Yes, it is, although it can be more commonly found in South East Asia and India, and is more likely to be known under the name of bitter gourd. Another name for bitter melon is balsam pear, and its scientific name of Momordica Charantia.
• Nutritional benefits of bitter melon
As the name suggests, bitter melon is in fact very bitter but it has many nutritional benefits. It is an invaluable source of foliate, riboflavin and thiamine, and it also contains manganese, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. As well as these essential minerals, bitter melon also contains vitamins C, B1, B2 and B3; and iron, calcium and beta-carotene, and is used as a treatment for many disorders as follows:
• Diabetes
Bitter melon is sometimes used as a natural treatment of some cases of diabetes (but this should only be undertaken after consulting with a doctor and being given the go-ahead). The juice contains a substance called polypeptide, which has similar properties to insulin and so can be useful for bringing down high levels of blood sugar.
• Alcoholism
It is also thought that the juice from ground bitter melon leaves is useful for helping the liver to successfully get rid of toxins that are alcohol induced.
• Fatigue
This juice is also used to increase stamina and can combat chronic fatigue so that people will have more energy and so feel healthier if it is drunk on a regular basis.
• Piles
It isn't always necessary to ingest the juice of bitter melon to benefit from its healing properties. If the juice is mixed into a paste with milk it can be used as an effective relief from piles (hemorrhoids).
• Hypertension
Bitter melon is also thought to be a useful tool against hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, though again, it must be stressed that if you suffer from any medical condition, you should check with your doctor before taking bitter melon.
• Nutritional benefits of bitter melon
As the name suggests, bitter melon is in fact very bitter but it has many nutritional benefits. It is an invaluable source of foliate, riboflavin and thiamine, and it also contains manganese, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. As well as these essential minerals, bitter melon also contains vitamins C, B1, B2 and B3; and iron, calcium and beta-carotene, and is used as a treatment for many disorders as follows:
• Diabetes
Bitter melon is sometimes used as a natural treatment of some cases of diabetes (but this should only be undertaken after consulting with a doctor and being given the go-ahead). The juice contains a substance called polypeptide, which has similar properties to insulin and so can be useful for bringing down high levels of blood sugar.
• Alcoholism
It is also thought that the juice from ground bitter melon leaves is useful for helping the liver to successfully get rid of toxins that are alcohol induced.
• Fatigue
This juice is also used to increase stamina and can combat chronic fatigue so that people will have more energy and so feel healthier if it is drunk on a regular basis.
• Piles
It isn't always necessary to ingest the juice of bitter melon to benefit from its healing properties. If the juice is mixed into a paste with milk it can be used as an effective relief from piles (hemorrhoids).
• Hypertension
Bitter melon is also thought to be a useful tool against hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, though again, it must be stressed that if you suffer from any medical condition, you should check with your doctor before taking bitter melon.