The current best-selling book "Sugar Busters" warns that the sugar laden American diet is leading us down the road to obesity and disease. It's no secret that a diet rich in overly processed, refined carbohydrates and junk food can lead to insulin resistance and Type II diabetes. Insulin is the hormone that breaks sugar down into a form that can be used by the body's cells. Unlike Type I diabetes, which is caused by a lack of insulin, in Type II diabetes, the body produces plenty of insulin, but the cells have grown resistant to it. Type II diabetes is a virtual epidemic in the United States. If untreated, diabetes can lead to serious problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and blindness. The good news is that herbs such as bitter melon can help control the problem.

For centuries, Ayurvedic physicians have used bitter melon, often along with other herbs, to treat Type II diabetes. Several studies show it can normalize blood sugar levels in Type II diabetics, which has led researchers to suspect that it may work either stimulating the release of insulin, or have an insulin like effect on its own. Anyone who has diabetes should be treated by a knowledgeable physician or natural healer. A combination of the right diet, supplements, and exercise can control, and even reverse, diabetes in many cases.

It's interesting to note that, in Ayurvedic medicine, one herb often has numerous uses and bitter melon is no exception to this rule. Recently, bitter melon has been shown to stop the growth of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) in test tube studies. It appears to stimulate the production of disease-fighting immune cells. Many AIDS patients are already incorporating bitter melon into their treatment regimens under the supervision of nutritionally oriented physicians. Animal studies have shown bitter melon to be effective in controlling cancerous tumors, but whether it works as well in humans remains to be seen.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS
Helps to control blood sugar, contain hypoglycemic or insulin like principle in lowering the blood and urine sugar level.
Enhances immune system, maybe useful against HIV, it increases body resistance against infection.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vit. A, B, B2, C and Iron. With regular use, prevents many complications such as hypertension, diabetes, constipation, high cholesterol, kidney and liver problems, tumors and defective metabolism of carbohydrates.

HOW TO USE IT
Drink 3 times a day. One tea bag can refill up to 6 cups.

PERSONAL ADVICE
A continuous 3 months use can reduce to 25% or more of your sugar level.

NOTE: Bitter melon should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

Healthy Lifestyles
Ampalaya Tea
For a healthy body. Traditionally used as folkloric food supplement for people with diabetes.

Ingredients: 100% Momordica charantia l. leaves

Directions: Simply pour a cup of hot water over a tea bag of Healthy Lifestyles and steep for about 5 minutes. Drink 3 times a day. One tea bag can be refilled up to six cups.

Storage Condition: Keep in cool dry place.

Net Weight: 50 gms 
( 25 Tea Bags x 2 gms )