Description

Balsam pear is a traditional ingredient in Asian medicine and cuisine. Its most basic use is to help with gastrointestinal issues. In the United States, studies have shown that it can help people who are coping with diabetes. Extracts of the fruit also might help prevent and treat cancer and malaria.

Colloquially known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, the fruit grows all over Asia and in parts of South America. It grows on a tropical vine with yellow flowers. When immature, the fruit looks like a wart-covered cucumber. As it matures, it turns orange and becomes more bitter. When very ripe, the fruit actually is too bitter to eat.

The fruit's bitterness makes it able to be used to stimulate digestion. In general, bitter foods help with bad digestion and constipation by jump-starting the digestive process. The increased digestive activity often causes worsening of ulcers and heartburn. Balsam pear is particularly soothing, so it rarely aggravates these conditions.

Health benefits

1.      Improving appetite and digestion

2.      Glowing skin

3.      Fights cancer

4.      Weight loss