9 Amazing Health Benefits of Bitter Mellon Eating

 What is bitter mellon

Bitter mellon is botanically known as momordica charantia which is also called bitter apple, bitter squash, bitter gourd and balsam-pear. 

It got its name from its bitter taste when it ripens. It originated from Africa and spread to other part of the continents such as Asian where it is popularly known as karela.

It is well described as herbs with tendril-bearing vine which can grow up to 5metres in length. The leaves are arranged alternatively along the vine. At maturity it bears warty and oblong fruits which comes in various shapes. Inside is a thin layer of flesh with well laid seed. The fruit is best eaten green, or as it is beginning to turn yellow. At this stage, the fruit's flesh is crunchy similar to cucumber, chayote or green bell pepper, but bitter.

The plant especially the leaves and fruits contain carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibers, multivitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and water. These parts especially the fruit are used in complimentary medicine in Africa and Asian to benefit people in some ailments. It is touted to contain a chemical constituent called momordicin which is alleged to be responsible for its activities. The fruit can be eaten as vegetable, pickle or prepared as juice. There are many folklore uses of the plant in Africa and Asian.

1 It is good for diabetes mellitus

Bitter gourd is reportedly used in Africa and Asian to treat high blood glucose levels in both type 1 and type II diabetes because of its tendency to increase the uptake of glucose and improves glycemic control. People on hypoglycaemic drugs should however inform their doctors before consuming the plant for this purpose.

2 It aids good digestion

Bitter gourd is full of fibre which is good to improve bowel movement. It relieves constipation and settles the stomach.

3 Improves cardiac health

Bitter gourd can keep your heart healthy because of its ability to reduce bad cholesterol. This is further supported by its contents like high fibre that unclog the arteries, potassium that absorbs excessive sodium in the body and vitamins like iron and folic acid which are known to decrease the risk of heart stroke.

4 It has ability to reduce weight

Bitter apple boost weight loss because it is low in calories and rich in fibre. These greatly improve the body metabolism. Also the antioxidants help to detoxify the body system leading to the reduction in fat.

5 It nourishes the skin and hair

The plant is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are good for the skin. It reduces ageing and fights acne and skin blemishes. Plant juice adds lustre to the hair and is used to treat dandruff, hair loss, and split-ends.

6 Use as liver cleanser

Bitter gourd is used liver as detoxifier. It boosts liver enzymes and is good to treat hangover as it reduces alcohol deposits on the liver. It also aids your bladder function.

7 It can prevent cancer

Karela has powerful anti-oxidants that boosts body immunity and thereby fight against allergies and infections. The anti-oxidant also works against cancer cells proliferation and stops tumour formation. Cancer could be significantly reduced by regularly consumed bitter gourd.

8 It helps in blood purification

Bitter melon contents help to control blood flow, blood clotting and blood circulation. This helps improve sleep quality and reduces sleep problems like insomnia.

9 It improves eyesight

Karela is rich in vitamin A and anti-oxidant thereby possessed ability to prevent eye problems. It even lightens dark circles because of its high content of vitamin C

NOTE
Avoid eating red seeds of bitter melon (especially by children) as it can lead to pain in the stomach and diarrhea
They should be consumed in moderation by Diabetics, as excessive consumption can drastically lower blood sugar levels in people who are already on medications for diabetes
Avoid eating karela (especially the seeds) in pregnancy as it can be harmful