned about replacing their proprietary medicines with bitter melon teas, capsules or tablets. So far, studies were done only on a very limited number of human subjects so bitter melon and diabetes cannot be labeled conclusive.

In fact, no large clinical trial has yet been published on preparation of Momordica charantia (bitter melon). The manufacturers of bitter melon teas, capsules and tablets themselves are not claiming healing benefits for their products. They market them only as supplements.

Are they really good substitutes fot anti-diabetic drugs that are available in market?

Bitter melon should be considered an addition in treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It could probably reduce patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. It should not however, be regarded as a stand-alone medicine.

Also, diabetics who want to try bitter melon need not to spend money on teas, tablets or capsules. They can cultivate or buy plant from market and prepare it themselves.

To prepare bitter melon extract, following steps should be followed:

1. Wash and finely chop leaves.
2. Add 6 tablespoons of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water.
3. Boil it for 15 min. in an uncovered pot.
4. Cool down and strain.
5. Drink 1/3 cup of it 3x a day.

Of course, idea is to figure out ways to increase caloric output and decrease caloric input. So a combination of more than normal exercise coupled with below-maintenance calorie intake insures weight loss. Since goal is to maximize calorie use (while decreasing calorie intake), what is most efficient exercise?

Experts agree that although aerobic exercise is good for you, it is not most efficient calorie-burning activity. Muscles burn most calories of any body system. Therefore, working as many muscles as possible during a workout is most efficient way to more rapid weight loss. Weight training, martial arts, or yoga are obvious choices here. But whatever choice is, it has to be enjoyable and has to produce results, making it much easier to remain on program.

Nutritional Support The following are latest products designed to help body use calories (increase metabolism), and to use stored fat.

Herbal Accelerator and LypoZyme: These enzyme/herbal formulas target body's fat utilization strategies. The enzyme lipase is what body uses to digest fat in liver, and is main ingredient in these formulas.

Carnitine: It is "forklift" that carries fat to mitochondria in cells to be burned. It is an energy facilitating ingredient. In a recent study, Carnitine caused an 11-fold increase in weight loss over a 12-week period. Carnitine also raises HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers triglycerides (precursors to artery blockages)

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): Helps block fat cells from filling up, and increases muscle metabolism creating leaner muscles.

Grapefruit: Actively inhibits enzymes in intestinal tract responsible for converting carbohydrates to fat. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C, potassium and folic acid as well.

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