Momordica: health benefits and harms

Momordica is presented in the form of an exotic plant, which is a representative of the Pumpkin family and has a number of other names. So, it is also called Indian or Chinese cucumber and pomegranate, bitter melon, balsamic pear, Karelia, etc. All these names mean a certain kind of crop, consisting of more than 20 types of herbs. The plant is an exotic herbaceous crop. The most popular in the economy are the varieties of haranzia and kokhinkhinskaya. This culture was created by nature in order to benefit the human body.

What is momordica

Momordica is a plant that forms lianas and elongated stems, which can have a height of up to two meters. Bitter melon is characterized by large leaves of a pale green color.

The fruits of Indian cucumber are very beautiful, have a rounded and elongated shape. The surface of the fetus is covered with small growths that look like thorns. Unripe fruits have a pale yellow color, which, when ripe, becomes bright pink or orange. A ripe Karelian has a rich raspberry flesh. It is similar to pomegranate pericarp. The fruits of the yellow cucumber are characterized by many healing properties.

This exotic grows in the subtropics, in India, Africa and Southeast Asia. For a long time in these areas, culture is grown for culinary purposes. However, at present, the product is becoming popular in European regions among fans of unusual dishes. This was facilitated by the unique healing qualities of the bitter melon.

In shape, the fruits resemble a cucumber familiar to everyone, while some compare it to an oblong-shaped pumpkin. When the balsamic pear begins to ripen, initially the pale yellow color changes to a bright orange color. In appearance, the skin of momordica resembles the surface layer of a chestnut, there are numerous thorns on it. The ripe fruit breaks into small pieces, while the bright red pericarp is exposed. The seeds of such a cucumber are distinguished by original Indian motifs. In terms of taste, the fruit of Karelian is somewhat reminiscent of persimmon and, to some extent, melon.

Composition and calorie content

Momordica is a tropical culture that is now cultivated in our regions. It is characterized by a number of useful and unique qualities. The balsamic pear contains in its composition the substances necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Moreover, not only the fruits are valuable, but also all other parts of the culture, such as the root, foliage and stems. The healing properties of the plant are explained by its rich composition.

1. The red peel of the fruit, in which the seeds are concentrated, contains oil enriched in carotene. This substance, after entering the human body, is converted into vitamin A. Everyone knows that it is very useful for vision.
2. In addition, the seeds contain a lot of lycopene. It is a substance with powerful antioxidant properties. It is worth noting that this element can enter the human body only with food.
3. Scientific studies have shown that the plant contains triterpene saponins, which are concentrated in the roots in the maximum amount. These substances are necessary for the treatment of rheumatism.
4. It should also be noted the presence of volatile, which are designed to destroy various kinds of viruses and bacteria.
5. In addition, the product contains the quarantine necessary to normalize blood glucose levels.It follows that momordica is a natural remedy that is very useful to include in people with diabetes.

Usually, the flesh of the fetus is consumed. However, based on the recipes of traditional medicine, we can conclude that all parts of the culture are used, including peel, seeds, and even burning leaves. They contain a large list of vitamins and minerals that are essential for health. Also, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, amino acids, alkaloids, vitamins E, C, and representatives of the B group were found in momordic. In addition, there are mineral salts, phenols, oils and resins. The composition of the Indian cucumber contains such important vitamins as folic and nicotinic acid.

Calorie content of the product is very low. So, in 100 g of raw materials contains about 20 kcal. At the same time, there is very little fat, so the plant is perfect for a diet designed to reduce weight.

The healing properties of momordiki

Momordica was recognized by traditional medicine. That is why it is used in the production of various drugs that are manufactured using modern technology. Most often these are drugs related to homeopathic remedies.

1. Since ancient times, Chinese healers have used the healing properties of Karelia to obtain a healing composition with antiseptic and immunomodulating properties.
2. The product is used for the treatment of infectious lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for the treatment of the upper respiratory tract affected by viral pathogens.
3. The plant has long been studied and is confidently included in the list of drugs that are used to strengthen immunity.
4. Native Americans used the plant to treat measles, scabies, and even hepatitis.
5. Due to its healing properties, the product is in demand when bitten by snakes and dangerous insects. Also, Chinese cucumber is used to destroy internal parasitic worms, that is, worms.
6. Karelian fruits are useful for those who suffer from bronchial asthma, arthritis, as well as cancer patients.
7. The use of fruits and seeds of the culture can reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, clean the blood vessels and thereby reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
8. The healing properties of Indian pomegranate can improve vision, get rid of psoriasis, cure kidney and liver pathologies, and restore potency.
9. Mammordic also has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system. The foliage and fruits of the plant are enriched with a useful and rather rare component - quarantine, which is necessary for the pancreas that produces insulin. It is for diabetics that the product is of great importance, since it helps to stabilize the blood sugar.

The use of Indian cucumber

First of all, it is worth noting that the unusual vine is used for decorative purposes. Outwardly, it is similar to the tops of pumpkins, cucumbers or grapes. That is, the plant easily clings its antennae to any support and grows quite quickly under the sun. For example, a gazebo of a small size culture braids very quickly.

Momordica is also widely used in folk medicine, in cooking and in the manufacture of cosmetics due to its rich in vitamins and minerals composition.

In medicine

In addition to decoctions and alcohol-based tinctures, in the treatment of various diseases, ointments, infusions and many lotions, which are made from momordica, are used. However, it should be noted that the healing properties of bitter melon can be used for medical purposes only after consulting a specialist.

As for patients with diabetes mellitus, it has already been said that the product can be consumed in this condition. Currently, studies are still ongoing regarding the effects of exotics on the patient's condition.As noted, quarantine as part of such a treat provides a decrease in glucose in the body, which makes it possible to equate it with drugs belonging to the group of insulins. But at the same time, not all patients in this category noted the sensitivity of their body to the substances that make up the preparations based on momordic.

To date, it can be firmly assured that medicines made from Chinese pomegranate will undoubtedly benefit the human body, but only as part of complex therapy. That is, to achieve a positive result from the consumption of this plant is possible only by combining folk remedies from bitter melon and medicines of official medicine.

1. To prepare a healing tincture, the fruits of this culture will be required. It is necessary to separate the peel and pulp of Chinese cucumber. Grind the inside of the fruit into cubes and place in a large container made of non-metallic material. The volume of such a vessel should average 3 liters. Then pour about 0.5 liters of vodka into the container so that the contents are drowned in liquid. Cover the mixture with a tight lid and refrigerate. In this state, the solution should be infused for 2 weeks. Ready to use half an hour before a meal, 1 tsp. thrice a day. Such a composition is taken for colds and infectious diseases in order to strengthen the protective function of the body. The beneficial effect of tincture with rheumatism and other inflammatory processes was also noted.
2. To make a healthy decoction, you need seeds of momordica. Enough will be 25 pieces. Seeds must be chopped. To do this, you can use a blender or do everything manually. Next, pour 0.3 liters of water into a medium-sized pot and put on the stove. After boiling add crushed raw materials and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. After this, cover the mixture with a lid and leave to infuse for an hour. Ready to drink 3-4 times a day, 50 ml each. The resulting medicinal drug is useful to use as a diuretic composition. Also, the composition is recommended for use at elevated body temperature and the presence of edema.
3. The leaf part of the plant is used to obtain tinctures and decoctions, which are used as cosmetics for the face. They have a rejuvenating, tonic and antiseptic effect. After processing the skin with such a composition, they become more resilient, supple and fresh. Such funds contribute to the narrowing of the pores, which gives the face a velvety and rested look.
4. Drinks based on Chinese pomegranate are rich in vitamins and minerals. With their internal consumption, the body is enriched with useful substances. As a result, the condition of curls, nail plates and teeth improves.
5. The fruits have a low calorie content, therefore, they can be safely included in the diet, if necessary, lose extra pounds.
6. From momordiki you can get a remedy against the bite of mosquitoes and other insects. Crumpled leaves of the plant are used to reduce itching and relieve swelling. In southern countries, this method even treats snake bites. It is worth noting that when mixing gruel from leaves and honey, gas burns can be eliminated.
7. A decoction of the fruits and seeds of the plant can be drunk with an influenza epidemic. To prepare such a composition, you need to pour a handful of any part of the culture, whether it be seeds or tops, with a glass of hot water. After this, cook the mixture for a couple of minutes, and then cool. Take this product several times a day for 50 ml.
8. If you prepare a decoction from the seeds of a balsamic pear, you will get an effective remedy for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Also, this product helps to improve the functioning of the kidneys and urinary tract due to the diuretic effect, which is typical for this exotic plant. The recipe for decoction is described above.
9. When you chew several seeds on an empty stomach for 10 days, you can cure diseases of the intestines and stomach.
10. Mammordic root is useful for bronchitis.The product allows you to alleviate the condition due to expectorant properties. Inhalations using leaves and shoots of the culture will help get rid of the symptoms of acute respiratory infections.
11. A decoction of leaves is used to eliminate sweating and other skin rashes. To do this, you need to soak the bandage with a squeeze from momordica and apply it to the affected area of ​​the skin, doing the procedure several times a day. In addition, such a decoction will provide accelerated healing of mechanical burns and reduce the risk of scar.

In cosmetology

Momordica is widely used not only in medicine, it is also known that the product is quite popular in the field of cosmetology. All kinds of masks, scrubs and other cosmetic products are made on the basis of such an exotic fruit, which have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, providing them with youth and elasticity. Indian Pomegranate Rinse Aids strengthen hair, giving it a healthy shine.

Mammordica preparations can be included in lotions and masks for face and body care, as a result of which the skin becomes velvety, and the aging process is significantly slowed down. There are many recipes for this product. Among the huge list of such recipes, you can probably find what suits the specific situation.

As a basis for homemade cosmetics, you can use dairy products such as sour cream, cream, kefir, etc. Also, vegetable oil from olive, sunflower or flax is suitable as the main component. Cosmetic clay is also acceptable. Dairy products and oils are suitable for dry and very sensitive dermis, and clay is preferred for the fatty type.

Ready-made cosmetic formulations are applied to cleansed skin, and after removing them, it is recommended to use a cream with a moisturizing effect.

1. For example, you can cook a mountain ash mask with infusion of Chinese cucumber. To do this, you need a broth of momordica in the amount of 1 tsp, the same amount of squeezed from red mountain ash, 2 tsp. natural honey, 1 tsp olive oil and one egg yolk. In a glass dish, all substances must be combined, and at the very end add whipped yolk. Mix the mixture thoroughly and apply on face for 20 minutes. After that, remove the mask with warm water.
2. There is also a mushroom mask with the same infusion. In this case, prepare 1 tsp. Karelian infusion, 2 champignons and 1 tablespoon sour cream. First chop the mushrooms, mix them with infusion, add sour cream and mix thoroughly. Apply the composition to the skin of the face and décolleté for 20–25 minutes, then rinse off with slightly warm water.
3. A potato mask with the addition of momordiki infusion is prepared from the following components: 2 tbsp. infusion of exotic fruits and 100 g of potatoes. The potato must be peeled, grated, mixed with a healing broth. Apply the finished product to the skin of the face, and then cover it with a gauze cloth previously moistened with boiled water. Such a composition should last about 15 minutes. After the specified time, remove the remnants of the cosmetic product with a damp cloth.
4. To prepare a pear cosmetic mask, you need to prepare 2 tbsp. the infusion itself, 100 g pears, 70 g carrots and 1 tsp. any oil. Peel the pear and carrots, chop, mix with a decoction of the fruit, add oil and mix well. Apply this mixture to a clean face and neck for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse.
5. Apple mask with broth of momordiki: fruit infusion of Chinese pomegranate - 2 tbsp., Apple - 70 g, milk - 1 tsp. and the yolk of one egg. First you need to peel the fruit, chop it, and then mix with all the other components. Mix the clean face and neck area with the mixture. The tool is valid for about 15 minutes, after which you need to remove it with a napkin dipped in water, previously boiled.
6. If you mix 1 tbsp. decoction of the fruits of the subtropical culture, 1 tsp grape juice and 2 tablespoons honey component, get a good tool. In the resulting mixture, soak a napkin and hold it on your face for 10 minutes.Then wash with cold water.
7. You can also combine in a glass dish for 1 tbsp. any vegetable oil, honey and decoction based on the fruits of Indian pomegranate. This mass must be put on a steam bath and heated for 10 minutes. The product should cool. Before applying, it is recommended to steam out the skin of the face, and then treat it with the resulting composition using a cotton swab. The mask should be completely absorbed. In conclusion, you can only rinse with cool water. This mask is best done before bedtime. It is possible in the morning, but it must be remembered that makeup can be applied only one hour after the procedure.
8. There is also a recipe for a mask consisting of fruit infusions of momordiki, honey and cucumber, taken in equal proportions. Mix the honey component with chopped cucumber, and then add a healthy decoction. Apply this mass to the face and décolleté for 20–25 minutes, then remove with warm water.
9. You can also use the recipe for a mask made from tangerine peel and infusion of bitter melon. To obtain it, you need 1 tbsp. dried zest of citrus, fruit extract of Indian pomegranate, sour cream and also egg yolk in the amount of one piece. The tangerine zest should be chopped, mixed with the yellow part of the egg, vegetable broth and sour cream. After mixing thoroughly, apply the composition on the skin of the face and neck for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

In addition to a large number of mask recipes, there are lotion recipes.

The most popular is a tool consisting of 3 tbsp. decoction of bitter cucumber, 1 tbsp. glycerin, 1 tsp natural honey, 10 drops squeezed lemon, 2 tbsp. vodka and a glass of water. In a glass dish, mix all the ingredients and pour the resulting mixture into a suitable container with a lid. Such a cosmetic product can be used to lubricate the skin before bedtime.

Effective body scrubs are also recommended.

1. To obtain such a tool, you need 2 tbsp. Chinese pomegranate juice, 5 tbsp. kefir, the same amount of sour cream, as well as 2 tbsp. sea ​​salt and potato starch. All components must be mixed until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. The resulting composition is used for application to the skin. The product lasts 6-7 minutes, after which it must be removed with warm water.
2. There is another option for making body scrub. In this case, you need 2 fruits of momordiki and 2 apples, 5 tablespoons each. starch powder and sour cream. Grind fruits with a blender. You can also grate them on a fine grater. Next add the remaining ingredients. Mix the mixture well and apply on the body for 5 minutes. After that, it is recommended to rinse the composition with warm water.

Momordica is used to obtain mixtures intended for the care of curls.

1. So, for example, you can use the recipe for a hair mask, consisting of equal parts of momordiki oil, castor oil and olive oil, as well as shampoo. All components must be mixed. The resulting mixture to process the strands along the entire length and dermis of the head. The remedy must be effective within an hour. After that wash off the cosmetic composition. This procedure is recommended before washing your hair.
2. In addition, you can make a useful wrap mask. The composition of such a mask includes 1 tbsp. bitter melon oil, 2 tbsp shampoo, 1 egg yolk and 20 drops of vitamin A in an oil solution. All components must be mixed, thoroughly grind and place in a hot steam bath. In this form, the mixture should be 15-20 minutes. Rub the finished compound into the hair roots. After that, it is recommended to cover your head with a plastic bag or a special hat and insulate with a handkerchief. After two hours, you can wash your hair in the usual way.
3. Another recipe that can be used for wraps is also known. To do this, take 1 tbsp. momordic oil, 4 tbsp. mustard oil and a little mint broth. Heat the oil substances in a water bath, but do not bring to a boil.After that, using a cotton pad, apply the mixture in massaging movements to the roots of the strands, wrap your head in a warm towel and hold for half an hour. After that, you can wash off the remnants of the mask and use a mint decoction to rinse. This procedure stimulates hair growth.
4. It is worth noting that momordic rinses are also very useful. So, if you mix 5 tbsp. decoction of leaves of Chinese cucumber, 1 tbsp. mint leaves, chamomile flowers, marigold flowers, hop cones and 400 ml of water, you will get a healing composition that strengthens the hair, makes it shiny, silky. In this case, you should first mix all the herbs except the exotic plant, pour them with boiling water and leave for about 60 minutes. After that, filter the liquid and only after that mix with a decoction of bitter melon. The resulting rinse can be used after shampooing your hair with shampoo.

In cooking

Leaves and young shoots of momordiki are widely used in the preparation of salads and first courses. The fruits are used in cooking a little green, until the bitterness characteristic of them has appeared, but the seeds are only ripened. The seeds of a ripe fruit have a sweetish taste and can be used as an additional ingredient in various culinary dishes, as well as act as an independent snack. The pulp of Indian pomegranate is used in the manufacturing process of vegetable and meat side dishes. It turns out tasty in a stew, and also if boiled. In addition, this part of the plant is pickled and even canned. Interestingly, the fruits can be used to make jam, as well as a number of alcoholic beverages, such as wine, liquor or liquor.

The seeds contain many essential oils. Therefore, they are used as a fragrant spice for the preparation of certain dishes, pastries and pastries.

Such a product is necessarily part of the well-known Indian curry seasoning. From momordiki you can cook very interesting and unusual dishes. If you need to surprise or just please guests and households, you can use original recipes.

Stuffed momordica
For example, you can stuff momordika. To do this, you must first cut the fruit into two parts and remove the pulp. After that, boil the rice a little and mix it with minced pork and beef. Add your favorite spices here. The most popular in this case are thyme, zira and others. Prepared Indian cucumbers can now be stuffed with cooked minced meat and rice. Next, put the fruits in the dishes used for stewing. Pour a small amount of water or meat broth into it, add salt and season to taste. Extinguishing should be carried out for half an hour on low heat. Instead of water, sour cream or cream of liquid consistency is perfect.

Pickled Momordica
To pickle the Momordica, you should first prepare the fruits, namely, wash and cut into slices. Place the prepared Karelian in a dish made of glass. Also add currant leaves, garlic, dill and allspice to the momordica. Next, prepare the marinade. To do this, dilute 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. sugar and salt. Also add 100 ml of natural apple cider vinegar. Pour the resulting marinade into an enamel pan and bring to a boil. After that, they can pour seasoned fruits. The dish can be eaten in two days, using as a snack for the festive table.

According to the same principle, you can make blanks of momordica for the winter, only you first need to sterilize the banks into which the finished product will be packaged.

In addition, from Indian pomegranate, you can get many simple and original dishes.For example, if you add the product to regular scrambled eggs, you will get a quick and healthy breakfast that will provide a person with a charge of energy and positive emotions for the whole day.

Vitamin Garnish
A salad with the use of bitter melon can be a rather appetizing and fortified side dish for meat or fish dishes. To cook it, you will need a small sized fruit to clear the seeds and cut into pieces. Next, peel and chop onions in half rings. One bulb will be enough. Peel a half of chili pepper from seeds and cut into rings. Then, in a pan with a small amount of oil, fry onions, peppers, and momordica in order. In this case, add salt and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes.

After that put the washed beet tops or lettuce on a plate, place tomato sliced ​​on top of them. Put the fried vegetables in the next layer, which season with the oil remaining after frying.

Ready salad should be eaten immediately, and it can be used not only as a side dish, but also as a separate dish.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the fact that this product has a number of useful qualities, it should not be abused, otherwise it can harm the body. With excessive use of momordic, symptoms may occur that are observed with food poisoning. That is, it can be manifested by dizziness, nausea and general weakness.

Enriched with vitamins and minerals, Indian pomegranate is not beneficial for all categories of people. The product is contraindicated for people with individual intolerance, as well as allergies to momordica. But, in addition to this, the fruit should be used with caution for women in position and during breastfeeding. For children under three years of age, the product is completely contraindicated, as for the older age, care must be taken and after eating a small amount it is imperative to monitor the well-being of the child.

People with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract also need to be careful when consuming exotic fruits.

How to choose and store

If there are unripe fruits on sale, you should not be surprised. After all, it is the unripe fruits of momordica that are used in food. Only in this form is the flesh edible. As they mature, Chinese cucumbers become more orange, softer, and the taste becomes bitter. As for the seeds, they taste sweet only after full ripening. At the same time, they can even be eaten raw, but after heat treatment they will become much softer.

Momordica is stored for several weeks at a temperature of 11-12 degrees. Humidity should be high at 90 percent.

Harvesting and storage

It is possible to apply the beneficial characteristics of such a plant for medicinal purposes all year round. You just need to make stocks of this healing plant material. For harvesting leaves, it is recommended to choose the end of spring, when they accumulate the maximum content of useful elements. And for harvesting fruits and seeds, summer is best suited when they finally ripen. The roots are best harvested in the fall.

The fruits and root of the culture should first be cut into small pieces, and the seeds and foliage dried and only then crushed. Drying should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight. Ready dried fruits can be stored for three to four years, the roots retain their useful qualities for two to three years. Leaves and inflorescences can be used for therapeutic purposes only a year or two. For storage, you should use a sealed container made of glass, or cloth bags.

How to eat momordica properly

Unfortunately, the fruits of this exotic plant cannot boast of a pleasant taste. The fruit tastes rather bitter. For this reason, they are most often used in the field of pharmacology and cosmetology, rather than in the culinary field. Nevertheless, it can be eaten. Often this product can be found in Asian dishes. How exactly to consume it depends on what part of the plant is used. The seeds of the crop are sweet, but very hard, so they should be fried. As a result of such heat treatment, they become softer. In Asian cuisine, this ingredient is part of some salads and vegetable stews.

Momordiki leaves can also be used as food, added to vinaigrette. In addition, they can serve as an excellent spice for diet soup or delicious borsch. The leaves in this case enrich the dishes with an incredible complex of vitamins and other beneficial substances.

Is it possible to eat raw

In raw form you can eat momordic. The pulp of an unripe fruit tastes like a cucumber familiar to everyone. If there is a mature product, the pulp will be much softer, but then the taste is bitter. To slightly dilute this bitterness, it is still recommended to boil it in water with the addition of salt. In this case, the exotic can be included in various bean dishes, using it as a seasoning.

Interesting Facts

1. Momordica is especially appreciated in Japan. This region has the highest life expectancy, even taking into account Japanese standards. Scientists believe that this is precisely due to the use of momordic.
2. The name of this plant, translated from Latin, means “bite”, since the foliage of the culture can also burn or bite the skin, like nettle.
3. In the Middle Ages, the fruits of Chinese pomegranate were present only on the tables of imperial families living in ancient China.
4. The substances in the exotic creeper provide an acceleration of metabolism, so it is useful to use them during weight loss.

Momordiki photo