advantages of eating Bitter Gourd
Health Benefits Of Bitter Gourd : Bitter gourd is a green-skinned vegetable with white to translucent flesh and a taste that fits its name. Unless you grew up with bitter gourd as part of your regular diet, it might take you a while to warm up to the bitter flavor.
Bitter gourd is also a vegetable of many names. It is equally known as bitter melon, bitter cucumber, balsam-pear, bitter apple, or bitter squash. This vegetable is also called karela in India, nigauri in Japan, goya in Okinawa, ampalaya in the Philippines, and ku-gua throughout China.
Bitter Gourd (Sour Gourd) Nutrition Value
Bitter gourd is low in calories but packed with vital nutrients, making it an excellent addition to your diet. It supports various bodily functions and helps maintain energy levels.
Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
Calories | 17 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3.7 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Fat | 0.2 g |
Fibre | 2.8 g |
Vitamin C | 84 mg (140% of RDA) |
Vitamin A | 471 IU |
Iron | 0.43 mg |
Potassium | 296 mg |
Magnesium | 17 mg |
Folate | 72 mcg |
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Health Benefits Of Bitter Gourd .
1. Boosts Immunity
Bitter gourd is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that protect your body against infections. It strengthens your immune system by reducing oxidative stress and fighting inflammation, helping you feel stronger and more resilient.
2. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels
One of the most recognised bitter gourd benefits is its ability to help regulate blood sugar. Compounds like charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p mimic insulin, making it potentially helpful for people managing diabetes. Regular consumption may improve glucose tolerance and reduce sugar spikes.
3. Diabetes management
Bitter gourd contains bioactive compounds called saponins and terpenoids. These compounds are responsible for the vegetable’s bitter taste, but may also play a role in lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The saponins and terpenoids in bitter gourd may help move glucose from the blood to the cells while also helping your liver and muscles better process and store glucose.
4. Supports Digestive Health
With its high fibre content, bitter gourd aids in digestion by preventing constipation and improving bowel movements. It stimulates gastric juices and improves your appetite, which is especially useful if you experience sluggish digestion.
5. Reduces Bad Cholesterol
Emerging studies suggest that bitter gourd may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. The presence of fibre, potassium, and iron in bitter gourd further supports cardiovascular health.
6. Enhances Eye Health
Being rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, bitter gourd contributes to maintaining healthy vision. It helps prevent eye-related disorders like cataracts and night blindness, especially in older adults.
7.Prevents Respiratory Conditions
If you frequently suffer from respiratory infections or asthma, bitter gourd might help. It’s been used in traditional medicine to manage coughs, bronchitis, and sinus issues. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties can ease symptoms and promote recovery.
8. May Help Prevent Cancer
Though more research is needed, some laboratory studies have shown that compounds in bitter gourd may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect cells from damage that leads to chronic diseases.
As you can see, bitter gourd benefits go beyond common home remedies. Whether you’re sipping it as karela juice or incorporating it into your meals, its therapeutic value is hard to ignore.
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