For something that really isn’t much to look at, the bitter gourd may just be the best thing you’ll consume in your day. Ridiculously low in calorie count, it packs a punch in the nutrition department. Full of sources of phytonutrients like dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants, these are the seven bitter gourd benefits that’ll contribute to your health.
Bitter Gourd Benefits #1: Fantastic Regulation of your Blood Sugar Levels
According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Ethno Pharmacology, a four-week clinical trial was done on patients suffering from type-2 diabetes. The patients showed significant decrease in blood glucose level when 2,000 mg of bitter gourd was taken on a regular basis. This is due to its composition of an insulin-like compound called Polypeptide-p which has the ability to control diabetes naturally. So when you lose all self-control and just had that sugary binge, don’t beat yourself up just yet. Curb those escalating blood sugar levels with a healthy glass of bitter gourd juice!
Bitter Gourd Benefits #2: Minimize your Bad Cholesterol
According to Dr. Anju Sood, bitter gourd juice helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body. With that comes a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes, both caused by a cholesterol build-up inside the blood capillaries. To keep your veins clear of blockage, bitter gourd juice is a great addition to your diet to stay healthy in the long run.
Bitter Gourd Benefits #3: For the Sake of Flawless Skin
Ladies, let’s not kid ourselves. We all yearn for that gorgeous, silky skin all models seem to have. You’ll be please to know that the bitter gourd just might be the answer. Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Hospital, New Delhi tells us that bitter gourd juice has powerful anti-oxidants along with vitamin A and C all of which ferociously battle the free radicals harming our bodies. Elimination of these harmful substances produced by our bodies will slow down the aging process. As a result, less pimples, less acne, and less blemishes. So the next time you’re getting ready for an important event and you simply must look your best, do try the bitter gourd juice diet and watch it work it’s magic.
Bitter Gourd Benefits #4: For those Long, Lustrous Locks
Those same vitamins in the bitter gourd, vitamin A and C, coupled with Biotin and Zinc will imbue shine and lustre to your hair. To combat hair loss, greying, split-ends and dandruff, simply apply bitter gourd juice (mixed with curd if preferred) regularly to your scalp. For serious cases of dandruff, try making a hair mask with bitter gourd juice, cumin seed paste and a tablespoon of lime juice. Leave on for half an hour and rinse to reveal a fresh and healthier scalp.
Bitter Gourd Benefits #5: Shedding those Extra Pounds
Containing just 17 calories per 100g, the bitter gourd is a prime choice in any weight loss plan. A 2010 report by the Journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, disclosed that extracts of bitter gourd helped in the breakdown of human fat cells and also hindered the growth of new fat cells. This means bitter gourd not only helps us lose fat but it also aids in keeping it off! What a great discovery! I present to you, the bitter gourd; secret to weight loss.
Bitter Gourd Benefits #6: Boosts your Immune System
The next time you fall sick, remember to take some bitter gourd juice as remedy. Its antioxidants work as powerful defence mechanisms, fighting viruses and strengthening your immune system. Not just that, it’s been found that bitter gourds have anti-carcinogen and anti-tumour properties. This destroyer of free radicals has shown to reduce risk of prostate, breast and cervical cancer. The ultimate healing machine that is both natural and dirt cheap.
Bitter Gourd Benefits #7: Great for Your Eyes
Containing beta-carotene and vitamin A, bitter gourd helps prevent cataracts as well as strengthens your eyesight. Also, it’s a great remedy to treat those dark circles under your eyes. Ditch the concealer and start picking up bitter gourds. There is nothing better than looking beautiful, naturally.
Now that you know all the rewards bitter gourds have to offer, you’ll be keen to add this to your diet. But before you go out and purchase all the bitter gourds you can carry, remember the old mantra: “Everything in Moderation”. Too much bitter gourd juice may cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. So, follow the advice of Dr Geeta Buryok, Chief Nutritionist at Max Health Care, and take just 30 ml of bitter gourd juice daily for maximum benefits. You’ll find yourself on your way to amazing health in no time!
For more healthy eats in KL, check out this fun list of articles here! Know what else is good for your skin and hair? Nutritious meals, and what better way to ingest them than first thing in the morning! Here are 10 Healthy and Convenient Breakfast Ideas You can Grab and Go in KL!
