Fantastic Facts About Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd also known as Bitter melon or Bitter squash belongs to the same family as squash, cantaloupe and cucumbers. Widely grown in Asia, Africa and the Carribean, the plant is known for its bitter tasting fruit commonly mistaken as a vegetable.

Here are some amazing facts about this fruit that may prove of use to you.

DIABETES

Bitter gourd is loaded with Polypeptide-p or insulin p which is an insulin like compound. This compound has shown to improve blood sugar control in people with type2 diabetes and has been found incredibly beneficial in people with type 1 diabetes. Bitter gourd improves glycemic control and increases the uptake of glucose.

People already taking hypoglycaemic drugs should consume this fruit after consulting a doctor.

AGING

Bitter gourd provides a heaping amount of Vitamin C which is an antioxidant vitamin. 100g of bitter gourd provides you with 140% of daily value. Vitamin C boosts the production of collagen and fights free radicals which cause symptoms of premature aging like wrinkles, blemishes etc.

ANEMIA

Being a good source of folate, bitter gourd can be helpful in promoting the production of redblood cellsĀ  and preventing anemia.

Anemia in pregnant women can result in neural tube defects in newborn babies.

WEIGHTLOSS

Bitter gourd is remarkably lower in calories. On the plus side, it is a good source of fiber which gives the feeling of being full and prevent overeating. Both of these qualities of bitter gourd are helpful in people trying to shed some pounds.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Being affluent in vitamin C, bitter gourd boosts the immune system and increases our ability to fight infections and viruses.

Vitamin C also aids in relieving symptoms of cough and cold by increasing the production of WBC’s.

HANGOVER

Bitter gourd juice can serve as an excellent hangover cure. The efficient detoxifying properties of bitter gourd flush out the toxins from your system.

The antioxidant action of bittergourd can protect against liver failure by strengthening the enzymatic activity.

IMPROVES EYESIGHT

Being a rich source of vitamin A, bitter gourd provides protection against various age related diseases of the eye such as macular degeneration and cataract. Deficiency of vitamin A can result in poor vision in the night.

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