The most abundant herbal vegetable in the Philippines is Momordica Charantia or locally known as ampalaya. Many companies have also made capsulated or tea-based herbal supplements from this because it has been known to increase the production of beta cells in the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin and lowers blood sugar. Though the taste is bitter, this vegetable has been commonly eaten as a health food for diabetics.

Ampalaya also augments body detoxification (including the removal of nicotine), strengthens the immune system and regulates fertility. The presence of momordicin attributes to the bitter taste of ampalaya. According to most researcher, the bitterness of this vegetable is proportionate to it potency. Therefore, the bitter the better!