The bitter gourd (Bitter melon) is one of the healthiest vegetables. It has a high concentration of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, which have beneficial effects on several diseases. Bitter gourd can be used as a vegetable or juice. Regular consumption of bitter gourd has a lot of healthy benefits.
Momordica charantia is the scientific name for the bitter gourd, which belongs to the Cucurbit family. The gourd is native to Asia and Africa and is now widely distributed throughout the world. The largest producers of bitter gourds are China and India. Bitter gourds have many types and huge differences in shape and bitterness. It has many names, such as bitter melon, goya (Japanese), karela (Urdu and Hindi), and cerasee (south America), and is the most bitter among all fruits. Bitter gourd is an annual to perennial spreading herb 2-3 inches long. It can be either hairless or slightly hairy. The color ranges from light to dark yellowish and they are oblong in shape. The internal side of the fruit is creamy white and firm. When the fruit is ripened, it becomes tougher and more bitter.
Nutrients
Bitter gourd (Bitter melon) is rich in vitamins and minerals, which have many beneficial effects on health. One fresh bitter gourd contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 21
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium.
| What is the best way to grow bitter gourds? |
Healthy benefits of bitter gourds or bitter gourd juice
Bitter gourd (Bitter melon) is bitter in taste but very beneficial for human health. It has many antioxidant compounds that fight against several diseases and strengthen your immune system.
May lower blood sugar levels
Bitter Gourds are used for diabetics all over the world. Studies show that people who suffer from diabetes find that eating 2000 mg of bitter gourd daily for 1 month can lower blood sugar levels. In addition, bitter gourd promotes the secretion of insulin. Insulin is the hormone, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
Prevent cancer
Bitter gourd contains cancer-fighting properties that prevent cancer. Another study shows that bitter gourd stops the growth of cancer cells. You must use it in your diet for the blocking of cancer cells.
May lower cholesterol levels
A high level of cholesterol can cause heart disease. It can cause plaque in the arteries. As a result, the risk of heart problems may increase. Some studies show that bitter gourd and its juice have very beneficial effects on heart disease. If you want to get rid of heart problems, include them in your diet.
It may reduce constipation
Bitter gourd is good for digestion. It is full of fiber that helps in bowel movement and prevents constipation. Further studies show that bitter gourds also help with stomach health.
Help as a weight management plan
Bitter gourd is a good addition to a diet for weight loss. It is low in calories but rich in fiber. It may help with fat-burning and weight loss.
Detoxifying liver
Bitter gourd contains an antioxidant compound that may help in detoxifying the liver.
It may help as a blood purifier
Bitter gourd has a high antioxidant content that helps with blood-related problems and acts as a blood purifier. Bitter gourd also helps improve blood circulation.
It may reduce insomnia
Regularly consuming bitter gourd may help to increase sleep quality and may reduce the risk of insomnia. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder.
It improves eyes sight
Bitter gourd contains a high amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Regular consumption of bitter gourd or its juice may improve eyesight and help in alleviating eye problems.
Fantastic for skin and hair
The bitter gourd or its juice has very beneficial effects on the skin. It contains a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamins like vitamins A and C, which may reduce aging and acne. If you are experiencing some skin problems like acne, aging, blackheads, itching, etc., then you must include it in your diet.
Side effects of bitter gourd
Bitter gourd (Bitter melon) is one of the healthiest vegetables and has a lot of nutrients added to your diet, but the high amount of bitter gourd may cause several adverse effects on your health.
- A high amount of bitter gourd may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
- Some studies show that, Avoiding eating bitter gourd during pregnancy stage because it can be harmful to the health of the mother and baby.
FAQ
What is bitter gourd good for?
Bitter gourd (Bitter melon) is good for your hair and skin and improves your eyesight. It has many antioxidant compounds that fight against several diseases and strengthen your immune system.
Why is bitter gourd bitter?
Due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as saponins and terpenoids. Both of these are responsible for the bitter taste but they are good for diabetic people.
What happens if you eat bitter gourd every day?
If you are eating in moderation they are good for your hair, skin, and eyesight. It has many antioxidant compounds that fight against several diseases and strengthen your immune system.
