Uses and Health Benefits of Ampalaya

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Momordica Charantia is the scientific name of Ampalaya which also called bitter melon or bitter gourd. It is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family cucurbitaceae, also grown in the Philippines. Known as bitter taste because of the momordicin, it is also believed that Ampalaya is the most bitter of all vegetables.

Ampalaya is used as food; for many dishes like it can be stir-fried with groud beef and oyster sauce with eggs and diced of tomato. It is one of the ingredients of Pinakbet (Filipino food).

Ampalaya is also used as medicine; the leaves can treat malaria and diabetes, you can brew the leaves into hot water to make it as tea. The Ampalaya juice is used to kick out the intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, diarrhea and chronic colitis. It is used for mild coughs for children, as well.