Bitter melon is perhaps the most bitter of vegetables. A member of the squash family native to southern China, it is medium to light green in color, oblong and averaging 8 inches, tapering to a point. Easily recognized by its shiny, fleshy and peculiar warty-looking surface, irregular ridges and bumps run the length of the fruit. Bitter melon has been used as a folk remedy for tumors, asthma, skin infections, GI problems, and hypertension. Here are some of the uses: -It contains a high content of iron, which acts as a preventative medicine against many health conditions. -It also contains three steroidal saponins (alkaloids, charntin and natural insulin like peptides), which help patients suffering from diabetesto lower their blood sugar level. -It contain proteins which is helpful to suppress the AIDS virus. -Used to treat intestinal gas, measles and hepatitis -Usedto treat headaches, hypertension, fever and malaria. -The extract of this fruit also help to promote menstruation. It is also beneficial in the treatment of sores, eczema, large wounds and leprosy. -It has anti-cancerous properties, which work well against liver cancer, leukemia and melanoma.