| According to the latest study, bitter melon extract is | | | | This study may provide us with one more agent as |
| said to block breast cancer causing cells in women. | | | | an extract that could be used against breast cancer |
| But how far this holds the truth is yet to be proven. | | | | if additional studies hold true. Although promising as |
| So, before we come to any conclusion, its better for | | | | an anti-cancer agent, trials in animals and then humans |
| us to know first, what is this bitter melon all about. | | | | are still needed." And there is no evidence that |
| Bitter melon or say, bitter gourd is the name of a | | | | sufficient consumption of bitter melon would offer |
| tropical fruit, found very commonly in India, China and | | | | any cancer protection, he said. |
| South America. This fruit is a rich source in vitamin C | | | | Jessica Harris of Cancer Research UK said: "Many |
| and flavanoids and well known for its potential to | | | | plant chemicals can kill cancer cells in the lab but very |
| fight against diabetes and blood-sugar. | | | | few end up as useful cancer drugs. It will take a lot |
| Since ancient times, bitter melon has been used as a | | | | more work and trials in people before we know if |
| natural medicine for diabetes and the good part of it | | | | this extract could benefit cancer patients or about |
| is that it has proven to be really effective. Normally, | | | | any unwanted side effects. |
| it is consumed in the form of juice and cooked as a | | | | Many cancer treatments have been developed from |
| vegetable in India. In Hindi language, it is also known | | | | plant chemicals, but only after years of thorough |
| as 'karela'. | | | | research. The most up-to-date, reliable evidence |
| But if we take the matter from another aspect, then | | | | shows that drinking less alcohol, being physically |
| there are some scientists who are quite reluctant to | | | | active and keeping a healthy weight can reduce the |
| claim the efficacy and safety of this tropical fruit. | | | | risk of breast cancer." |
| Study co-author Dr Rajesh Agarwal from the | | | | But despite all the researches, claims and doubts, one |
| University of Colorado, US, said: "Breast cancer is a | | | | thing that could be done is that the bitter melon |
| major killer among women around the world, and in | | | | extract could be used as a dietary supplement for |
| that perspective, results from this study are quite | | | | breast cancer sufferers to put an end to the |
| significant. | | | | recurrence of the disease. |