Bitter Melon
Bitter Melon is a type of fruit that's found in many Asian stores, and just as the name suggests, it tastes quite bitter. The scientific name of Bitter Melon is Momordica Charantia; other common names for it are balsam pear, carilla cundeamor, and bitter cucumber. Momordica Charantia is an annual plant that's cultivated in Africa, Asia, India, and South America. It is a tall-growing plant that has yellow flowers; lobed leaves, which are edible but quite bitter to taste; and a yellow-orange tropical fruit. When unripe, the fruit is green in color, shaped like a cucumber, and the texture is very bumpy all over. Almost all parts of this plant can be used for numerous applications including the seed, leaves, roots, and seed oil.
Bitter Melon is widely associated with numerous health benefits in Ayurveda. It is perhaps best known for its role in helping maintain normal blood sugar levels and glucose metabolism. In addition, the pungent herb is used to help maintain kidney heath by supporting proper acid levels in the body. Another beneficial aspect of bitter melon is its skin benefits. Bitter melon is known and widely used as a blood and skin purifying agent, and is often used to cleanse the body - which also aids in skin health.