Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Bitter Gourd
Introduction
Sometimes, the most beneficial veggies come in the most unpalatable packages and bitter gourd is one vegetable that we all love to hate. Also known as ‘bitter melon’, ‘balsam pear’, ‘karela’ or ‘Ampalaya’, bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a tropical vegetable that looks like a dark green cucumber with warts on it. The fruit has multiple uses in Ayurveda and natural healing.
Nutritional Value
Bitter gourd is an exceptionally rich source of precious nutrients like Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 and C, iron, potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, copper, magnesium, folate, phosphorus and potassium. It is low in calories and contains a high percentage of dietary fiber.
As a Blood Purifier
Juice from the bitter gourd fruit is known to eliminate toxins from the body and treat blood boils and itching caused by toxemia.
Due to its detoxifying properties, it is also helpful as a hangover busting tonic and when taken regularly, it can also help treat chronic alcoholism and reverse liver damage.
Bitter gourd enhances blood circulation and hence acts as a potent purgative. It is also effective against skin infections like scabies and ringworm.
As an Anti-Diabetic
The flavinoids and alkaloids present in bitter gourd stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.
The fruit also contains a certain plant insulin and charantins that have a hypoglycemic effect and have also proven to improve glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Juice of 2-3 fruits taken regularly in the mornings on an empty stomach can significantly control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.
As a Digestive
Bitter gourd is very helpful in relieving constipation and symptoms of indigestion.
It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and aids metabolic processes in the liver.
The leaves and roots of the plant are effective in the treatment and prevention of piles.
It has potent anti-parasitic properties and is helpful in treating an intestinal worm infestation.
A Word of Caution
Excessive consumption of bitter gourd (more than 4-5 fruits) can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Pregnant and lactating mothers may avoid eating too much of the fruit or may do so under medical supervision.
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