FlyerTalk Forums - Bitter Melons

Can't believe there is a thread about bitter melon --- but then I guess there is a thread about EVERYTHING on FT ;) I have never tried it that I know of and didn't know about it till a couple of days ago. I was randomly looking for threads (in OMNI) on 'blood sugar' and found this reply by someone

For instance, in households with diabetics, Bitter melon (Kerala) is often served at every meal time. Consuming bitter melon decreases blood sugar levels for two to four hours.

My husband is diabetic and this seems like something interesting to try. So, in So Cal, does anyone know where to look for bitter melon? We have a Henry's nearby (owned by Whole Foods), or the larger chains maybe (Ralphs/Vons)....?

Is anyone else familiar with the health benefits of bitter melon? In my research yesterday, I found this link about "A Vegetable Asians Love". In the article they don't mention diabetes, but do refer to other health benefits --

http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/features/bitterm.html

Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber. It is believed to be good for the liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.

Lastly, this newspaper article from Hawaii mentions it being beneficial to diabetics --

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/ar.../il/il04a.html

Bitter melon is a vegetable often used in Chinese, Filipino and South Asian dishes. Several substances in bitter melon have been studied in both animals and humans. Results suggest a possible blood-sugar lowering effect. However, this effect may occur only in those whose insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are still functioning to some degree.

So if anyone else has tried it for these purposes -- I'd love to hear about it :)