(NaturalHealth365)  Have you noticed a cylindrical-shaped, bumpy green fruit at your local supermarket’s produce section?  Chances are you spotted bitter melon, also known as Momordica charantia.

Bitter melon might look off-putting to some, yet it packs a powerful punch against cancer.  A new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlights bitter melon’s ability to prevent cancer, including the increasingly common breast cancer and several gynecological cancer types.

The mystery plant that fights half a dozen cancers commonly found in women

Bitter melon, considered a vine, is named as such as it has a sour taste and a course exterior.  Sometimes referred to as balsam pear, this plant is a part of the pumpkin family, hailing from Asia, South America, and Africa.

Overlook the plant’s unattractive exterior and consider incorporating it into your next meal to reap a myriad of benefits, notably an infusion of cancer-fighting antioxidants.  Bitter melon, despite its bitter taste, boasts anti-inflammatory properties that actively contribute to the fight against six cancers frequently affecting women.

A thorough examination of bitter melon’s health advantages reveals its defensive prowess against various cancer types, including cervical, ovarian, vaginal, breast, vulvar, and uterine cancers.  Academic experts from the University of the Aegean and the University of Athens detailed these findings, highlighting how bitter melon hinders the multiplication of cancer cells and inhibits apoptosis, the process of cellular death within malignant cells.

The research team also delved into bitter melon’s synergistic relationship with chemotherapy for enhanced cancer treatment.  Whether used in conjunction with chemoradiotherapy or independently, the plant appears to play a role in both preventing and treating the aforementioned cancers.

Furthermore, the researchers highlighted the plant’s potential in preventing and treating additional cancer types, including, but not limited to, pancreatic, renal, prostate, blood, skin, oral, brain, lung, colon, and liver cancers.

But wait, there is more! Bitter melon may be a natural ally in blood sugar regulation

Bitter melon goes beyond just inhibiting and fighting cancer.  It also helps alleviate elevated blood sugar levels by being rich in phytochemicals that actively assist in the diabetes battle.  This unique plant enhances glucose tolerance by increasing cells’ glucose uptake, and it additionally stimulates the secretion of insulin.

Mix bitter melon with other fruits like cantaloupe and watermelon to create a nutritious breakfast.  For a refreshing twist, add it to smoothies or juice it.  It also brings a unique flavor to salads.

If you’re not a fan of sliced melon, get creative in the kitchen.  Use bitter melon in curry sauces or dressings.  There are many ways to make this unique plant a tasty addition to your meals, catering to different preferences and culinary styles.

Sources for this article include:

MDPI.com
Preventcancer.news