if it tastes horrible, it must be good for you

From AAP and reported by SBS News

Warty vegetable comes to the rescue

14 April 2009 | 16:39

Bitter melon (or gourd, Momordica charantia) has properties which offer protection against type 2 diabetes. (AAP)

Bitter Melon looks like a wart-covered zucchini and has an equally unappetising name, but could help fix malnutrition and prevent diabetes.

It looks like a wart-covered zucchini and has an equally unappetising name, but experts say it could help rescue the world's population from malnutrition and disease.

Bitter melon is rich in vitamins and offers protection against diabetes, says Dr Dyno Keatinge, which is just as well because it is unlikely to win fans on appearance or taste.

"It's not a sweet vegetable, and that's why I like it in salad and a whole range of things," said Dr Keatinge, head of a not-for-profit research institute which uses horticulture to fight poverty and malnutrition.

"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."

I can attest that it does indeed taste bitter. Horrible too. I have no idea how to cook it. It seems that food, especially vegetables, that taste horrible tend to be good for you. Such a mean trick from nature.