Momordica: medicinal properties

Momordica immediately attracts attention with its sonorous name and spectacular appearance. However, what the outlandish bright fruits are and where they are used are known to few. In fact, this exotic plant is a real treasure of medicinal properties.

What is momordica and how is it eaten

Momordica belongs to the pumpkin family and has many names. It is called Karelian, 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 culture. The most economically important species are Momordica Charantia and Momordica Cochinchin.

Momordica is a liana-like plant with long stems, the length of which can reach 2 m. The large carved leaves of the bitter melon are light green in color.

The fruits of momordika are very beautiful. They have a rounded oblong shape, and their surface is covered with small growths resembling thorns. In the process of ripening, their pale yellow color is replaced by a rich pink or orange color. Ripe momordica has a bright crimson flesh in the cut. It resembles the pericarp of a pomegranate: it can be clearly seen 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 since ancient times for gastronomic purposes. Recently, however, this plant has begun to gain popularity in European countries among lovers of exotic dishes. The growing interest in momordica has also been fueled by the unique medicinal properties of this plant.

Composition, nutritional value and taste of Momordica

In its homeland, bitter melon is known for its health benefits, thanks to a variety of vitamins and minerals in its composition. Momordica contains several essential amino acids, phenols, alkaloids, resins and essential oils useful for 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 a large amount of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. In addition, momordica is a source of quarantine, which has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

The nutritional value of Momordica is only 15 kcal per 100 g, which makes this fruit a dietary product. It is completely free of fat and water, and the bulk of calories are carbohydrates and proteins. So, bitter melon dishes may well take pride of place in the diet of weight watchers.

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

When to eat momordica

The healing and taste properties of bitter melon intrigue many lovers of exotic products, but it is not always easy to choose the fruit that is suitable for its ripeness.So, when choosing Momordica, you need to remember that it ripens in September-October, so it is better to buy the fruit in the store during this period.

It will not be superfluous to pay attention to the degree of ripeness of the bitter melon. Ripe momordica fruits have a rich orange or pink color; when grown in a garden, they crack noisily, shooting seeds at high speed in different directions. The pulp of such fruits is too bitter and is edible only after pretreatment. It is worth giving preference to fruits of light yellow or green 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 ripe and unripe fruits.

How to make momordica

Considering the benefits and flavor of Momordica, it is not surprising that the medicinal Chinese cucumber has found widespread use in the culinary arts of different countries. Almost all parts of the plant are eaten - leaves, fruits, seeds, stem and even rhizome.

For example, 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 fruit of the Chinese cucumber. When ripe, they have a bitter taste, so they are either soaked or harvested and cooked unripe. Unripe Mormodica flesh is sweet in taste and goes well with vegetables, meat, fish or poultry. It is suitable for making desserts, salads, jams; it can be fried, stuffed, 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 and boiled. In addition, the seeds of the fruit, like other parts of the plant, have unique medicinal properties, which makes the bitter melon an even more valuable crop.

Momordica recipes

The benefits of momordica and its unusual taste can inspire even the most conservative culinary experts to try out a couple of recipes based on this medicinal fruit. So, a salad with bitter melon will become a very appetizing vitamin side dish for meat or fish:

1. One medium mature momordica is peeled from seeds and then cut into pieces.
2. The onion is thoroughly washed and cut into half rings.
3. Seeds are removed from half of the chili 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. Washed beet tops or lettuce leaves are spread on a plate, tomato rings are placed on top. Hot vegetables are placed on top of the tomatoes and seasoned with the remaining vegetable oil.
6. Ready salad is used immediately as an independent dish or as a side dish for meat dishes.

Stuffed Mormodica will serve as an unusual alternative to the usual stuffed cabbage rolls:

1. An unripe Chinese cucumber is cored and cut into rings 2 to 3 cm thick.
2. Minced meat for the dish is prepared in the traditional way: by mixing pork, beef, rice, onions, grated carrots.
3. Momordica rings are stuffed with minced meat, put in an enamel pot with a little water, allspice and spices are added if desired.
4. Stew the dish until the fruit is soft. Before serving, momordica is garnished with tomato sauce, sour cream and herbs.

Momordica fruits are just as good if 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, allspice peas are also added there.
3. For the marinade, add 1 tbsp to a liter of water. l. salt, sugar and 9% table vinegar. The mixture is brought to a boil and, without cooling, is poured into a jar.
4. The container is sealed and left in a cool dark place for at least 7 to 10 days.

Lovers of simple and quick dishes will appreciate the fried momordica:

1. Unripe fruit is cut lengthwise, peeled and cut into longitudinal slices.
2. Then the bitter melon is salted and fried over medium heat in a skillet with sunflower or olive oil until crisp.
3. The prepared dish is eaten hot with meat or fish.

The beneficial properties of momordica

In China, India and other countries where Mormodica grows, the healing properties of this useful Indian cucumber have long been noted. So, 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 quarantine, which is why it is actively used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and diseases of the cardiovascular system. The benefits of Mormodica are seen in the treatment of measles, scabies, arthritis and asthma. Its medicinal properties are also used in the creation of antihelminthic agents and preparations for snake and insect bites. In addition, it is hypothesized 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, decoctions are made from the fruits, seeds and roots of the plant.

The benefits of Momordica tincture

The healing properties of bitter melon can bring a lot of benefits if you make an alcoholic 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 fruit pulp 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 enhance the body's resistance to pathogenic bacteria.

Why Momordica Bitter Melon Tea is Good for You

From the seeds of Momordica, you can make tea, which, in terms of its medicinal properties, will not be inferior to the above tincture:

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

The finished tea is filtered and drunk at 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 medicinal purposes is possible only after the obligatory consultation of a qualified doctor.

Is it possible to use momordica for diabetes

Among other medicinal properties of Momordica bitter melon, its beneficial effects on the health of people with diabetes are often mentioned. Research is currently underway on the actual benefits of bitter melon for diabetics.

So, the harantine in the fruit actually lowers blood sugar, which equates it to some insulin drugs. However, not all people with diabetes have shown sensitivity to the compounds in Momordica-based formulations.

At the moment, we can say with confidence that drugs 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 folk remedies from bitter melon and traditional medicines.

The use of momordica in homeopathy

The medicinal properties of bitter melon have also found applications in homeopathy. So, from the ripe fruits of this plant, a remedy called Momordica Compositum is obtained. It is made in the form of 2.2 ml ampoules for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This medication can be taken by mouth by mouth. Momordica Compositum is used in acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as to relieve the symptoms of dyspakreatism. The drug is taken in courses lasting 3 - 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 part of it. Children under 2 years of age are not recommended to exceed the dosage in ¼ ampoules.

Limitations 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, under 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;
• those who have an individual intolerance to the substances in the composition of the product.

Despite all the medicinal properties of bitter melon, in order to avoid poisoning, its peel is strongly discouraged from giving to young children.

Conclusion

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

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