Bitter Melon

michele37 · April 2010

I read somewhere that bitter melon stops cancer cells from growing. Does anyone know about this? Where do you buy it?

sling99 · April 2010

You can buy it in Asian grocery stores.

wallycat · April 2010

There was a recent article that said "it MAY" help...but no real studies have been done.

It also is purported to lower blood sugar. Metformin (lowers blood sugar) has also been purported to reduce risk of breast cancer...so maybe high blood sugars affect inflammation, which can cause cancer. Who knows.

I buy mine from Swanson vitamins.

thenewme · April 2010

Bitter melon: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69138.cfm

Anonymous · April 2010

Just fyi...

Reported Health and Nutrient Benefits
Bitter Melons are rich in iron. They have twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contain Vitamins A, C, B1 to B3, Phosphorus and good dietary fiber.

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 benefit in treating diabetes mellitus. In traditional Chinese medicine, Bitter melon is used as an appetite stimulant and as a treatment for gastrointestinal infection and against breast cancer. Bitter Melon may prove to be a very effective herbal remedy against diabetes! It has been proven to increase the number of beta cells (those which produce insulin) in the pancreas. Bitter Melon seems to be supportive in HIV treatment, several proteins (such as alpha - and beta momocharin) have HIV inhibitory effects in vitro. However, they are not cytotoxic.

http://bittermelon.org/heal/nutritionalqualities

I recently "heard" that a fresh market (Caputtos) in my area sells organic bitter melon. I want to buy some and add them to my "juices". Any good recipes?

Also, my holistic dentist recommends bitter melon - but his advice was to avoid consuming the seeds in it. (?)

dlb823 · April 2010

Not having the foggiest idea of what a bitter melon looked or tasted like, I just pulled this up and thought I'd share it here for anyone else who might be wondering:

http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/features/bitterm.html

wallycat · April 2010

I can find these at my Asian grocer. I have tried the actual vegetable and YIKES.

They don't call it BITTER melon for nothing!! It is truly an acquired taste....and I can't acquire

it. I get the supplement. I wish I liked the actual food, but my taste buds just can't do it---and I love things like kale.

sling99 · April 2010

It is an acquired taste. Authentic chinese restaurants will likely offer it on their menu. It is often sliced and prepared in black bean sauce or stuffed with pork and shrimp. You might want to try it from a restaurant to see how they prepare it. It is often paired with other strong flavours to counteract the bitterness. If preparing at home, slice lengthwise and scoop out the spongy middle that has the seeds with a spoon and discard. Slice into pieces and stir fry. Alternatively, cut the vegetable crosswise into 2 inch pieces; remove the spongy core, and stuff the middle. Cook until the vegetable softens and the stuff in the middle is cooked.

wallycat · May 2010

Hi! The Asian market is more like wauwatosa/milwaukee....70th and off of appleton/capitol drive.

There's also an Indian market on North avenue, a block or so off of hwy 100 (mayfair road).

They periodically carry it.

So nice to hear you foster kitties. We took in a litter of 5 and kept them all...my neighbor was moving and took 3 (God I miss them!!) and another stray came into our lives. We are at 3 for a final tally.

Yes, if anyone can find a palatable way to eat this, I would love to hear it; till then, I order the supplements.

lovujja · March 2013

Hi,

I ate Bitter Melon and Okara during my chemo and it helped to maintain my liver function; My NP used to surprise how well i did. I was diagnosed with locally advanced ER + BC in 2011. After i finished my active treatment I bought about 3 lbs small and darker Bitter melon in last summer and made a poweder. I take it about 1/4 SF everynight after dinner with 1 cup water. My BS has been under 98 consistently. Instead of participating Mayo clinis's Metformin trial i chose to use it in a regular basis. I am hoping it will be beneficial for me in long term. If you use pill that's wonderful but if you want to use fresh and make a tea use small and darker one (in Hindi it call Karela).

satisfaction1 · March 2013

Thank you I am in chemo right now I have heard a lot about bitter melon, i am going to start eating it.

cheery · March 2013

Try the Japanese version, Goya. It's not as bitter as the regular bitter melon. Slicing it thinner can also mask the bitterness. You can google for a pic of it.

Goya is a popular dish in Okinawa, the Japanese island known for its residents' longevity. The Okinawans stir-fry Goya with egg and spam.

GCE · March 2013

In the Philippines, it's called ampalaya. You can buy ampalaya tea from Asian groceries. A lot of diabetics drink it to lower blood sugar.

GCE · March 2013

I just read this.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/17/bitter-melon-pancreatic-cancer_n_2869131.html?ref=topbar

Heidihill · March 2013

Thanks for the link! I wonder if it will work for weight loss like metformin? It seems to work on the same pathway. I like it stir-fried with eggs and onions.

Bitter Melon

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