Whether you call it bitter gourd, bitter melon, bitter cucumber or karela, there is one thing to know for sure about this underrated vegetable: you must be eating more of it. Don’t let its bitter taste deter you as bitter gourd has a plethora of benefits. Bitter gourd is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Filled with folate and fibre, and low in fat and sodium, these greens are a nutritional powerhouse!

It Helps Control Diabetes

In traditional Chinese medicine, bitter gourd is frequently used for diabetes. The main components of bitter gourd that are attributed to the anti-diabetic effects are chantarin, polypeptide-p, and vicine. When ingested, these chemicals act somewhat similarly to insulin. They help the body absorb blood sugar into cells and store it in muscle and fat.

It Is a Digestive Magic

The medicinal properties of bitter gourd are not just limited to diabetes. Eating bitter gourd activates taste buds that simultaneously stimulate enzyme production and bile flow, which in turn promotes digestion. The better your food is digested, the more nutrients you will absorb from your food. The high fibre content in bitter gourd also helps eliminate waste through the digestive tract. Plus, the vegetable has anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagen properties that can help treat gastrointestinal disorders, kidney stones and liver disease. Here are some monsoon diet tips from Ayurveda. 

It Works Wonders For Weight Loss

Since it is a low-calorie and high-fibre food, it is ideal for weight loss. Plus, it’s also suggested that consuming bitter gourd may reduce food cravings and thus help in weight management.

It Is the Secret to Glowing Skin

If you want glowing skin, look no further than bitter gourd. It contains powerful antioxidant agents along with vitamin A and vitamin C which prevent premature ageing and diminish wrinkles. Further, eating bitter gourd can also prevent premature ageing of the skin and diminish wrinkles. Here's how you can use carom seeds for acne-free glowing skin. 

It Bolsters  Immunity

Bitter gourd fights viruses and strengthens your immunity. It contains antioxidants that act as powerful defence mechanisms. A study published in the Pharmaceutical Research Journal suggests that bitter-melon has anti-carcinogen and anti-tumour properties that were found to reduce the chances of prostate, breast and cervical cancer.

The list of benefits of bitter gourd simply doesn’t seem to end. It promotes a strong nervous system (folate), healthy blood clotting (vitamin K) and contains phytonutrients shown to support eye health. So get cooking!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 05, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).