Bitter melon can help battle malnutrition and disease

Sydney, Apr 14 (ANI): Bitter melon may not seem a very appetising name, but experts say that this vegetable may help protect the world's population from malnutrition and disease.

Dr. Dyno Keatinge, the head of a not-for-profit research institute which uses horticulture to fight poverty and malnutrition, says that Bitter melon is rich in vitamins and offers protection against diabetes.

"It's not a sweet vegetable, and that's why I like it in salad and a whole range of things," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying.

"You do eat it here in Australia and it's something that should be encouraged for people that are pre-diabetic. Bitter melon (or gourd, Momordica charantia) has properties which helps ameliorate type 2 diabetes," he added.

Keatinge further said: "The take-home message for Australians is to eat as many varied vegetables as you can - different colours, orange, green - and make sure you have them in balance with the rest of the diet. So cut back on some of the meat consumption, have less carbohydrates and increase the fruit and vegetable intake, then you will live a longer and healthier life".

He presented the findings at the University of Queensland. (ANI)