Bitter gourd or bitter melon is a magical vegetable giving a wide array of health benefits. Here are some of the significant benefits that the vegetable offers-
- Maintains blood sugar levels
Bittergourd is a great vegetable to consume for diabetic patients. It boosts insulin production and helps in reducing the high blood sugar levels. Also, it helps maintain blood sugar at an optimum level.
- Boosts immune system health
Bitter melon significantly increases body immunity. It prevents the invasion of viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens into your body. It comprises agents that aid positive gut bacteria growth. Further, this miraculous vegetable enhances gut health and improves immunity.
- Aids in weight loss
Rich in nutrients and fibre, the bitter melon juice has minimal calories. It also has abundant reserves of water and potentially helps you to manage weight.
- Manages cholesterol levels
As you know, not all cholesterol is bad, and bittergourd promotes good cholesterol production. The excellent management of cholesterol levels reduces the potency of cardiovascular diseases, thus preventing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Natural cleanser
The vegetable has abundant antioxidants and acts as a natural cleanser for the body. Containing Momordica Charantia, it prevents the risk of liver failure and improves the efficiency of enzymes in the liver by cleaning it thoroughly. Not just the liver, bitter melon also plays an incredible role in making skin smooth by cleansing it.
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Uses In Siddha:
Various Siddha-derived medications are prepared by integrating bitter melon. The diverse usage of the vegetable in Siddha includes diabetic management, curing digestive and respiratory problems, and in Siddha medications to increase body immunity. It is known to be effective in relieving menstrual cramps as well.
Tips And Guidelines On How To Use Bitter Gourd
Using bitter gourd is quite easy. You can have it as juice or fried vegetables. Also, you can eat it raw by removing seeds as a salad, but it can be quite unpleasant!
Want to try making a delicious dish with bitter gourd?
Check this Easy-To-Do Bitter Gourd recipe!
Bittergourd juice diluted with water can help you combat high blood sugar levels. You can use a maximum of two bitter gourds to make the juice.
Here are a few tips for you to reduce its bitterness and keep the health benefits intact as well-
- Add jaggery or honey to your juice and enjoy your morning detox.
- You can add a dash of lemon juice to minimise the bitter taste in cooked vegetables and juice.
Those who do not have access to fresh bittergourd can also opt for powder and use it as indicated in the package.
A Word Of Caution
The possible presence of saponin glucosides, alkaloid substances (quinine, morodicine), and resins might cause intolerance in a few while consuming bitter gourd. Symptoms include excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, reduced vision, and facial redness.
The toxicity of the vegetable may be reduced by soaking the gourds in salt water for about ten minutes before cooking.
Edited by Love4Wellness
