Momordica: medicinal properties

Momordica immediately attracts attention with its sonorous name and spectacular appearance. However, few people know what these unusual bright fruits are and where they are used. In fact, this exotic plant is a real storehouse of medicinal properties.

What is momordica and how do you eat it?

Momordica belongs to the pumpkin family and has many names. It is called Karela, bitter melon, Indian or Chinese mad cucumber, Indian pomegranate. All these names usually mean a whole genus of plants, which includes more than 20 varieties of this unusual crop. The species of greatest economic importance are Momordica charantia and Momordica cochin.

Momordica is a vine-like plant with long stems, the length of which can reach 2 m. Large carved leaves of bitter melon have a light green tint.

Momordica fruits are very beautiful.They have a rounded, oblong shape, and their surface is covered with small growths that resemble thorns. As they ripen, their pale yellow color changes to deep pink or orange. When cut, a mature momordica has bright crimson flesh. It resembles the pericarp of a pomegranate: this is clearly visible in the photo. The fruits of the plant have a lot of useful medicinal properties.

Momordica grows in the subtropical regions of India, Australia, Africa and Southeast Asia. In these regions, it has been grown for gastronomic purposes since ancient times. However, recently this plant has begun to gain popularity in European countries among lovers of exotic dishes. The growth of interest in momordica has also contributed to the unique medicinal properties of this plant.

Composition, nutritional value and taste of momordiki

In its homeland, bitter melon is known for its benefits to human health, thanks to a number of vitamins and minerals in its composition. Momordica contains several essential amino acids, phenols, alkaloids, resins and essential oils that are beneficial to the body. In addition, the fruits and other parts of the plant are rich in B vitamins, as well as C, A, E, F. In addition, it contains large amounts of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. In addition, momordica is a source of charantin, which has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

The nutritional value of momordica is only 15 kcal per 100 g, which allows us to consider this fruit a dietary product. It contains no fat or water at all, and the bulk of calories come from carbohydrates and proteins. So bitter melon dishes may well take pride of place in the diet of people watching their figure.

Moreover, the taste of momordica is quite pleasant. Unripe fruits, like the pericarp of the seeds, have juicy pulp that resembles a cross between a sweet honey melon and a persimmon. This unusual flavor makes the fruit an ideal ingredient for a variety of dishes.

When can you eat momordica?

The medicinal and taste properties of bitter melon intrigue many lovers of exotic products, but choosing the right ripe fruit is not always easy. So, when choosing momordica, you need to remember that it ripens in September-October, so it is better to purchase the fruit in the store during this period.

It would be a good idea to pay attention to the degree of ripeness of the bitter melon. Mature momordica fruits have a rich orange or pink color; when grown in the garden, they crack noisily, shooting seeds in different directions at high speed. The pulp of such fruits is too bitter and is suitable for food only after pre-treatment. It is worth giving preference to fruits that are light yellow or green in color: they have a fresh, sweet taste and are more suitable for culinary experiments. As for the benefits of momordica for the body, it is the same for ripened and unripe fruits.

How to cook momordica

Taking into account the benefits and taste properties of momordica, it is not surprising that the medicinal Chinese cucumber has found wide use in cooking in different countries. Almost all parts of the plant are eaten - leaves, fruits, seeds, stems and even rhizomes.

Thus, bitter melon leaves are added to salads and soups to add a light spicy aroma. However, the leaves contain bitterness, which can sometimes spoil the taste of the dish.To prevent this, the leaf plates of the fruit are soaked in salt water for several hours.

The same applies to the fruits of the Chinese cucumber. When ripe, they have a bitter taste, so they are either soaked or harvested and cooked unripe. The unripe pulp of Mormodica tastes sweet and goes well with vegetables, meat, fish or poultry. It is suitable for making desserts, salads, jams; it can be fried, used in stuffing, pickled, boiled and canned.

Mormodica seeds are also sweet and very juicy, so they can be eaten raw: in this form they will not do any harm, only benefit. They are no less tasty when fried or boiled. In addition, the seeds of the fruit, like other parts of the plant, have unique medicinal properties, which makes bitter melon an even more valuable crop.

Momordiki recipes

The benefits of momordica and its unusual taste properties can inspire even the most conservative cooks to try a couple of recipes based on this medicinal fruit. So, a salad with bitter melon would be a very appetizing vitamin-rich side dish for meat or fish:

1. One medium ripe momordica is cleared of seeds and then cut into pieces.
2. The onion is thoroughly washed and cut into half rings.
3. Half the chili peppers are seeded and cut into rings.
4. In a frying pan greased with vegetable oil, fry the onion until golden brown, then add pepper, momordica, salt to taste and simmer over low heat for another 5 - 7 minutes.
5. Place washed beet tops or lettuce leaves on a plate and place tomato rings on top. Place hot vegetables on top of the tomatoes and season with the remaining vegetable oil from frying.
6. The prepared salad is consumed immediately as an independent dish or as a side dish for meat dishes.

An unusual alternative to the usual cabbage rolls is stuffed mormodica:

1. An unripe Chinese cucumber is cored and cut into rings 2-3 cm thick.
2. The minced meat for the dish is prepared in the traditional way: by mixing pork, beef, rice, onions and grated carrots.
3. Momordiki rings are stuffed with minced meat, placed in an enamel pan with a small amount of water, and allspice and spices are added if desired.
4. Simmer the dish until the fruit becomes soft. Before serving, momordica is decorated with tomato sauce, sour cream and herbs.

Momordiki fruits will bring no less benefits if they are pickled. For this:

1. Ripe fruits are thoroughly washed and cut into slices, after which they are placed in a clean jar.
2. Garlic, dill, black currant leaves, and allspice peas are also added there.
3. For the marinade, add 1 tbsp per liter of water. l. salt, sugar and 9% table vinegar. The mixture is brought to a boil and, without cooling, poured into a jar.
4. The container is hermetically sealed and left in a cool, dark place for at least 7 - 10 days.

Fans of simple and quick dishes will appreciate fried momordica:

1. Unripe fruits are cut lengthwise, cleared of seeds and cut into longitudinal slices.
2. Then the bitter melon is salted and fried over medium heat in a frying pan with sunflower or olive oil until crispy.
3. The prepared dish is eaten hot with meat or fish.

Useful properties of momordica

In China, India and other countries where mormodica grows, the medicinal properties of this healthy Indian cucumber have long been noted. Thus, it has proven its value as a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent for colds and other infectious diseases of the respiratory system. In addition, the seeds and fruits of bitter melon are able to regulate the level of sugar and cholesterol in the blood due to charantin, which is why it is actively used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and diseases of the cardiovascular system. The benefits of mormodics are observed in the treatment of measles, scabies, arthritis and asthma. Its medicinal properties are also used in the creation of anthelmintic agents and preparations for snake and insect bites. In addition, there is a hypothesis that certain plant parts of bitter melon provide significant benefits to people suffering from leukemia and certain other cancers.

The medicinal properties of bitter melon have made it a popular ingredient in traditional medicine. So, depending on the disease, ointments, tinctures, and decoctions are made from the fruits, seeds and roots of the plant.

The benefits of momordica tincture

The medicinal properties of bitter melon can bring many benefits if you make an alcohol tincture from the fruits of this plant:

1. The fruit must be cleared of seeds, cut into small strips and placed in a 3-liter jar so that the pulp of the fruit occupies the entire space.
2. Then the bitter melon should be poured with 0.5 liters of vodka, then tightly closed and hidden in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks.

This drink is taken 30 minutes before meals, 1 tsp, 3 times a day.This tincture has proven itself as a remedy for colds, rheumatism and to strengthen the body's resistance to pathogenic bacteria.

Benefits of momordiki bitter melon tea

You can make tea from momordica seeds, which in its medicinal properties will not be inferior to the tincture described above:

• 10 - 20 bitter melon seeds need to be ground in a blender or by hand and pour 1 tbsp. boiling water.
• The resulting composition should be cooked for 7 - 10 minutes over medium heat, then left to infuse for an hour.

The finished tea is filtered and drunk ¼ tbsp. 3 - 4 times a day. This drink is beneficial for fever and also serves as an effective diuretic.

How to use momordica for treatment

In addition to tinctures and decoctions, ointments, infusions and lotions from bitter melon are used in the treatment of various diseases. However, with all the medicinal properties of bitter melon, one should not forget that the use of an exotic fruit for medical purposes is possible only after mandatory consultation with a qualified doctor.

Is it possible to have momordica for diabetes?

Among other medicinal properties of bitter melon momordica, its beneficial effects on the health of people with diabetes are often mentioned. Today, research is being actively conducted on the actual benefits of bitter melon for diabetics.

Thus, charantin in the fruit actually reduces blood sugar, which equates it to some insulin drugs. However, not all people with diabetes have shown sensitivity to the compounds contained in momordica-based formulations.

At the moment, we can say with confidence that preparations based on Chinese cucumber can be beneficial, but only as part of complex therapy. You can achieve tangible results in the treatment of diabetes by combining bitter melon folk remedies and traditional medicines.

The use of momordica in homeopathy

The medicinal properties of bitter melon have also found use in homeopathy. So, from the ripe fruits of this plant a product called Momordica Compositum is obtained. It is manufactured in the form of 2.2 ml ampoules for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. This medication can be taken orally. Momordica Compositum is used for acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as to relieve the symptoms of dyscreatism. The drug is taken in courses lasting 3 to 5 weeks with a frequency of up to 3 times a week. The dosage for adults and children over 6 years old is 1 ampoule, for children under 6 years old – ½ of it. Children under 2 years of age are not recommended to exceed a dosage of ¼ ampoule.

Restrictions and contraindications

Although attractive photos of juicy and fresh momordica may prompt you to immediately buy this medicinal fruit, it is worth remembering that, along with its beneficial properties, bitter melon has some contraindications. So, for certain health conditions, you should not use momordica, since it will not bring any benefit to the body. Contraindications include:

• to pregnant women;
• nursing mothers;
• people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• for those who have individual intolerance to substances in the product.

Despite all the medicinal properties of bitter melon, in order to avoid poisoning, its peel is strictly not recommended for young children.

Conclusion

Momordica is an amazing fruit with an unusual appearance and various medicinal properties. And, although the unique characteristics of the fruit require further study, the confirmed medicinal properties, when used correctly, can provide an undoubted positive effect on health.

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