Bitter Gourd or Momordica charantia is not a very good-tasting fruit, but it does not lose on its part as far as health is concerned. Green warty vegetable has its use in ancient systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine systems. Bitter gourd is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and a natural healer that assists in digestion.
Key Takeaways
- Bitter gourd contains good quantities of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that provide overall health.
- It is an intrinsic one, which assists in control of blood sugar and weight loss.
- Constant consumption purifies the blood, enhances digestion and improves the skin and hair looks.
- Bitter gourd helps the heart and liver in addition to enhancing immunity.
- It is one of the most effective healing vegetables of nature, even bitter.
- Bitter gourd is abundant in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which are low in calories, which makes it an ideal vegetable to be healthy.
Natural Health Benefits
1.Assistance with the Management of Sugar in the Blood
One of the most popular benefits of bitter gourd is in regulation of blood sugar level. It contains charantin, vicine and polypeptide-p -compounds, which replicate the action of insulin and help to reduce the quantity of glucose per se.
Regularly taking bitter gourd juice or stir-fried karela may:
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Improve glucose tolerance
- Reduce insulin resistance
2.Promotes Healthy Digestion
Bitter gourd has high amounts of dietary fiber which is significant in maintaining a good digestive system. It stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and inhibits:
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Bloating
It is also bitter and this causes the liver to produce bile acids which are very essential in breaking down fats in the digestion process. Consumption of bitter gourd may help keep your digestive tract clean and functioning, by eating it in small portions on a regular basis.
3.Boosts Immunity
Vitamin C in bitter gourd is a strong antioxidant and this offers protection to your system. It protects the body against infections and helps the body to overcome detrimental free radicals.
Vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which alleviate the oxidative stress and enhance the overall immunity are also good sources of bitter gourd. These will help get rid of seasonal diseases in your body in a better way once taken on a regular basis.
4.Aids in Weight Loss
When you are in the mood of losing the extra kilos in a natural manner then the bitter gourd can be your secret weapon. It is also low-calorie and is high in fiber that enables you to stay longer without taking in more food and over eating.
Its compounds also activate enzymes that boost fat burning such that your body would burn more calories. During most of the traditional diets, the most popular dieting advice is the consumption of a glass of bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach in the morning.
5.Purifies the Blood
Bitter gourd is a natural purifier of blood. Its antioxidants are applicable in flushing out toxins in the blood stream that improves blood flow and healthy skin. This purification power of bitter gourd makes it very useful especially with those having acne, eczemas, and other skin related problems.
When your blood is clean the internal organs are more active and your skin even shines naturally out.
6.Enhances the Skin and Hair
The antimicrobial and antioxidant nature of bitter gourd is seen to keep the skin and hair clear. It prevents skin diseases, reduces acne and prevents acnes.
When it comes to hair, bitter gourd juice is said to possess the ability to minimize a dandruff patch, fortify hair follicles in addition to increasing hair. It has sufficient vitamin A and C that will keep your skin on the younger side by producing more collagen and retarding aging.
7.Promotes Heart Health
Bitter gourd has the ability of supporting cardiovascular health in many ways. It helps in decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). Further, it contains potassium that keeps blood pressure down.
Bitter gourd also is a good food to keep the heart healthy as it improves lipid metabolism and decreases oxidative stress thereby preventing heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
8.Detoxifies the Liver
Read also: Top 5 Amazing Benefits of Pomegranate
Your liver also cleans your body, bitter gourd is what your liver wants. The studies suggest that it helps to raise liver enzymes that contribute to the secretion of bile and better digestion of fats.
Liver diseases have also been prevented by bitter gourd such as jaundice, fatty liver and hepatitis. The fact that it is used to take the juice regularly can rejuvenate the liver in a natural manner.
9.Enhances Vision Health
Bitter gourd also contains vitamin A and beta-carotene that are significant nutrients in keeping good eyesight. These are the chemicals that can be used in the prevention of night blindness, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Another kind of food you should include in your weekly menu is bitter gourd which will in turn give you a sharper vision as you age.
10.Fights Cancer-Causing Cells
One of the most promising benefits of the gourd is the anti-cancer effects of bitter gourd. It has been studied to show that it has the potential of reducing proliferation of certain cancer cells – breast, prostate and colon cancer.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties allow the cells to fight mutations and oxidative stress. Though further research is needed, inclusion of bitter gourd in your meal is one such move towards prevention of cancer in a natural way.
How to Eat Bitter Gourd in Your Food
To make it palatable, you can make it easy in case you dislike its taste:
- To some lemon or honey add bitter gourd juice.
- In bitter gourd curry stuff with spices and onion.
- Bitter Gourd Chips is a good snack, a healthy one.
- To make it sweet one could cook it with the accompaniments without losing its nutrients.
Conclusion
Bitter gourd is not everyone’s favorite food but it does have some natural health benefits that are too powerful to be ignored. It is a super food with an all-around nutritional benefit since it is not only in charge of maintaining blood sugar levels, but also enhances immunity, boosts skin, and cleanses the body.
Bitter gourd in moderation may rejuvenate your sanity and body and make you a strong person within. It is a wake-up call to the fact that we must not forget that there are moments in our life when the bad things turn out to be the good things to us.
FAQ
How does bitter gourd juice affect us when taken each day?
The immune system will also increase and skin condition will be improved as well as sugar level will be controlled by taking bitter gourd juice in moderation every day. But having them in excess can lower the blood sugar too low or also cause a stomach ache so one should be careful.
Is bitter gourd a good food to lose weight?
Absolutely! Bitter gourd has no high amount of calories and is high in fiber. It suppresses the appetite, raises metabolism and prevents fat formation, thus it is great in weight management.
Is bitter gourd ok during pregnancy?
It would be better not to consume them in excess during pregnancy as bitter gourds can cause contractions in the womb. Do not consume it as a pregnancy diet without the advice of your medical practitioner.
Is it to be swallowed to eat bitter gourd raw?
Yes you may take it in its crude state in salads or in juices. However, it is sour and hence the majority of them prefer combining it with lemon, cucumber, or honey to soften it.
Does bitter gourd have any side effects from over-eating?
The excessive consumption can cause sore stomach, nausea or low blood sugar. Do not take too much juice wear 50-100 ml or 2-3 portions a week.