Bitter Gourd Not Only Bitter but Better For Health Too

Bitter gourd - bitter but better

Sometimes referred as the secret vegetable of the Okinawan islander’s longevity, bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon in English and karela in Hindi. For ages it has been used in Ayurveda as a medicine to treat diabetes, tone the digestive system and boost the immunity.

It is unsavory on palates as it is bitter in taste. Its bitterness is generally attributed to the quinine it contains. It has been proved the best home remedy for the Type 2 Diabetes for it contains a chemical called charantin which reduces high blood glucose levels and also insulin-like compound known as polypeptide P which has been suggested as insulin replacement in some diabetic patients.

It was published -

“Scientists have uncovered the therapeutic properties of bitter melon, a vegetable and traditional Chinese medicine, that make it a powerful treatment for Type 2 diabetes.”
Science Daily (Mar. 27, 2008)

Bitter gourd for multiple diseases

Though not so many researches have been done on bitter gourd, all the studies done upon this have proved its medicinal properties to cure so many diseases.

Bitter melons are very low in calories and provide only 17 cal per 100g but full of precious nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber. And also it is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.

Cooked bitter gourd stimulates the appetite, cleanses the liver, purifies the blood, and provides many other benefits.

Blood: about 50-60 grams of bitter gourd juice mixed with 20-30 grams of lime juice, sipped daily on an empty stomach cures the blood related disorders easily. This should be continued for 4-6 moths.

Cholera: the concoction of two teaspoonfuls of bitter gourd juice, same proportion of white onion juice and a teaspoonful of lime juice, taken daily, is enough to cure the early stage of cholera.

Diabetes: around 50-60 grams of bitter gourd juice taken once a day helps a lot in the treatment of type – 2 diabetes.

Energy: daily intake of this vegetable in ample quantity has shown its best results in increasing energy level, boosting immune system and improving sleep disorder.

Eye problems: It is the finest vegetable to cure eye problems as it contains beta-carotene.

Hangover: Bitter gourd juice can be used to get rid of hangover as it has alcohol intoxication properties.

Liver Problems: It is also a very good in the treatment of liver related problems, so very helpful in curing jaundice too. Sipping two teaspoonfuls of the juice daily helps cleanse the liver.

Piles: Take three teaspoonfuls juice of bitter melon leaves and mix with a cup of buttermilk. Drink this everyday early in the morning on an empty stomach. Continue this for a month you will find good results in curing piles. For fast healing, use the paste of the roots of bitter melon plant and apply over the piles.

Skin problems: regular consumption of this bitter juice has also been known to improve psoriasis condition and other fungal infections like ring-worm and athletes feet.

Respiratory problems: take two ounces of fresh bitter melon juice and mix with a cup of honey diluted water. Drink daily to improve asthma, bronchitis and pharyngitis.

Bitter gourd juice is the best medicine for diabetics

Remember.

Anything in excess is harmful. So we suggest not to take more than two ounces (50-60 grams) of juice a day. And diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs should alter the dosage of their drugs to take the bitter melon juice. So better to consult your doctor first.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid this vegetable as it can cause miscarriages.

Soaking in salty water for half an hour before juicing makes it less bitter.

To make it palatable it can be taken with carrot juice, apple juice or honey.