Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd
- Due to its hypoglycemic action, bitter gourd makes an
excellent remedy for diabetes. The insulin-like peptides, alkaloids, and
charantin combine to lower blood and urine sugar levels without
increasing blood insulin levels. - The blood purifying properties of bitter gourd deem it to be
an ideal treatment for blood disorders like blood boils and
itching due to blood poisoning caused by bacterial toxic substances in
the blood. - Fresh juice extracted from bitter gourd is beneficial for
people suffering from piles. All you need to do is prepare a mixture
of bitter gourd juice and buttermilk and have it every morning for
about a month. - Cellulose is a good source of fiber which helps in
preventing constipation. Bitter gourd contains cellulose that acts as a
great digestive agent and helps in stimulating the secretion of
gastric juices. This, in turn, helps people suffering from
dyspepsia. - Bitter gourd encourages the liver to secrete more bile
juices which are necessary for the metabolism of fats. Hence, if you
are yearning for a perfect, slim figure, include loads of bitter
gourd in your diet. - Researches indicate that a glass of bitter gourd juice
strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s power to
fight against infections. Besides, it also improves the immunity of cell
functioning in people suffering from cancer. - Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice is known to
stimulate the energy and stamina levels in the body, especially in
people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. - Bitter gourd is a known remedy for curing various skin
diseases and skin infections, such as eczema. Not only it avoids the
skin from developing blemishes, it also improves the glow and texture
of the skin, ensuring that you do not develop any acne. It has
also been acknowledged for successfully healing skin eruptions,
chapped skin, burns, and hemorrhoids. - Consuming bitter gourd juice on a regular basis aids in
improving the condition of psoriasis and other infections of fungus,
such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. - Bitter gourd acts as an antidote for alcohol intoxication
and promotes purification, restoration, and nourishment of the
liver. The juice, in particular, is beneficial for treating a bad
hangover. - With high levels of beta-carotene and other beneficial
compounds, bitter gourd juice is regarded as the best drink for
alleviating eye disorders and strengthening eyesight. Further, it is
recommended by herbalists for normalizing restless sleeping patterns. - Diluting 2 ounces of bitter gourd juice with honey and water
helps in fighting and improving pharyngitis, bronchitis, and
asthma. - By cleansing the blood and body from harmful toxins, bitter
gourd helps in getting rid of jaundice, due to its highly
beneficial properties. - By stimulating the secretion of gastric juices properly,
bitter gourd helps in enhancing the digestion process. To add on,
it is used for treating intestinal worms, constipation, and diarrhea. - Bitter gourd is considered beneficial for the overall health
of women. Not only it helps in treating menstrual disorders and
female genital tract related problems, it assists in secreting milk
during the lactation phase after pregnancy.
Bitter Gourd Nutrition Facts
Amount: 1 cup
Total Weight: 93 g
Amount: 1 cup
Total Weight: 93 g
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Basic Components | |
| Proteins | 930 mg |
| Water | 87.4 g |
| Ash | 1 g |
| Fats | 158 mg |
| Calories | |
| Total Calories | 16 |
| Calories From Carbohydrate | 12 |
| Calories From Fat | 1.3 |
| Calories From Protein | 2.3 |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A | 438 IU |
| Vitamin C | 78 mg |
| Thiamin | 37 mcg |
| Riboflavin | 37 mcg |
| Niacin | 372 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 40 mcg |
| Folate | 67 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 197 mcg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 18 mg |
| Iron | 400 mcg |
| Magnesium | 16 mg |
| Phosphorus | 29 mg |
| Potassium | 275 mg |
| Sodium | 4.7 mg |
| Zinc | 744 mcg |
| Copper | 32 mcg |
| Manganese | 83 mcg |
| Selenium | 0.19 mcg |
How many calories in bitter gourd (per 100 gm)
Bitter gourd has about 17 calories per 100 gm of weight.
How to Buy Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd has about 17 calories per 100 gm of weight.
How to Buy Bitter Gourd
- Select bitter gourds that are unripe and fir as the ripened
ones are extremely very bitter. Young and immature bitter gourds
can be used for cooking due to their bright green skin, white
flesh and small and tender seeds. - Avoid buying bitter gourds that have soft spots or have
turned orange. This indicates overripe and mushy vegetables that
can often split into segments that curl back, exposing the seeds
covered in bright red.
Bitter Gourd Storage Tips
- Wash the bitter melons in running cold water, once you bring
them home. Dry them gently on paper towels and place them in a
perforated plastic or paper bag. - When stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator at 50F, bitter gourds last for 3-5 days longer.
- Storing bitter gourds at room temperature or with other fruits and
vegetables can increase the speed of the ripening process, making them
bitter.