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| Bittergourd |
Also known as Balsam pear, Karela, this herb has attracted considerable interest for its ability to regulate blood sugar. There are atleast three different groups of constituents in bitter melon or bitter squash also referring bittergourd. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charatin, insulin like peptides and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together.
Rich in iron, bittermelon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas and contains Vitamin C & B1, B2, B3 and good dietary fibre. It is believed to be good for liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin and inhibit HIV-1 infection.
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| Bittergourd |
Bittergourd as per its name it is known for its bitterness. Its scientific name is Momordica charantia Linn and belongs to the family - Cucurbitaceae. It is said to have antidotal, antipyretic tonic, appetizing, stomachic, antibilious and laxative properties. This is the main reason why the vegetable is used in a number of native medicines of Asia and Africa.
Nutritional Information:
Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber.
Health Benefits:
Bitter gourd has been associated with lowering sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes.
Bitter gourd is said to be helpful in fighting against cancer and a number of infections.
Bitter gourd has been known to provide relief from constipation and is also effective in the treatment of psoriasis.
Bitter gourd helps in improving circulation and in turn, generates slimming effects on the body.
Regular consumption of bitter gourd has been associated with prevention as well as treatment of hypertension.
Bitter gourd is believed to be helpful in preventing eye complications, apart from treating neuritis.It improves eye-sight due to it high beta-carotene content
The juice of the leaf of bitter gourd plant has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of alcoholism.
The essential vitamins and minerals present in bitter gourd help in treating defective metabolism of carbohydrates.
The bitter tonic properties of bitter gourd have made it effective as a blood purifier.
Fresh juice of bitter gourd is good for patients suffering from piles.
It removes stomach worms and highly recommended for kids.
It is good for asthma patients as it heals respiratory disorders.
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