New research has shown that Bitter Melon may slow or stop Breast Cancer.

Laboratory tests have shown that Bitter Melon extract kills breast cancer cells, but does not harm normal cells. The research was performed by a team at Saint Louis University led by professor Ratna Ray.

According to their paper, published online Feburary 23rd in the Journal "Cancer Research", Bitter Melon extract significantly slows the growth of breast cancer cells, and induces Apoptosis (programmed death of abnormal cells, something which cancer avoids so that it can keep growing.) It appears to do this by preventing cancer cells from making certain substances that abnormally allow them to avoid Apoptosis. Without this defense, cancer cells basically commit suicide.

Further work is needed, including clinical trials, before we can say with confidence that Bitter Melon supplements are effective against cancer in the "real world." For one thing, it is necessary to verify that the anti-cancer substance(s) is actually present in all Bitter Melons, or just the particular sample they used (not all Bitter Melon strains are equally effective against Diabetes, for example.) Also, they do not yet know how well this substance is absorbed by the body when eaten, if it is deactivated by the digestive system or liver, and if it can be delivered by the blood to the cancer cells.

And, assuming that all of these questions are answered, studies would be needed to determine what the dosage should be for maximum cancer fighting and prevention.

However, this is still very encouraging news. We already know that Bitter Melon is safe to eat, that it is good for your health and relatively inexpensive.

Therefore, if you are concerned about cancer, it can't hurt to add Bitter Melon to you diet. My wife and I drink Bitter Melon tea nearly every day, and I honestly enjoy the taste.