The fruit has also shown positive results in treating leukemia, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breat cancer and squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) (7,8,9,10).
Ratna Ray, Ph.D., professor of pathology at SLU hopes to continue to investigate the use of bitter melon for cancer treatment (11). Who knows, perhaps in a few years cancer patients will be given juicers instead of chemotherapy.
How To Use Bitter Melon
Healthy adults should not exceed two ounces of bitter melon a day. Larger quantities will cause abdominal pain and diarrhea (12). Children under 18, pregnant women and people taking insulin or hypoglycemic medication should not use bitter melon unless under strict medical supervision (12).
Not-So-Bitter Melon Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 bitter melon*
- 3 apples
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 cucumber
- 1 lemon
*You can find bitter melon in most Asian or health food markets.
Instructions:
- Wash produce well.
- Cut the bitter melon in length-side to scoop out seeds and flesh.
- Decore apples.
- Chop ingredients, making sure to leave the peel intact.
- Add salt and honey to taste.
- Juice and enjoy!