Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd





Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd
  • Due to its hypoglycemic action, bitter gourd makes an excellent remedy for diabetes. The insulin-like peptides, alkaloids, and charantin combine to lower blood and urine sugar levels without increasing blood insulin levels.

  • The blood purifying properties of bitter gourd deem it to be an ideal treatment for blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to blood poisoning caused by bacterial toxic substances in the blood.

  • Fresh juice extracted from bitter gourd is beneficial for people suffering from piles. All you need to do is prepare a mixture of bitter gourd juice and buttermilk and have it every morning for about a month.

  • Cellulose is a good source of fiber which helps in preventing constipation. Bitter gourd contains cellulose that acts as a great digestive agent and helps in stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. This, in turn, helps people suffering from dyspepsia.

  • Bitter gourd encourages the liver to secrete more bile juices which are necessary for the metabolism of fats. Hence, if you are yearning for a perfect, slim figure, include loads of bitter gourd in your diet.

  • Researches indicate that a glass of bitter gourd juice strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s power to fight against infections. Besides, it also improves the immunity of cell functioning in people suffering from cancer.

  • Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice is known to stimulate the energy and stamina levels in the body, especially in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

  • Bitter gourd is a known remedy for curing various skin diseases and skin infections, such as eczema. Not only it avoids the skin from developing blemishes, it also improves the glow and texture of the skin, ensuring that you do not develop any acne. It has also been acknowledged for successfully healing skin eruptions, chapped skin, burns, and hemorrhoids.

  • Consuming bitter gourd juice on a regular basis aids in improving the condition of psoriasis and other infections of fungus, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm.

  • Bitter gourd acts as an antidote for alcohol intoxication and promotes purification, restoration, and nourishment of the liver. The juice, in particular, is beneficial for treating a bad hangover.

  • With high levels of beta-carotene and other beneficial compounds, bitter gourd juice is regarded as the best drink for alleviating eye disorders and strengthening eyesight. Further, it is recommended by herbalists for normalizing restless sleeping patterns.

  • Diluting 2 ounces of bitter gourd juice with honey and water helps in fighting and improving pharyngitis, bronchitis, and asthma.

  • By cleansing the blood and body from harmful toxins, bitter gourd helps in getting rid of jaundice, due to its highly beneficial properties.

  • By stimulating the secretion of gastric juices properly, bitter gourd helps in enhancing the digestion process. To add on, it is used for treating intestinal worms, constipation, and diarrhea.

  • Bitter gourd is considered beneficial for the overall health of women. Not only it helps in treating menstrual disorders and female genital tract related problems, it assists in secreting milk during the lactation phase after pregnancy.


Bitter Gourd Nutrition Facts


Amount: 1 cup
Total Weight: 93 g

Nutrients
Amount
Basic Components

Proteins
930 mg
Water
87.4 g
Ash
1 g
Fats
158 mg


Calories

Total Calories
16
Calories From Carbohydrate
12
Calories From Fat
1.3
Calories From Protein
2.3


Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates
3.4 g
Dietary Fiber
2.6 g


Vitamins

Vitamin A
438 IU
Vitamin C
78 mg
Thiamin
37 mcg
Riboflavin
37 mcg
Niacin
372 mcg
Vitamin B6
40 mcg
Folate
67 mcg
Pantothenic Acid
197 mcg


Minerals

Calcium
18 mg
Iron
400 mcg
Magnesium
16 mg
Phosphorus
29 mg
Potassium
275 mg
Sodium
4.7 mg
Zinc
744 mcg
Copper
32 mcg
Manganese
83 mcg
Selenium
0.19 mcg 

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