Key Takeaways
- Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals.
- It is packed with vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, along with calcium, potassium, and zinc.
- Known for its bitter taste, it offers significant health benefits, including boosting immunity, aiding in diabetes management, and supporting liver health.
- This vegetable is a natural remedy for hair problems, digestive issues, and even certain types of cancer.
- Bitter melon juice and extracts are widely used for medicinal purposes.
Bitter is better!
If you are wondering about this quote, let you be made aware that we are going to talk about one of the most unique vegetable-fruit which is an edible part of the plant named Momordica Charantia from the Cucurbitaceae family and is believed to be the most bitter among all the vegetables and fruits. Yes! You guessed it right.
This current article will revolve around the facts of Bitter Melon or also called as Bitter Gourd which is either used as a food or also as a medicine for better health and better life.
The bitter taste is not very delectable but this humble vegetable is loaded with several nutrients. It has numerous minerals like calcium, potassium, zinc and phosphorous. It is loaded with vitamin A, B1, B2 and C and is also a good source of folates. Bitter Gourd has some amazing qualities which makes it very useful in curing and/or fighting several health problems.
What is Bitter Melon?
Scientifically known as Momordica Charantia, bitter melon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family (the same family as cucumbers and melons). It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and is commonly used in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines.
Nutritional Profile of Bitter Melon
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 17 kcal |
| Vitamin C | 84 mg |
| Vitamin A | 471 IU |
| Calcium | 19 mg |
| Potassium | 296 mg |
| Fiber | 2.6 g |
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, bitter melon is a nutritional powerhouse.
Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd
1. Increased Immunity
A healthy immune system is vital for fending off potential infections and diseases. Add this delicious and easily prepared Bitter Melon Stir-Fry for this added health benefit. Stop or prevent a cold instantly in its tracks while benefiting the digestive system. Prevent or curb food allergies, and get rid of yeast infections, naturally. An added bonus of bitter melon is relief of acid reflux and indigestion.
2. Reduces Hair Problems
You can call bitter gourd one stop solution for most hair problems. It is known to prevent hair fall and also helps fight dandruff. The application of bitter gourd juice to split ends or grey hair is found to help reduce both split ends as well as premature greying of hair. It is also known to control excess oil production and is also useful in reducing itchiness. Simple hair packs can be prepared by mixing bitter gourd with yogurt or banana which helps in keeping hair healthy.
3. Helps in Treating Diabetes
Primarily known as an excellent source for reducing the glucose level and beneficial in diabetic conditions; Bitter melon with its plant insulin or the Polypeptide-P is one of the best food suggested for patients with diabetes.
4. Natural Liver Detoxifier
It is a good liver detoxifier and hepatoprotective in nature helps in activating the liver enzymes like glutathione s-transferase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and etc to prevent from the toxicity.
5. Helps in Cancer Treatment
Bitter Melon or Bitter Gourd is beneficial for cancer because of the anti-cancer property exhibited by the bitter melon, it is known to be an effective source in reducing cancer growth. There have been many studies that suggest that this bitter gourd is beneficial to the cancer patients.
6. Digestive Problems
The high fiber content in bitter gourd makes it very useful in improves the bowel movement and gives relief from constipation. It also helps in the secretion of gastric juices which in turn helps in better digestion of food. Bitter gourd is very good in preventing stomach ulcers, acidity indigestion and also helps eliminate parasitic worms in the stomach.
7. Sweet Source for Women Health
“Bitter for the sweet!” Confused about the quote? Well coming straight on this, Bitter melon is considered to be one of the most crucial natural secrete to better women health. This melon with its bitter taste is known to be effective in treating menstrual disorders and also help in treating female genital tract issues. Apart from this, Bitter melon is also very much effective in creating milk in a lactating woman.
8. Helps to Reduce Kidney Stones
A kidney stone is an extremely painful medical condition. Bitter melon can be helpful in ridding the body of kidney stones through naturally breaking them down. Bitter melon reduces high acid that help produce painful kidney stones. Infuse bitter melon powder with water to create a healthful tea. This tea has a nutty flavor and, surprisingly, does not require sweetening.
9. Treats Cholera
Cholera is one of the deadliest disease which spreads like epidemic and harm people with different age group. Doctors might prescribe you certain medicines to overcome this situation. But, if you want to get out from this disease naturally, consuming bitter gourd juice will be ideal. You need to take two spoon of karela juice and combine it with equal quantity of white onion juice. You may also add a spoon of lime juice. You can now consume this solution daily till you are fit.
10. Remedy for Piles
The components in bitter gourd are found to be effective in treating piles. There are two ways in which it can be used in piles treatment. In the first method take two tablespoons of bitter gourd juice. Add to a glass of buttermilk. Mix well. Drink the mixture daily. In the second method take the root of bitter gourd. Add a little water. Blend it to a smooth paste. Apply this paste daily to the affected area.
11. Weight Loss
As is common with most plants, bitter melon is extremely low in calories and very filling. Lose, or maintain a healthy weight, with bitter melon. Prepare stuffed bitter melon to enjoy this benefit.The same properties that aid against Type II Diabetes also assist in health weigh loss and maintenance. The melon is very high in nutrients, which is another reason it’s so beneficial in weight loss.
12. Treats Blood Disorders
It is very good for treating the blood disorders such as blood boil, itching and etc caused due to the toxemia. Taking the bitter gourd juice and lime juice with empty stomach regularly helps in overcoming the problem of blood disorder.
13. Skin Infections
Bitter melon benefits in treating skin diseases or skin infections, eczema and psoriasis (13). The regular consumption of bitter gourd juice helps in improving psoriasis as well as other fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
14. Lower Cholesterol
Help lower dangerous cholesterol levels with bitter melon. Reducing cholesterol significantly reduces heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. The added benefit is that bitter melon is completely natural in working with the body to prevent these health risks. High cholesterol can only be diagnosed with a blood test. Try Bitter Melon Delight to reap the reward of this surprising health benefit.
15. Solves Hangover Problem
Today most of the people find pleasure in consuming alcohol. But, excess consumption of alcohol can even lead to handover. But, it is now possible to wash off your hang over with the bitter melon juice. The intoxication properties of bitter melon juice will be washed away with the karela juice. Your liver will be washed away which has caused problem due to alcoholic intoxication.
How to Include Bitter Melon in Your Diet
- Juice: Blend bitter melon with water and drink it fresh.
- Stir-fry: Cook it with onions, garlic, and spices.
- Tea: Steep dried bitter melon slices in hot water.
A Success Story
Jane, a 45-year-old diabetic patient, started consuming bitter melon juice daily. Within three months, her blood sugar levels stabilized, and she noticed increased energy levels.
Conclusion
While its bitterness may be off-putting at first, the health benefits of bitter melon are too powerful to ignore. Whether you’re looking to boost immunity, manage diabetes, or improve your skin, this humble vegetable has got you covered. So, embrace the bitterness—it’s worth it!
References:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Healthline
- WebMD
See Also:
Health Benefits of Guava | 15 Amazing & Surprising Facts
Health Benefits of Oats | 10 Amazing & Surprising Facts
Health Benefits of Mushrooms – 13 Amazing & Surprising Facts
12 Proven & Surprising Health Benefits of Avocado | Healthiest Fruit in World
15 Amazing & Proven Health Benefits of Onion | World’s Oldest Neurosurgeon
17 Proven & Surprising Health Benefits of Turmeric !
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