Top 13 Health benefits of bitter gourd
Hello All!!
Poor little bitter gourd or the karela(in Hindi) has a bad reputation due its bitterness. People generally don’t feel like including it in their diet. But do you know how good this popular Asian vegetable is for health? It has been particularly known to be good for diabetics.
1) Bitter gourd lowers the levels of blood glucose
Bitter gourd has been known to lower blood glucose levels in the blood. Unlike medicines that act on one target organ, bitter gourd is known to influence the glucose metabolism throughout the body.
2) It lowers dietary carb digestion
The metabolism of glucose begins in the gut. Carbs and sugar turn into glucose. Bitter gourd is known to reduce the quantity of glucose that is released into the blood. It is helpful in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients and also in preventing high blood sugar levels post meals.
3) It has blood purifying properties
Bitter gourd is known to be ideal for treating blood disorders such as blood boils and itching caused due to blood poisoning. Blood poisoning can happen because of toxic bacteria in the blood.
4) Helpful in treating piles
The juice extracted from bitter gourd is beneficial in treating piles. A mixture of the fresh juice of bitter gourd along with buttermilk needs to be consumed for one month for relief.
5) Prevents constipation
Constipation can be prevented with the help of cellulose which is a good source of fibre. Bitter gourd contains cellulose which is a good digestive agent and stimulates gastric juice secretion.
6) Helps in keeping you slim
Bitter gourd is known to encourage the liver in secreting bile juices that are essential for fat metabolism. Include bitter gourd in your diet if you want a perfectly slim figure!
7) Strengthens the immune system
Consuming a glass of bitter gourd juice is helpful in strengthening the immune system. It also increases the ability to fight infections.
8) Increases energy levels
If you happen to consume bitter gourd juice regularly, it will help in stimulating the levels of energy and stamina in the body. It is particularly helpful for those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.
9) Cures skin ailments
Bitter gourd is great for treating skin troubles and infections like eczema. It prevents blemishes and provides a glow to the skin. It is successful in healing pimples, burns and chapped skin. The juice of bitter gourd when consumed regularly can be helpful in curing psoriasis and other fungal infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot.
10) Helpful in treating a hangover
Bitter gourd is an antidote for intoxication due to alcohol. The juice is helpful in treating a hangover. It helps in nourishing, purifying and restoring the liver.
11) Helps in strengthening the eyesight
Bitter gourd juice has high levels of beta-carotene and is known to be the best drink that helps in alleviating eye disorders and strengthens eyesight.
12) Good for digestion
It is known to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices that helps the process of digestion. It also treats intestinal worms, diarrhea and constipation
13) Good for women
It is beneficial for the health of women in general.
Nutrition chart of cooked bitter gourd
Net carbs-2.32 g
Source: USDA
Nutrition chart of raw bitter gourd
Net carbs- 0.9 g
Source: USDA
Including bitter gourd in one’s low carb diet
As you can see in the table above, both raw and cooked bitter gourd have low amount of carbs. The net carbs in cooked bitter gourd is 2.32 g and in raw bitter gourd it is just 0.9 g. So it can be included in your low carb diet for weight loss.
There are a lot of Indian bitter gourd recipes and they would be a good alternative to the awfully bitter juice of bitter gourd!! 😛 You can have it pickled, and even as a chutney!
Did you find the Top 13 Health Benefits Of Bitter Gourd exciting?
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