Natural Wonders: Bitter gourd

By mDhil Editorial Team

 

We are all aware that good health comes at a price and in some cases at a slightly ‘bitter’ price. Yes, we are talking about the ‘universally’ disliked fruit – the bitter gourd!

 

But today we’ll tell you the not so bitter truth about the bitter gourd which can actually sweeten your health as it is loaded with vitamins and nutrients. And yes, we said fruit, because, bitter gourd actually belongs to the family of fruits and is considered the most bitter of all fruits.

 

Health benefits of bitter gourd

 

This oblong, warty faced fruit, packed with anti-malarial and anti-cancer properties, is also said to aid in controlling diabetes.

 

Bitter gourd facilitates weight loss, as it is very low in calories, providing just around 17 calories per 100 grams. Make sure you don’t eat the seeds, but the pods are full of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.

 

Bitter gourd has been extensively used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes as it contains phyto-nutrient and polypeptide-P, a plant insulin which is known to lower blood sugar levels.

 

The fresh pods of bitter gourd are a rich source of folate and it helps in reducing the occurrence of neural tube defects in newborn babies.

 

Bitter gourd is low in sodium and carbohydrates and is an excellent source of vitamin C, A, thiamin, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and manganese.

 

It is also packed with beta carotene which helps in maintaining and improving your eyesight.

 

Bitter gourd has medicinal properties and is used in treating early stages of cholera – mix two tablespoons of bitter gourd juice with equal proportions of onion and lime juice and have it.

 

Bitter gourd is also used in treating piles. Try this – Add two tablespoons of bitter gourd juice to a glass of buttermilk and have it thrice a day. You will soon notice the difference.

 

Make sure you eat bitter gourd at least twice a week. It is known to help in preventing skin conditions such as psoriasis and fungal infections like ringworm.

 

This rough, edgy fruit/vegetable also helps in lowering cholesterol, combat kidney stones and measles.

 

The anthelmintic compounds in bitter gourd can be used in treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and also kill parasitic worms in our body.

 

Bitter gourd seeds can protect you from heart irregularities as it has properties to burn the unnecessary fats that clog your arteries and veins. The seeds are easier on the palate when compared to the fruit and the leaves as they do not have the bitter taste.

 

Do not overdo

Now that you know that the ‘bitter’ fruit has sweet benefits, go ahead and make it a part of your daily diet. However, make sure you don’t take it in excess. Too much of anything can cause trouble in your body system and too much bitter gourd/juice can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea. People suffering from low blood sugar should not take this as the bitter gourd juice or the fruit itself is said to trigger low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. In addition, if you are a diabetic and are on medication, please consult your doctor before you begin taking it in high doses.

 

 

Source: Natural Wonders: Bitter gourd