What Are the Health Benefits of Bitter Melon?

There are more than 32 active chemicals, which are found in this fruit. The sour flavor of this fruit is basically a kind of compound called as alkaloid momordicine. This compound is mostly produced in the leaves and the fruits of the plant. In case of the immature vegetable form, it is found to be a good source of nutrients that include, iron, vitamin A, phosphorus and vitamin C.

Bitter melon contains a very important component which is the biologically active phytonutrients along with antioxidants. A few of the chemical compounds are, glycosides, fixed oils, saponins, phenolic acid, triterpenes, and also certain kinds of anti-inflammatory protien. There have been studies which have found that bitter melon contains certain flavonoid as well as phenolic compounds that are mostly responsible for the anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effect. Few of those components include, catechin, gentisic acid, gallic acid, epicatechin, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. These components have been found to reduce inflammation, help in balancing the hormones in the body, prevents obesity, and growth of tumor.