This green gourd may be
bitter in taste, but is packed with so many benefits, people who use it
swear by it. Whether it is diabetes or asthma,
the green bitter gourd has helped in many ways. Read on to know some of the
health benefits of this wonder gourd. Hope that makes you learn to relish it
beyond its bitter taste.
1.
Weight management: 100 g of the vegetable contains just about 20 calories, and is one
of the best low-calorie foods. Coupled with its other benefits (listed below),
this should find its way to anyone wanting to improve overall health.
2.
Diabetes: Karela has the chemical
polypeptide-P which is also known as plant insulin. It works as insulin and
helps in blood sugar control.
A glass of bitter gourd
juice is one of the most well-known and successful home remedies for
diabetics.
3.
Rich in folate: Bitter gourds are rich in foliates and one can get up to
20% of the recommended daily from about 100 g of this vegetable. Widely used in
menstruating women and pregnancy to prevent anemia and
blood iron levels. In pregnancy, it also helps reduce neural tube defects in
the developing baby.
4.
Loaded with antioxidants: Alpha and beta carotenes, xanthine’s, and lutein. All
these help in controlling the release of free radicals and reduce bodily
inflammation. This is the most important reason for the development of diseases
like diabetes, cancer, and premature ageing. Therefore, bitter gourd helps
in preventing and/or prolonging the onset of these diseases. Another
independent antioxidant is vitamin C, and about 100 g of karela provides more than
100% of daily required dose.
5.
Good for digestion: Bitter
gourd is widely used for its digestive properties. It improves mobility,
relieves constipation, and reduces problems of indigestion.
6.
Good for respiratory system: Respiratory benefits of bitter gourd include clearing up
of sputum, improving breathing, and relief from cough. Widely used in
asthma patients.
7.
Blood purifier: It is an excellent blood purifier and
juice consumed in the morning is one of the best ways to detox the body.
Though still to
be proven, karela is known to help HIV/AIDS patients, as they contain
phytochemicals, which improve immunity and reduce
overall infection and inflammation in the body
Methods of Use:
1.
Both the leaves
and the bitter gourd per se can be consumed for their health benefits
2.
The juice is
the most beneficial method, though it might take you some time to acquire this
taste. Whether it is for weight
loss or diabetes,
this offers the best medicinal value
3.
Curries are
usually prepared with karela in different styles depending on cooking
preferences in that area
4.
It can also be
baked, boiled, and fried.
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