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5 Health Benefits Of Bitter Melon In Jamaica

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Health Benefits Of Bitter Melon In Jamaica

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

The medicinal gifts that are present right here in Jamaica, never fail to amaze me. I have already shared many of our medicinal herbs and their benefits with you. By the way please check out this article, 101 Medicinal Herbs in Jamaica, for a list of them. Anyways, today I am sharing this gem with you, The Bitter Melon. Wellesley along with his friend Ms. Reid, shared this one with us, and as usual, I will be sharing the video below.

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Bitter melon which is also known as Momordica charantia, is quite rare in Jamaica, but it’s a close relative of our popular go-to bitter herb, Cerasee. It is also called bitter gourd, and looks somewhat like a bumpy, mini cucumber. When unripe, it is green and rough to the touch. As it ripens, it takes on a yellow hue and opens to reveal bright red seeds inside. Although the ripe fruit is often discarded due to its intense bitterness, the green, unripe form is the most used, especially for its medicinal qualities.

Uses of Bitter Melon

Though not well-known among locals, bitter melon has found a niche market in some communities in Jamaica, who value it for its health benefits. Miss Reed explained that she was introduced to the plant by a friend from Clarendon, and since then, she has grown it at her farm.

Some of her customers have shared their own methods for using bitter melon. Many of them slice the fruit and soak it in coconut water before drinking it to extract its medicinal properties. Others simply eat it raw, though the bitterness is intense. Miss Reed herself admits that while it is a tough fruit to consume, it is worth it for the health benefits.

Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

Bitter melon has immense health benefits, especially for those with chronic health conditions. Here are some of its primary benefits:

1. Manages Diabetes
Bitter melon contains polypeptide-P, a unique compound that mimics insulin by regulating blood sugar levels. This makes it particularly effective for people managing diabetes.

2. Improves Blood Circulation
Miss Reed shared that many of her customers use bitter melon to enhance blood flow and support cardiovascular health. Proper circulation can help reduce the risk of heart-related issues.

3. Boosts Immunity
Bitter melon is rich in vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, all of which contribute to immune function, making it helpful for warding off infections and maintaining overall wellness.

4. Promotes Detoxification and Digestion
Bitter melon is often used as a natural detox to cleanse the bloodstream and improve digestion. It is also believed to aid in managing symptoms related to liver issues and digestive disorders.

5. Potential Cancer- Fighting Properties
Some studies suggest that bitter melon contains properties that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. While more research is needed, this has raised interest among those seeking natural cancer treatments.

A Tough Taste, But Worth It

Consuming bitter melon isn’t for the faint of heart. Both Miss Reed and Wellesley agree that the fruit’s bitterness is overwhelming—"terribly bitter," in their words. The green fruit is already quite bitter, but the ripe fruit is even more intense. However, they both also agree that the potential health benefits make it worth enduring the taste.

While many locals are still unfamiliar with bitter melon, Miss Reed sees a growing interest among foreigners and health-conscious Jamaicans. Bitter melon may not be the easiest fruit to eat, but it holds powerful medicinal benefits that make it worth trying. Whether you choose to eat it raw, soak it in coconut water, or cook it in soups, this fruit is a natural remedy that can support better health.

That's enough from me for now, but remember to watch the full video below, as there is so much more you will learn; also, our ebook, 101 Amazing Wellness Secrets From Jamaica is the ultimate guide on popular Jamaican herbs and their amazing benefits.

References & Sources For 5 Health Benefits Of Bitter Melon In Jamaica

What Herbs Are Used In Jamaica To Cleanse The Blood? (n.d.). My-Island-Jamaica.com. https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/what_herbs_are_used_in_jamaica_to_cleanse_the_blood.html

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A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.

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