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.