Bitter melon juice is a beverage that is created when the bitter melon fruit, which is also called bitter gourd, is ripened and squeezed. Bitter melon, the Latin name for which is momordica charantia, looks much like a cucumber except that is has a very wrinkled, textured surface, even more so than gherkins. The fruit comes from a vine that grows in tropical and subtropical regions.
The bitter melon fruit is quite common in Asia, where it is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. In some cases bitter melon juice is used in traditional medicine to improve digestion and treat dyspepsia. In addition to being consumed as a juice for medicinal purposes, bitter melon is also sometimes consumed in the form of a tea or tablet. It is also sometimes sold as an extract in the form of pills.
Although bitter melon juice is commonly used in Eastern medicine, it is important for people who are not thoroughly versed in Eastern medicine to consult a doctor before using bitter melon juice to treat any disorders. There have been some reports of negative effects experienced by people who have consumed bitter melon juice. It is also possible for the juice to cause problems for people who are suffering from ulcers and people who regularly experience heartburn. It is believed that it is possible for bitter melon juice to worsen the problems experienced by such people. When used appropriately, under the guidance of a person well versed in the traditions of Eastern medicine, it is unlikely that bitter melon will cause illness or suffering.
Some reports indicate that some parts of the bitter melon may not be safe for consumption. For example, there are reports that the seeds can be toxic, especially for children. Also, there are reports that pregnant women should not eat the fruit of bitter melon. Before consuming bitter melon in any form, it is important to make sure that it is safe for consumption by the people for whom it is being prepared.
There has been some recent research that indicates that bitter melon juice may be beneficial for people who suffer from diabetes. It is important, however, for diabetics to only use bitter melon juice under the instruction of a doctor. It is not, unless expressly directed by an expert doctor, meant to be used as a replacement treatment for conventional diabetes treatments.
