Growing up, many kids become stubborn and resist their parents' reminders telling them that they should eat their vegetables in order for them to be strong and healthy. 

For Filipino kids, one of the hardest to eat would be the ampalaya or bitter melon.

Ampalaya or Momordica charantia is a vegetable that is unique because of its shape and bitter taste, making a lot of kids and even adults develop a strong dislike for it. 

Unlike its cousins, the pumpkin and watermelon, ampalaya is cultivated from the sticks that it grows on so that it hangs down and does not lie on the ground.

Though it is indeed very bitter, Filipinos and other Asian countries have developed a liking for it over time and created many healthy dishes with it.

Caraili, as it is called in some countries, is a powerful nutrient-dense plant composed of a complex array of beneficial compounds. These include bioactive chemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which all contribute to its remarkable versatility in treating a wide range of illnesses.

Some of the scientifically-proven benefits of bitter gourd are that it helps beautify skin and hair because it is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and C. It also benefits the liver as it helps in flushing out all the toxins from the liver and helps in curing numerous problems of the organ. 

It also manages blood sugar levels because of the presence of an insulin-like compound called polypeptide-p, which helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels and controls diabetes.

Based on the multitude of medical conditions that Ampalaya can treat, scientists are more and more interested in studying its bioactive compounds and its impact on the body.

Share This Post