Another Guide to Stay Healthy... (Health Benefits of Gourd/Bitter Melon)
By gnhuckie88
@gnhuckie88 (52)
Philippines
February 16, 2007 7:31pm CST
On a more personal note, I would like to mention that I have witnessed first hand the power of bitter melon to cure late (age) onset diabetes - all it took was a small glass of fresh bitter melon juice/gourd every morning on an empty stomach for a few months! Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family, and a relative of squash, watermelon, muskmelon, and cucumber.
Common Names:
English: bitter melon/gourd
Filipino: Ampalaya
Chinese: ku gua, foo gwa
Hindi: Karela
Thai: Mara
Malay: Peria Katak
Health benefits: As a nutrient source, bitter melons are rich in iron. As for its medicinal value, at least three different constituents in bitter melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefits in diabetes mellitus. Two bitter melon proteins have been shown to inhibit the AIDS virus and an as yet unidentified constituent in bittermelon may benefit people with psoriasis. It has been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as one of the best herbal medicines for it's ability to help with LIVER problems. It is also an excellent natural remedy for the common cold, works in only 3-5 days. A component in the seeds has recently been found to have immunosuppressive properties and may be beneficial to people with autoimmune diseases.
So eat up! Don't be disgusted with the taste of Gourd...
(Tip: If you want to like the taste of it just season a small amount of soy sauce in it to lessen the bitterness)...
1 response
@cjkicks (156)
• United States
20 Feb 07
I find remedies like this one so under rated. There are many things that the benefits could provide that some people never hear about. Modern medicine has made great strides, but some of the natural rememdies are being ignored or unheard of. Thanks for the info. Now where could I find some in California. I will check.