Description
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or Momordica charantia, is a tropical vine that belongs to the gourd family and is closely related to zucchini, squash, pumpkin, and cucumber.
It’s cultivated around the world for its edible fruit, which is considered a staple in many types of Asian cuisine.
The Chinese variety is typically long, pale green, and covered with wart-like bumps.
The Indian variety is more narrow and has pointed ends with rough, jagged spikes on the rind.
Many report these Benefits
Bitter Melon Can Help Reduce Blood Sugar. Bitter melon has been shown to improve several markers of long-term blood sugar control, including levels of fructosamine and hemoglobin A1c. Still, more high-quality research is needed.
May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties. Test-tube studies show that bitter melon may have cancer-fighting properties and could be effective against stomach, colon, lung, nasopharynx, and breast cancer cells.
Could Decrease Cholesterol Levels. Animal studies show that bitter melon extract may decrease cholesterol levels, which could help support heart health. Nonetheless, human research to confirm these effects is lacking.
*FAVE BITTER MELON = SOLD IN CANADA