Bitter gourd is also referred to as bitter melon or Momordica charantia. It is a tropical vine that belongs to the gourd family. Usually, a mature bitter gourd tastes sharp and bitter, which is why many people dislike it. However bitter gourd offers a range of health benefits. It is loaded with several vitamins, minerals, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Drinking the bitter gourd juice regularly is said to help manage diabetes.
Nutritional Value of Bitter Gourd
- Bitter gourd is low in calories
- It contains antioxidants, zinc
- Bitter gourd is rich in vitamins A and C
- Vitamin C is an important micronutrient that helps involved in bone formation, disease prevention, and wound healing
- While vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes skin health and proper vision
- Bitter gourd is a good source of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and catechin
Health Benefits Of Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd pulp, skin, seeds, and leaves are good for the health. Here are some benefits of bitter melon and its extract.
1. Reduce Blood Sugar
Bitter gourd is known for its medicinal properties. As per research found it is been said that it has a role in blood sugar control. Bitter gourd significantly decreased levels of fructosamine. It is a short-term marker of long-term blood sugar control. Bitter gourd helps to improve the way that sugar is used in your tissues. It also promotes the secretion of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. A diabetic person consuming 2,000 mg of bitter gourd daily decreased hemoglobin A1c and blood sugar.
2. Fights Infections and Boosts Immunity
Bitter Gourd is a rich source of antioxidants that fights the effect of free radicals on the body. Its juice is good if drunk during winter as it can keep away cough, cold, and flu. Bitter Gourd boosts overall immunity. This is the major reason for considering bitter gourd against fighting tumors and malignant growths.
3. Enhances Liver Function
Bitter gourd is known as a great detoxifying agent. It helps to cleanse the liver. Bitter gourd aid digestion to stimulate metabolism and fat loss. It boosts the enzymes therein and also improves gut health. Bitter gourd helps to improve overall digestive health.
4. Decrease Cholesterol Levels
Bitter Gourd juice is anti-inflammatory in nature, that helps to lower LDL cholesterol. Bitter Gourd is excellent for your heart because it prevents plaque buildup in your arteries and prevents heart attack risk. It is rich in iron, potassium, and calcium. That strengthens the heart and immunity over time.
5. Great for Eyesight
Vitamin A benefits the eyes in many ways. As bitter gourd is loaded with vitamin A. Continous intake of bitter gourd helps improve your eyesight. It reduces dark circles and delays eye diseases. If you want good vision with beautiful eyes to match, bitter gourd is what you should consume.
6. Cools Down the Body
Bitter Gourd is composed of 90% water. It is rich in fiber. Helps in keeping it hydrated and also cools down the body. Bitter Gourd is known for keeping the digestive system working smoothly and efficiently. It helps the body in flushing out toxins and keeping the skin radiant and hair healthy.
7. Heals Wounds
Consuming bitter gourd regularly helps to control the blood flow. The amazing part of bitter gourd is that it helps blood clot faster which as a result help in healing the wounds in a better manner. There are also fewer chances of infection.