  |
Bitter Melon Can Help Improve Your Health |
|
Bitter Melon
|
Darrell Miller | 05/22/09 |
Date:
May 22, 2009 11:44 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
(dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Bitter Melon
Bitter melon, which is also referred to as bitter gourd, is the fruit of the Momordica charantia plant. This plant is a climbing vine that originated in Asia, Africa, and Australia. Now, it is grown in warm climates all over the world. The fruit is one of the bitterest fruits of all plant foods. The oblong shaped bitter melon has warty appearance, making it quite easy to distinguish. The bitter melon fruit is hollow in cross-section with a thin layer of flesh that surrounds the central seed cavity. This cavity is filled with large flat seeds and pith which appear white in unripe fruits and red in those that are ripe.
The seeds and pith are not intensely bitter and can be removed before cooking. The pith will become sweet when the fruit is fully ripe. The pith can be eaten uncooked in this state, but the flesh is far too tough to be eaten anymore. The flesh of this fruit is crunchy and watery in texture, similar to that of cucumber, chayote, or a green bell pepper. The skin is tender and edible. Most often, the fruit is often eaten green, but it can be eaten when it has started to ripen and turn yellowish. However, it grows more bitter as it ripens.
Bitter melon has a history of being used in fold medicine all over the world. It is though to be natural insulin in Ayurvedic tradition, making it highly recommended for the treatment of diabetes. Bitter melon is also one of the main components of the Okinawa diet. These people have the highest percentage of centenarians in the world, the longest healthy life expectancy, and a very low incidence of heart disease. This fruit has often been used for the treatment of tumors, asthma, skin infections, gastrointestinal ailments, and high blood pressure. Bitter melon has been a traditional remedy in Africa, China, India, and the southeastern portion of the United States.
Currently, bitter melon is being researched as a remedy for diabetes, AIDS, and some kinds of cancer. It can be used to help regulate blood sugar by reducing blood glucose and improving glucose tolerance. However, no studies have established a safe and effective dose. The plant’s roots and leaf extracts have shown antibiotic properties. Some studies suggest the possibility that an element in bitter melon may prevent the HIV virus from infecting human cells. Laboratory research shows that one component of the plant may even help to inhibit the growth of some cancers. In some studies, those people who take bitter melon developed headaches. It should be noted that expectant mothers should not use bitter melon.
The fruit, leaves, seeds, and seed oil of the bitter melon fruit are used to provide abortifacient, antifertility, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemia properties. The primary nutrients found in this fruit are ascorbic acid, glycosides, iron, niacin, riboflavin, sodium, and thiamine. Primarily, the bitter melon fruit is extremely beneficial in treating asthma, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, skin infections, and tumors.
Bitter melon is available in capsule or tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. For more information on the beneficial effects provided by the bitter melon fruit, please contact a representative from your local health food store. *Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Bitter melon and magnesium is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
