Due to its anti-biotic, antiviral, antioxidant, antiparasitic and Immunomodulatory properties, it is nutritionally beneficial for a wide range of conditions from colds to cancer and AIDs.
One of the more common uses worldwide is the management of blood sugar levels.
At least three different groups of constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have benefits in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids.
Karela contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be similar to bovine insulin, which has been shown in experimental studies to achieve a positive sugar regulating effect by suppressing the neural response to sweet taste stimuli.
Bitter melon is rich in iron and has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber.
At least 32 active constituents have been identified in bitter melon so far, including beta-sitosterol-d-glucoside, citrulline, GABA, lutein, Lycopene and zeaxanthin. Nutritional analysis reveals that bitter melon is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.
