Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes gourds, melons, cucumbers and squash. Also known as bitter gourd, balsam pear, balsam apple and karela, it resembles a small cucumber with bumpy skin. Bitter melon grows in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean, and can be cultivated as an annual in other climate zones. It has traditionally been used as a food and medicine for a wide variety of conditions in Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, China, India and other areas of the world to treat infections, dysentery, malaria, menstrual disorders, fevers, intestinal worms and parasites and a host of other conditions.

Properties and Therapeutic Uses of Bitter Melon

Antibacterial and antiviral activity- Bitter melon contains numerous biochemical compounds that have antibacterial and antiviral activity. Extracts of bitter melon leaf have been shown to be effective against many types of bacteria including E. coli, Staph, Strep and Salmonella, as well as Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Bitter melon also has anti-viral activity against HIV, herpes and Epstein-Barr viruses, and increases resistance of animals and humans to viral infections.

Anti-cancer activity- Clinical studies have shown that bitter melon has anti-cancer activity. Water extracts of the whole plant inhibit growth of prostate and mammary tumors in animals, and in vitro studies showed anti-cancer activity against several melanoma, sarcoma, leukemia and liver cancer cell lines.

Blood sugar regulating activity- Biochemical constituents in bitter melon lower blood sugar levels, increase glucose uptake by cells and improve the release and activity of insulin. The blood sugar regulating chemicals are found in the highest concentration in the fruit.

Other health benefits- Bitter melon has also been shown to decrease blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and it detoxifies, cleanses the blood, enhances the immune system and reduces inflammation.

Bitter melon can be eaten raw or cooked, juiced, or taken as a tea or decoction. It is also available in capsules and tinctures.

Contraindications and Cautions

Bitter melon should be avoided by those who are pregnant or nursing, hypoglycemic or taking medication to lower blood sugar. It reduces fertility, so is contraindicated if being treated for infertility or trying to conceive. Due to its antibacterial properties, bitter melon should not be taken long-term without breaks, because it will deplete the beneficial bacteria of the digestive tract and can result in overgrowth of yeast. Taking probiotics and going off the bitter melon for one week out of every month is recommended.

This information is for educational purposes only. If you have a serious health concern, see your health care provider.

Source:
http://www.rain-tree.com/bitmelon.htm