Good vegetable that is widely used for health benefits in Asia. Lots of benefits, especially for diabetics. Helps with stomach problems too. Misc. aches and pains. Skin problems. Balances out immune system.
Try it juiced, mixed with apple juice as it can be somewhat bitter, as name suggests.
Tablets in health food shops, maybe. I use fresh stuff.
I am a 'gunnabee' GM and presently working in China. Most older folk here eat it a couple of times a week. I have only just begun using it and, as it's a natural type of nutritional aide, I guess it will take time to get into my system.
As it is so widely used in Asia I assume it's got something going for it. Western labs starting to test it. Seems to check out as credible.
I am borderline diabetic (I can still control sugar levels with walking and diet) and can often feel fuzzy in the mornings if I have had a heavy meal for dinner the night before. This bitter gourd stuff seems to have stopped that happening. Anyway, I figure it can't do any harm.
I will be growing it when I get back to WA next year, but I guess that doesn't help you now.
Check out Asian food shops. Got any Asian neighbours? Maybe backyard growers? Local weekend markets?
Woolworths in Bunbury had it in stock last time I checked (my sister in WA got some health probs, so I was checking it out for her), so I know it's in Australia.
i have spent some time serching for it in it fresh state but have never been able to find it.i even spent most of a day one time recently visiting health shops etc. looking for it's extract, also no luck there either. I have seen it on line so know it's available that way I but I am not willing to buy it like that, would much prefer it fresh really anyway. One local large chemist group some times promote it but never seem to have it in stock, maybe because it is sought after by heaps of people??
There seems to be different views on it preparation particularly regarding the seeds of the fruit. There also seems to be great claims made about its benefit particularly in requires to diabetes,which is why I have been looking for it also.
I have just about given up trying to find it actually. So for me it's lo carb and watching other people exercise
