Bitter Melon Benefits

I love learning about new vegetables or plants, especially ones with wonderful benefits. Not new to the world, but new to me, bitter melon is one of these that I just heard about and am therefore shouting it’s benefits from the rooftops! (or at least my blog and IG)

What is Bitter Melon?

Bitter melon is a vegetable that originated in India and was later introduced to China. Records have it first being introduced to China in the 14th century so it’s definitely been around. It is very well known in Chinese culture and foods and can be easily found in a Chinese supermarket. My mom (who is always on the forefront of all holistic health trends) ordered bitter melon in powder form and started taking it a few months ago. I linked some powder options for you here. Then this past weekend we were in Chinese supermarkets looking for noodles and saw it fresh!

Bitter melon looks a little like a prickly cucumber and is very easy to identify. If you are buying it fresh, you can eat it raw, baked, fried or sautéed but make sure you TAKE OUT THE SEEDS. The seeds inside the bitter melon are harmful and can cause toxicity to red blood cells. It is quite easy to scoop out the center, you can do this using a spoon or fork. Like the name suggests, the vegetable (or fruit if you will since it has seeds) is quite bitter. I could only consume it chopped into small pieces and then sautéed in a sauce but the benefits make it worth eating!

Benefits of Bitter Melon

So what are the benefits you’re probably asking?! Let’s start that it is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Bitter melon is especially high in vitamin c, vitamin a and folate (among others). One of the most well known ailments that it is probably known for is reducing blood sugar levels. It is also said to reduce bad cholesterol and could have cancer fighting properties.

Another benefit is that it is high in fiber but very low in calories. This makes it great for maintaining a healthy diet and can aid in weight loss if that is your goal.

Bitter melon does have amazing properties but is suggested to be eaten or taken in moderation and as with any changes/additions to a diet, please consult with your doctor first as there as risks involved.

For more information about bitter melon and to see the sources that I used, please see below.

Healthline
MSKCC