Native
to South Asia and South America, bitter melon, also known as Goya, Bitter
Gourd, Karela, or Balsam Pear, thrives in hot and damp climates. Although
extremely bitter in taste, this plant has amazing health benefits.
According
to Dr. Frank Shallenberger M.D., who specializes in Anti-Aging Treatment and
Alternative Medicine at The Nevada Center of Alternative & Anti-Aging
Medicine, this fruit can prevent cancer development because it kills cancer
cells, thus inhibiting their growth.
The
results of a study carried out by Dr. Shallenberger showed that bitter melon
juice diluted to 5% in water can effectively fight pancreatic cancer. In fact,
this fruit killed cancer cell lines by a rate of 90% and 98%. The anticancer
properties of bitter melon in relation to pancreatic cancer specifically were
further confirmed by an additional study conducted by the University of
Colorado. As the results of the study revealed, bitter melon reduced the size
of the pancreatic tumors by 64%.
The
health benefits of bitter melon are not limited to cancer only. This fruit has
also been proved beneficial for treatment of asthma, skin infections, stomach
problems, hypertension, and diabetes. In fact, bitter melon has long been used
as part of natural medicine in China, India, Africa, and South America.
NUTRITIONAL
VALUE
With
only 17 calories per 100g, bitter melon has quite low calorific value. However,
its pods are rich sources of phytonutrients like dietary fiber, minerals,
vitamins and anti-oxidants. To be more specific, bitter melon is abundant in
vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folate, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese.
Plus, it contains high amounts of iron, twice the beta-carotene of broccoli,
twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana. However,
there’s one downside to this fruit and it’s the extremely bitter taste it has,
which puts many people off from consuming it, even though it has plenty to
offer in terms of health benefits.
HEALTH
BENEFITS
1# Type2 Diabetes
Bitter
melon packs high amounts of the phyto-nutrient polypeptide-P, which is a plant
insulin beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels. Plus, bitter melon has
charantin, a unique phyto-constituent that also produces a hypoglycemic effect
in the body. What this phytonutrient does is raise glucose metabolism and
glycogen synthesis inside the cells of liver, muscle and adipose tissue, thus
reducing blood sugar levels and supporting the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
2# Eye Health
Bitter
melon is extremely beneficial for eye health owing to its high beta-carotene
content, which effectively treats eye problems and improves eyesight.
3# Liver Detox
Bitter
melon juice is a highly recommended for a complete liver detox. It’s
particularly beneficial after alcohol consumption because it cleanses,
nourishes and repairs the liver more effectively than any other natural recipe.
Bitter melon speeds up the body’s metabolism of alcohol, thus relieving
hangovers.
4# Energy Boost
Apart
from increasing energy levels, regular consumption of bitter melon juice can
also significantly improve sleep quality.
5# Immune booster
Owing
to the high content of antioxidants, bitter melon juice can considerably
improve immune system function thus increasing the body’s immune response to
infection.
6# Psoriasis
Psoriasis
as well as fungal infection, such as ring-worm and athletes feet, can also be
treated with regular consumption of this bitter juice.
7# Digestion
Full
of dietary fiber, bitter melon promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel
movements.
HOW
TO CONSUME BITTER MELON
Bitter
melon is best consumed firm and green because the riper it gets, the more
bitter its taste. Therefore, you’d better stay away from the bitter melon
that’s started to turn orange or has soft spots.
It
can easily be added to stir-fries or stuffed with tomato, onions, green
chilies, garlic and curry leaves.
Alternatively,
you can use dried and ground bitter melon when preparing iced or milk tea.
Add
bitter melon to pickles.
All
in all, this fruit is worth including in your diet because its nutritional
value and health benefits far outweigh its pungent taste.
Source
: healthyfoodteam.com