The bitter truth

health

It is bitter in taste but has several nutritious benefits that improve overall health. Read on to find out...

Many people don’t enjoy the taste of bitter gourd (karaila) but the fact is that it has disease preventing qualities and health promoting photo chemical compounds. Bitter gourd, also called bitter melon, is not only known for its ability to cure diabetes but is recommended to people suffering from liver disorders. As bitter gourd is rich in vitamins B, C, sodium, iron, and potassium, it contains lower levels of fat and cholesterol. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it helps in reducing inflammation in the liver and kidneys. It contains vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and promotes bone health as well. Let’s see some of bitter gourd’s amazing health benefits...

Stress no more:

Stress is a very common problem among all. The anti-bilious and sedative properties of bitter gourd juice help in promoting good internal health and thereby reduce stress.

Reduces blood pressure:

Consumption of bitter gourd juice helps in naturally reducing blood pressure. Therefore people suffering from high blood pressure are always advised to consume the juice regularly.

A powerful antioxidant:

Every cup of bitter gourd juice is said to contain 26 mg of vitamin C, an active antioxidant which helps in protecting the cells from damage. Moreover, it boosts the production of collagen. The presence of zinc in bitter gourd aids healthy functioning of cells and hormones.

Burn that fat:

Everybody is searching for easier ways to lose weight these days. Drinking the juice of bitter gourd on an empty stomach in the morning has been found to curb the appetite. It also aids in speeding up the metabolism which in turn leads to rapid weight loss.

Good for diabetics:

Bitter gourd contains negligible amounts of glucose and sugar related compounds. Hence it is recommended to patients suffering from diabetes.

Purifies blood:

It works as a natural blood purifier. Impure blood can cause symptoms like constant headaches, allergies, fatigue and weakened immunity. Bitter melon helps in cleansing or detoxifying impurities in the blood and is beneficial for the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to toxaemia.

A cooling agent:

Due to its high water content, bitter gourd provides a cooling effect to the whole body. In the sweltering heat, drinking bitter gourd juice keeps the stomach cool and also aids in reduction of excessive body heat. Also the water lost due to profound sweating is replenished
by it.

Helps in digestion:

Bitter melon helps in easy digestion as it contains fibre. The food is digested and the waste is thrown out of the body which helps in curing indigestion and constipation problems.

Relieves asthma:

Bitter gourd juice is also known for curing asthma. It aids in the removal of accumulated sputum within the lungs and respiratory tract and thereby cures chronic cough and breathing problems.

Boosts immunity:

A healthy immune system is vital for fending off potential infections and diseases. Regular intake of bitter gourd can also help improve the body’s ability to fight against diseases. Its antioxidant property works as a powerful defence mechanism against illnesses. It even protects the body from free radical damage that interferes with the immune system.

For a beautiful skin:

Want to have glowing and flawless skin? Well, bitter gourd can help in achieving that as well. Drinking bitter gourd juice on a regular basis can make your skin blemish free and bring a healthy glow on your face. As bitter gourd is loaded with antioxidant properties, it helps in reducing oil production and keeps skin fresh and smooth.

Bye bye acne:

Have you already tried numerous ways to get rid of pimples and still failed? Fret not, as consuming bitter gourd juice can keep pimples and acne at bay. Bitter gourd promotes inner health; so there is hardly any chance of acne or pimples resurfacing.

Hair affair:

Say goodbye to premature greying of hair or hair loss. Yes, drinking one cup of bitter gourd juice in the morning helps in preventing hair fall and greying. If you have dandruff, mixing the juice of bitter gourd along with amla and applying it on the scalp, it helps getting rid of dandruff.