INTRODUCTION:-
In India bitter melon is famous by the name of “Karela”. While this vegetable is also known by the name of Bitter Melon, Bitter Squash and Bitter Gourd in English. This vegetable is botanically named as Momordica charantia. It was first cultivated in Indian subcontinent and then eventually carried to china during 14th century. Today, it is widely produced in Africa, china, Caribbean and south East Asia. There is some misconception about bitter melon is that it belongs to vegetable family but in reality, it belongs to fruit family. This fruit is available in variety of shapes and sizes and usually grows in vines. It is dark or light green in color depending or region where they grows. The fresh bitter gourd is available mostly in the month of April to September in Asian market. They are quite bitter in taste hence, considered as most boring fruit among all other fruits and therefore often neglected. But, this bitter fruit offers numerous health benefits; it helps in reducing diabetes, piles, blood disorder, eye problems, cholera, stomach disorder, respiratory disorders and psoriasis etc. Since it offers these numerous health benefits, due to which this fruit become more popular among health conscious people. Bitter melon can be consumed in different various ways either it can be used in making various recipes, salad, and pickles or can be consume as a juice. Besides that, the extracts, leaves and juice of bitter melon can be used as a medicine to cure various diseases.
Bitter melon is loaded with several valuable essential nutrients. It is not only rich in mineral and vitamins but it also offers several essential antioxidants and other beneficial components too. It is very low in calorie and does not contain sugar, fats and cholesterol. Hence, it is considered as a good diet supplement. 100 grams of raw bitter melon offers only 17 calorie, 1gm protein, 4 gm carbohydrates, 3 gm dietary fiber, 0.4 mg vitamin B3, 84mg vitamin C, 19mg calcium, 31 mg phosphorous,72mcg folate, 296mg potassium, 17mg magnesium, 0.8mg zinc, 0.1 mg manganese, 0.4 mg iron, and 5 mg of sodium. As this bitter fruit is packed with several nutrients, it offers numerous health benefits which are mentioned below.
NUMEROUS HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER MELON
1) Stabilizes blood sugar level:-
Bitter melon is considered as one of the effective remedy in treating diabetes worldwide. It has its own capacity to increase insulin sensitivity in body. Diabetes suffering people do not have an ability to convert sugar in their blood into energy. Since, bitter melon has its ability to increase insulin production and tolerance of large glucose within body. Thereby reduces the excessive level of glucose from blood. Daily consumption of bitter melon juice is vital to reduce the risk of diabetes. Hence, it acts as a natural remedy in curing diabetes and regulates blood sugar level.
2) Prevent Cancer:-
Bitter melon is known to have anti-cancer properties thus, it is considered as one of the best fruit to reduce the chances of cancer. It contains a-eleostearic acid and dihydroxy-a-eleostearic acid. These nutrients considered effective for leukemia problems and some blood regularities like anemia as well. Apart from that, it produces healthy red blood cells and also normalizes blood pressure. Regular intake of bitter melon in diet can help to prevent spreading of cancer cells. Studies indicate that extract can be used to improve cell functioning of people suffering from cancer.
3) Prevent malaria:-
Bitter melon leaves are considered effective in preventing malaria bacteria from growing. Many times doctor’s recommend having bitter melon leaves tea because it not only cures malaria but it also weakens some viruses such as chickenpox, measles, herpes and even HIV. As children’s are not friendly with bitter melon tea due to its bitter taste so while making tea add garlic, salt, and small amount of sugar to remove the bitter taste of leaves at some extent.
4) Gives relieve from constipation:-
Constipation usually occurs due to disorder of bowel function. Daily consumption of bitter melon juice is essential in treatment of constipation. As it improves peristaltic movement of gastro intestinal tract and improve the absorption in the intestines. In addition, bitter melon is also good for digestion due to its high content of fiber properties.
5) Beneficial during pregnancy:-
Bitter melon include excellent source of folate. As folates ensures the growth of cells and prevent from any kind of abnormalities in child. It ensures healthy growth of child. Hence, consumption of bitter melon is essential during pregnancy because it reduces the chances of birth defects in infants.
6) Reduces heart diseases:-
Bitter melon works effectively in reducing heart diseases. It reduces the level of bad cholesterol which blocks the arterial walls and therefore reduces the chances of getting heart attack. Besides that it lower blood sugar level and hence promote good heart health.
7) Promote weight loss:-
One of the major determinant significance of bitter melon is that it helps in weight loss treatment. 100 gm of bitter melon contains only 17 calorie apart from that it is rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. All these nutrients are effective to blush out the entire system effectively. This in turn improves metabolisim and digestive system. As a result it is beneficial in losing weight quickly.
8) Reduces skin problems and promote healthy skin:-
Proper nutritious food is essential for healthy and damage free skin. Bitter melon is known to have blood purifying properties due to which it keeps skin glowing and also prevent from acne. Regular consumption of bitter melon juice helps effectively in preventing psoriasis (skin disorder) conditions as well as other fungal infections like ring worm. Besides that, due to presence of antioxidants and vitamin C, it fight and eradicate free radicals that are harmful for body and protect the skin from sun damage and keeps skin free from wrinkles.
9) Reduces kidney, bladder and liver problems:-
Daily consumption of one glass of bitter melon juice keeps liver and bladder healthy. In addition, it is also beneficial in curing kidney stones.
10) Other health Benefits:-
Improves Immune system
Promote healthy hair
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it can effectively reduce the problems of jaundice, piles or indigestion.
Reduces eye problems
Give relief from gout pain.