Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or Momordica charantia, is a gourd said to offer a variety of benefits. Bitter melon may be consumed as a food, as a juice known as karela juice, or as a tea. Bitter melon is a member of the squash family, Cucurbitaceae. It is commonly known as balsam pear or karela and is widely cultivated in Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.Bitter gourd is low in calories, fat and carbohydrates. It keeps you full for longer and hence, it can easily fit in your weight loss plan.