Benefits and uses of Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Bitter Gourd (Karela) is one of the healthiest vegetables in the food kingdom. It is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It can be eaten as a vegetable, pickle or as a juice. There are many benefits of regular consumption of bitter gourd.

Diabetes

Bitter gourd has a compound that functions similar to insulin. In fact, ‘Bitter Gourd (Karela) and diabetes’ are often coined together. It reduces the blood glucose levels in both Type I and Type II diabetes. Consuming a glass of Bitter Gourd (karela) juice is so effective that diabetes patients need to reduce the dosage of their medicines.

Skin and Hair

Bitter Gourd (Karela) is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are good for the skin. It reduces ageing and fights acne and skin blemishes. It is useful in treating various skin infections like ringworm, psoriasis, and itching. Bitter Gourd (Karela) juice adds lustre to the hair and combats dandruff, hair loss, and split-ends.

Liver

Bitter gourd is liver friendly and detoxifies. It boosts the liver enzymes and is a good cure for a hangover as it reduces alcohol deposits on the liver. Bladder and the gut also benefit from consuming Bitter Gourd (Karela).

Digestion

Bitter Gourd (Karela) is full of fiber and helps improve bowel movement. It relieves constipation and settles the stomach.

Cardiac Health

Bitter Gourd (Karela) reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreases the risk of suffering a heart attack. The fiber also helps to unclog the arteries.

Cancer

Bitter Gourd (Karela) boosts immunity and prevents allergies and infections. But its most significant benefit is that it fights cancer. It works against cancer cells proliferation and stops tumour formation. The risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer is significantly reduced after regular consumption of bitter gourd.

Weight Management

Bitter Gourd (Karela) aids in weight loss as it is low in calories and fibre-rich. It stops the formation and growth of adipose cells, the ones that store fat in the body. It improves metabolism, and the antioxidants help detoxify the body leading to the reduction in fat.

Heals Wound

Bitter Gourd (Karela) has great healing properties. It controls the blood flow and blood clotting that helps in quicker healing of wounds and reduction in infections.

Blood Purifier

Bitter Gourd (Karela) has a high amount of antioxidants, and this helps it to cure many problems related to corrupted blood. Regular consumption of bitter gourd leads to improvement in skin, hair and cancer problems. Also, it helps to improve blood circulation.

Eyes

Bitter Gourd (Karela) is rich in vitamin A and prevent cataract and strengthens vision. It even lightens dark circles. 

Moderate your Bitter Gourd (Karela) consumption to ward off diarrhoea and stomach ache.  Also, pregnant women should avoid consuming Bitter Gourd (Karela) as it leads to uterine contractions.

Anti-Oxidant

Anti-oxidants are essentials that help in removing body toxins and other undesirable wastes. Not only does it removes the toxins, but also fills the body with essential nutrients. Bitter Gourd (Karela) contains ample amounts of Anti-Oxidants.

 

Boosts Immunity

Bitter Gourd (Karela), which is a versatile herb, when consumed regularly helps in removing the toxins from your body. This helps you to fight off various diseases and keeps your body stay strong and healthy. Keep your illnesses and other viruses at bay by drinking Bitter Gourd juice.

Flawless Skin

Bitter Gourd helps you to avoid premature aging. It removes the wrinkles and fine lines from your face. It also helps in purifying the blood within your system. This enhances skin texture and adds a glow to the skin.

 

Asthma

You can say goodbye to chronic cough or other breathing problems. Bitter Gourd (Karela) removes the sputum which is generated due to these problems and helps in clearing your respiratory tract.

Constipation

Regular consumption of Bitter Gourd (Karela) juice helps in efficient bowel movement hence gets rid of constipation related issues. This is possible as Bitter Gourd (Karela) is enriched with fiber. Fiber is vital for a hassle-free stool movement through your large intestines.