Incredible Health Benefits of Eating Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is a green vegetable with white to transparent flesh and a distinct flavour. Though popular, it is primarily consumed in Asia. Bitter gourd is rich in vitamins and minerals and has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.

Seven Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd

Here are the top seven benefits of eating bitter gourd and how it helps us improve our health.

Nutritional Benefits

Bitter melon is low in calories but high in fibre, essential minerals and antioxidants. It contains:

These nutrients are essential for healthy teeth, bones, blood cells, the immune system, muscles, nerves and the brain. One fresh bitter gourd has 21 calories, 1 gram of protein and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Cancer Fighting Properties

Research shows that bitter melon extract can kill cancer cells in lab tests, including those from the stomach, colon, lung and nasopharynx. It also inhibits the growth of specific breast cancer cells.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Bitter melon helps manage blood sugar by slowing digestion and reducing glucose absorption. It contains polypeptide-P, which acts like insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes.

Preventing Anemia

Bitter melon is rich in iron and folate (vitamin B9), which help prevent anemia by aiding in red blood cell formation.

Liver and Detox Benefits

Bitter gourd helps purify the liver and detoxify the body. It also supports bowel and bladder health, controls blood flow, reduces infections and promotes faster wound healing.

Skin and Hair Health

The high vitamin A and C content in bitter gourd helps treat skin issues and ageing and prevents split ends, dandruff, and hair loss. Drinking karela juice regularly can build skin protective layers and avoid UV damage.

Immune System Boost

Bitter gourd strengthens the immune system, protects against indigestion, and prevents allergic reactions. It is a blood purifier with high antioxidants, helping treat illnesses associated with tainted blood. Due to its anti-histamine, suppressant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and anti-viral properties, it also helps with respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and rhinitis.

Uses of Bitter Gourd

The users of bitter gourds depend on how we use them. A few users of bitter gourd are;

Culinary Uses

Bitter gourd is used in various dishes, such as stir-fries, soups and curries. Its bitter flavour can enhance a wide range of ingredients.

Medicinal Uses

Bitter gourd extract and juice are used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues and skin problems. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties make it an effective natural remedy.

Beauty Uses

Bitter gourd juice can be applied to the skin to treat issues and promote hair health. Its high vitamin content helps maintain healthy skin and hair, preventing problems like ageing, dandruff, and hair loss.

Recommended Consumption

For best results, drink bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach before breakfast to help manage blood sugar levels and promote overall health.

Bitter Gourd Disadvantages

Bitter gourd, despite its numerous benefits, does come with some drawbacks:

It is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, before adding bitter gourd to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions