Bitter melon (Bitter Gourd) 8 Proven Health Benefits & Nutrition facts

Bitter melon is a fruit in the gourd family with a unique appearance and flavor. It’s not only rich in several important nutrients but also linked to numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and cholesterol levels. 

Bitter melon — also known as bitter gourd and it is closely related to zucchini, squash, pumpkin, and cucumber. It’s cultivated around the world for its edible fruit, which is considered a staple in many types of Asian cuisine. 

The Chinese variety is typically long, pale green, and covered with wart-like bumps. On the other hand, the Indian variety is more narrow and has pointed ends with rough, jagged spikes on the rind. 

In addition to its sharp flavor and distinct appearance, bitter melon has been associated with several impressive health benefits. People use bitter melon for diabetes, stomach, intestinal problems, to promote menstruation and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. 

Bitter gourd is of previous world origin and could be a native of tropical Asia, significantly within the Indo Asian nation region. it's wide fully grown in Bharat, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and tropical Africa. 

Bitter melon has been employed in varied Asian and African flavorer drug systems for a protracted time. In Turkey, it's been used as a folks remedy for a spread of ailments, significantly abdomen complaints. In ancient drugs of Bharat, totally different elements of the plant square measure used as claimed treatments for polygenic disease and as a stomachal, laxative, antibilious, emetic, anthelmintic agent, for the treatment of cough, metabolic process diseases, skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, gout, and rheumatism. 

Bitter gourd could be a heat season crop with wide ability. the best temperature for its growth and flowering is 25-30o C. Crop is fully grown even in places of slightly lower temperature and high rain areas. Production of feminine flowers, fruit set and growth of plant square measure seen affected higher than 35o C and can be prone to infectious agent infections. 

As seeds have a tough testa, germination is affected below 10o C. Well-drained and fertile sandy dirt or silt dirt is right for the crop. Season within the hills, the crop is planted throughout April-May. In plains wherever the season is early, bitter gourd is planted throughout January-March in states like Rajasthan and state. In states wherever winter is late and prolonged, sowing is finished in February-March. In areas wherever winter is gentle, the crop is planted throughout the year. In Kerala, once bitter gourd is fully grown in associate degree intensive means, sowing is finished throughout January-February for the summer crop, May-June for Kharif crop and Gregorian calendar month for rabi crop. 

Bitter melon comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The cultivar common in China is 20–30 cm long, oblong with bluntly tapering ends and pale green in color, with a gently undulating, warty surface.

Bitter gourd fights viruses and bacteria and strengthens your immunity additionally it prevents allergies and upset stomach.

The antioxidants work as powerful defense mechanisms against ill health and additionally facilitate fight free-radical injury which will cause varied kinds of cancer. 

One of Lab study on bitter melon extract showed good results at killing the stomach, colon, lung, and nasopharynx's cancer cells.

Bitter melon may affect cancer growth and development in humans when consumed in normal amounts found in food.

MAIN THING: Bitter-melon has anti-carcinogen and anti-tumor properties and It reduced the danger of prostate, breast and cervical cancer.

Bitter melon has long been used by indigenous populations around the world to help treat diabetes-related conditions.

In recent years, several studies confirmed the fruit’s role in blood sugar control. The supplement significantly decreased levels of fructosamine, marker of long-term blood sugar control. 

Bitter melon is thought to improve the way that sugar is used in your tissues and promote the secretion of insulin the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. bitter melon contains substances that suppress the appetite and decrease blood sugar levels. In this way, it behaves similarly to insulin 

MAIN THING: Bitter melon has been shown to improve several markers of long-term blood sugar control, including levels of fructosamine and hemoglobin A1c.

High levels of cholesterol can cause fatty plaque to build up in arteries, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood and increasing the risk of heart disease. bitter melon may decrease cholesterol levels to support overall heart health. 

Cholesterol-lowering properties of bitter melon are to keep heart health. the bitter melon extract may decrease cholesterol levels, which could help support heart health.

MAIN THING: Bitter melon extract led to significant decreases in levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides that helps to reduce risk of heart diseases.

Bitter melon makes an optimum addition to a weight loss diet, as it’s low in calories nevertheless high in fiber. It contains about two grams of fiber in every one-cup serving. 

Fiber passes through your gastrointestinal tract terribly slowly, serving to keep you fuller for extended, reducing hunger and appetence.

Therefore, swapping higher-calorie ingredients with bitter melon may facilitate increase your fiber intake and cut calories to push weight loss.

A article published journal, found that consuming a capsule containing 4.8 grams of bitter melon extract may facilitate decrease belly fat and weight.

MAIN THING: Bitter melon will have useful effects on fat burning and weight loss.

Bitter gourd juice has powerful antioxidants along with vitamins A and C which prevent premature skin aging and diminishes wrinkles.

Furthermore, it reduces acne, aids in treating eczema and psoriasis, as well as protect the skin from harmful UV rays. 

MAIN THING: Bitter gourd juice works as a blood purifier and keeps skin healthy and glowing by circulating clean blood and it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

The nutrients vitamin A, vitamin C, Biotin and Zinc impart shine and luster hair.

Bitter gourd juice directly to stop hair fall or mix it with some curd and massage on scalp and hair for conditioning.

To treat dandruff, a hair mask with bitter gourd juice, cumin seed paste and a tablespoon of lime juice give a wonderful result.

MAIN THING: Applying bitter gourd juice regularly to your scalp can decrease hair loss, greying of hair, treat split-ends and rough hair, shrug off dandruff and combat itchiness.

Sipping some bitter gourd juice which wipes out alcoholic intoxication settled in the liver. The juice cleanses bowel as well as heals many liver problems.

Momordica Charantia provides protection against liver failure by strengthening the antioxidant activity of the enzymes in the liver. It also boosts the functioning of the bladder.

MAIN THING: Bitter gourd juice has good detoxify properties which helps in hangovers cure and liver clean.

Bitter gourd juice preventing vision-related problems such as cataracts since it has compounds like beta-carotene and vitamin A which are healthy for eyes and strengthens eyesight.

MAIN THING: Due to beta-carotene and vitamin A in bitter gourd that keeps your eye healthy.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Bitter melon isn't safe

Breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using bitter melon. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. 

Diabetes:  Bitter melon will lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take medications to lower your blood sugar, avoid eat bitter melon.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: If you have G6PD deficiency, avoid bitter melon. 

Surgery: Stop using bitter melon for 2 weeks before surgery.

Selecting fresh, half-ripened, unblemished and without bruises or dents.