Did you know that bitter melon or Goya was used in Asia for centuries? It is an extremely bitter, but very helpful food. This cucumber-alike fruit thrives in hot and humid climates, so it can be found in South America and Asia.
Dr. Frank Shallenberger M.D., who specializes in Anti-Aging Treatment and Alternative Medicine at The Nevada Center of Alternative & Anti-Aging Medicine, found out that this fruit can be used to fight pancreatic cancer. He also found out that when this fruit is diluted to 5% in water can be used in a fight against cancer and that it is able to make a damage to cancer cell lines by 90% and 98%. Later on, the University of Colorado tested Goya’s effect and found that it can reduce the size of pancreatic tumors by 64%.
These researchers showed only one of the many health benefits of this fruit. This fruit can also be used as a remedy for skin infections, stomach problems, diabetes symptoms and asthma. All of this because bitter melons are low in calories and full of healthy ingredients such as vitamins B1, B2 and B3, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and folate. It also contains iron, potassium, and calcium. The only bad thing about this fruit is the fact that it has a bitter taste, so people don’t like to consume it.
Health Benefits of Bitter Melon
Eye Problems
Since it contains beta-carotene and other great ingredients, this fruit one of the best when it comes to alleviating eye problems.
Immunity Booster
Bitter melon can build your immunity and increase the resistance of your body against infections.
Hangovers
It can cleanse and repair liver and eliminate problems that occur during alcohol consumption.
Energy
If you eat bitter lemon regularly, you will increase energy levels and improve your stamina.
Type-2 Diabetes
Since bitter melon contains polypeptide-P a phytonutrient, plant insulin that is known to lower blood sugar levels. It also contains phytoconstituent that has a hypoglycemic effect called charantin. This effect increases glucose and uptake glycogen synthesis in the cells of the liver. All of this means that bitter melon can help in a treatment of type-2 diabetes.
Psoriasis
This fruit can improve psoriasis condition and conditions such as athletes feet and ringworm condition.
How to Use Bitter Melon
This fruit is better when it is green and when it starts turning orange or it has soft spots, you might need to avoid it (it has better taste when it is green, and then it is less bitter).
Clean bitter melon under the cold running water and brush it with a soft vegetable brush.
People in India use it in either stir-fry or stuffed with garam-masala, tomato, onions, green chilies, garlic and curry leaves.
Goya chanpuru, Okinawantir-fry with bitter melon, onion, tofu, pork, and eggs, is a special dish island inhabitants.
Known as ampalaya in the Philippines, bitter melon is used for meals like Pinakbet Ilocano, prepared with shrimp paste and mixed with vegetables like eggplant and okra.
People in East Asian regions use dried and ground bitter ground from the preparation of milk or iced tea. It can also be used in the pickle preparation.
