Bitter Melon
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) aka: bitter gourd, balsam-pear, ampalaya, goya, karela, is a round green vegetable with white flesh and large seeds in the center.
Health benefits of Bitter Melon
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Bitter Melon
Look for bitter melons with a vibrant color and firm flesh. Avoid any melons which look wilted or have discolorations.
Climate and origin
Bitter melons grow in a tropical to sub-tropical climate. Particularly India, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Taste
Bitter melon has a light crunchy texture and a bitter taste.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 17 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.17g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat --g | --% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 5mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 3.7g | 1% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 2.8g | 10% | ||
| Total Sugars --g | --% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1g | 2% | ||
| Vitamin C 84mg | 93% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.43mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 19mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 296mg | 6% | ||
| Phosphorus 31mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||