Bitter melon what is it

Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste.

The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. And as with many not-so-good-tasting foods, bitter melon was touted for its medicinal properties long before it became an ingredient used for its flavor.

You can usually find this fruit at Asian markets all season long. But if you choose to grow it at home, you will want to harvest it at the end of summer or early in the fall, when temperatures are high and humidity peaks. Each oblong fruit grows to about 10 inches avoid buying any that are bigger than that.

You can tell the age of the fruit by the color of the skin. Normally, cooks work with firmer, unripened fruits. A few variations to keep in mind: Chinese bitter melons look most like a cucumber, albeit pockmarked. Indian bitter melon tends to showcase a darker hue, and the skin folds in ripples around the whole fruit.

With bitter melon, bigger is not better, just more bitter. Unless you get a small, young bitter melon recommended , avoid eating the thick, waxy skin. People have used bitter melon for a variety of medical conditions over time. Bitter melon contains many nutrients that can be beneficial to your health. Bitter melon is considered a complementary or alternative medicine.

This is because the bitter melon has properties that act like insulin, which helps bring glucose into the cells for energy. The consumption of bitter melon can help your cells use glucose and move it to your liver, muscles, and fat. The melon may also be able to help your body retain nutrients by blocking their conversion to glucose that ends up in your blood stream.

Several studies have examined bitter melon and diabetes. Most recommend conducting more research before using any form of the melon for diabetes management. Bitter melon may be eaten as part of a healthy and varied diet. Consuming bitter melon beyond your dinner plate may pose risks.

As a fruit that also has properties of a vegetable, bitter melon contains vitamins A and C as well as iron. It has been recognized by many cultures as having medicinal value. You may find bitter melon in its natural vegetable form, as a supplement, and even as a tea. Use bitter melon with caution beyond occasional use in your diet.

Bitter melon can cause side effects and interfere with other medications. Bitter melon consumed occasionally as a fruit or vegetable may be a healthy addition to your diet.