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1. Could help prevent cancer

Bitter melon is full of beta-carotene, a pigment that makes vegetables red, orange and yellow. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, and research has linked both beta-carotene and vitamin A with the prevention of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “Beta carotene is an antioxidant, meaning it protects against cancer and other chronic diseases by preventing cellular damage,” explains Czerwony.

What’s more, scientists have used bitter melon extract to kill cancer cells in research to identify potential new cancer-fighting drugs. In one study, high concentrations of bitter melon extract effectively treated stomach, colon, lung and nasopharynx cancer cells in test tubes. In another study, bitter melon extract suppressed triple-negative breast cancer cells in non-human models. “While these results are promising, more research needs to be done to determine the real-world implications,” clarifies Czerwony.

2. May help manage blood sugar

Bitter melon is among several high-fiber, low-sugar fruits that can help lower your blood sugar (glucose) levels naturally. Unlike other types of carbs, your body can’t digest fiber, which means it doesn’t produce glucose as a result. Fiber also helps slow digestion, which slows the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream, preventing blood sugar spikes.

“Bitter melon also has its own version of insulin, a chemical called polypeptide-P,” Czerwony adds. “Research has shown that polypeptide-P may help regulate and lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.”