Bitter Melon, commonly known as Bitter Gourd or Karela in Hindi may not be a favourite of one and all, but this wonder veggie offers incredible health benefits. Just ignore that slight bitter taste it may leave on your tongue, and relish the bountiful of antioxidants and nutrients, the Karela has to offer.

Bitter Gourd controls diabetes, boosts immune system and is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. 

 Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd

1. Controls Diabetes

The presence of significant levels of charntin (peptides that resemble insulin) and alkaloids in Bitter Gourd function as a vital ingredient in managing diabetes. It tames down the sudden spike in blood sugar levels besides regulating metabolism. It acts as a potent hypoglycaemic agent and rich in soluble fiber, making it an ideal choice of vegetable for diabetics.

2. Blood Purifier

The strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Bitter Gourd aids in purification of the blood, that helps in promoting skin health. Bitter gourd is also efficient in curing various skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

3. Boosts Immunity

Bitter Gourd is a powerhouse of antioxidants and it helps in fighting several infections in the body. These antioxidants scout the body for free radicals and other dangerous compounds released during metabolism and destroy them preventing from causing any illness.

Adding Bitter Gourd in your diet enhances your chances of fighting against various diseases, including heart disease, kidney damage and liver problem.

4. Improves Respiratory Health

Numerous studies prove that Bitter Gourd provides relief from respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and rhinitis. It’s anti-histamine, suppressant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and anti-viral properties make it a perfect booster for respiratory health.

5. Hemorrhoid Relief

The strong anti-inflammatory properties in Bitter Gourd make it a good lotion for the painful condition of piles. A paste made from the root of the Bitter Gourd plant can be applied externally to reduce the inflammation, relieve pain and bleeding. Further on, drinking Bitter Gourd juice provides instant relief from hemorrhoids.

6. Promotes Skin Health

Regular intake of Bitter Gourd helps in maintaining skin radiance and free from blemishes. The blood purifying properties of Bitter Gourd prevent acne and treats skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and other skin infections.

Additional Benefits:

Protects Cells Against Damage

Bitter gourd is a good source of gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid. All these powerful antioxidants help to protect the body cells against various damages.

Promotes Eye And Bone Health

An extremely high source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, zinc and potassium, bitter gourd helps disease prevention, bone formation, heals long term wounds and augments eye vision.

Augments Liver Health

Bitter gourd is a detoxifying agent which makes it quite beneficial for the liver. By cleansing the gastrointestinal tract of body, gut health and overall digestive system is greatly benefitted.

Treats Urinary Tract Infections

Diuretic in nature, bitter gourd increases urinating frequency. Through urine, body flushes bad bacteria and toxins that reduces potential risks of urinary tract infections. 

Keeps Body Hydrated

Ninety percent of bitter gourd is water. Water helps the body stay hydrated, keeps every body part cool and free of toxins which enhances overall health.

Bitter Gourd Nutrition

Bitter gourd is an impressive source of vital nutrition that delivers umpteen health incentives for the system. It is low in calories and high in dietary fibre providing 8% of daily needs in a serving that regulates diabetes and promotes the digestion process.

Nutrition in 100 grams of raw bitter gourd

Calories: 21

Carbs: 4 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Vitamin C: 99% of the Daily Value (DV)

Vitamin A: 44% of the DV

Folate: 17% of the DV

Potassium: 8% of the DV

Zinc: 5% of the DV

Iron: 4% of the DV

*As per the USDA

Bitter gourd packs ample amounts of vitamin C, a vital micronutrient that shields the system from diseases, promote bone formation and speeds up wound healing. It’s also abundant in vitamin A which augments skin health and promotes good eyesight.

Rich in folate bitter gourd aids in proper growth and development, as well as it contains fair amounts of potassium, zinc and iron.

Bitter gourd is endowed with a storehouse of antioxidants such as catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid that can help safeguard the cells from free radical damage and lower the risk of chronic disease.

 
Tips to cook Bitter Gourd:

If you don’t like the super bitterness of the Bitter Gourd, cut into pieces, soak it in thick tamarind water. Cook further adding the same tamarind-soaked water for that bitter and tangy taste.