Like the mighty coconut, the ampalaya’s inherent healing properties have made it one of the most essential crops to grow in the 21st century. Photo courtesy of ampalaya.org Ampalaya (Momordica charantia Linn.) is classified by the Department of Health as Halamang Gamot to help maintain normal blood sugar. The regular intake of ampalaya (fresh, cooked, processed), combined with a low-fat, high-fiber diet is the first defense against diabetes; one of the lifestyle ailments suffered by many. Ampalaya contains lots of polypeptide B, a plant insulin, that opens up the cells in our system to absorb sugar in the bloodstream so it is converted to energy for the body. If the cells are not opened, sugar remains in the blood; thereby giving cause for diabetes to set in. Its anti-lipid properties combat not only sugar but fat as well. Cancer cells love the sugar in the blood because it is what [...]