8 Amazing Health Benefits Of Bitter Gourd Juic

Bitter gourd or Momordica charantia, member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is a

functional vegetable well known in Asian countries. It is known for its culinary usage,
health and medicinal properties. Though many of us do not like the taste or make faces
at it (like me), this vegetable is filled with nutrients.

The green coloured, bitter tasting bitter gourd juice extracted from this gourd is called
bitter gourd juice and is rich in vitamin C, K and B9 with minerals like potassium, zinc,
phosphorus etc. The nutritional value of this juice makes it a natural and ideal remedy
for people suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, skin issues etc.

This green coloured squash is a store house of antioxidants and essential nutrients and
is used in vegetable curries, pickles, pills, juices, etc. Consuming a glass of bitter gourd
juice everyday can do wonders to improve health and general well being of an individual

How to Make Bitter Gourd Juice?

Firm, unripe green coloured bitter gourds should be selected for the purpose of making
bitter gourd juice and should be stored under the right temperature to lower the rate at
which they ripen. Ripe, yellow and orange coloured bitter melons should be avoided
since they are too bitter for consumption. The selected gourds should be cleaned
thoroughly under cold water and sliced, de-seeded and soaked in salt water at least for
half an hour before preparing the juice to lessen the bitterness. These sliced pieces
should be churned in a juicer and sieved to extract pure, healthy and fresh bitter gourd
juice. This juice can be consumed raw or mixed with other ingredients like lime juice,
onion juice, green apples, cucumber etc for creating natural remedies for treating
various health issues.

Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd Juice:

1. Cures diabetes: This juice contains plant insulin called hypoglycaemic compound
which helps to lower sugar levels in urine and blood, treats the problem of insulin
resistance and regulates insulin levels in the body thereby treating diabetes.

2. Energizes naturally: Regular consumption of this drink improves stamina and

energy levels of the individual and improves sleeping patterns.

3. Boosts immunity: The antioxidants present in this juice helps fight diseases and
infections effectively, thus aids in strengthening the immunity system of the body and
ensuring general health and well being of the individual.
4. Improves cardiac health: The phytonutrients and antioxidants present in bitter
gourd juice promotes cardiac and respiratory health of an individual, while also boosting
the blood circulation throughout the body and effectively treating asthma, bronchitis,
pharyngitis etc.

5. Purifies blood: The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of bitter gourd juice help
to treat skin problems, blood disorders, clear toxins from the blood and purify it, and
further improves blood circulation throughout the body. It helps to cure issues like
itching caused by toxaemia, rashes, acne, psoriasis, blood boils and even inhibits the
growth of cancerous cells in the body.

6. Betters digestive health: This drink is a natural and effective detoxifier and clears
the liver, stomach and blood of disease causing toxins and improves bowel and kidney
conditions. It aids in treating stomach disorders, cholera, piles, toxaemia, relieving gout
pain and alcohol intoxication etc.

7. Promotes weight loss: Antioxidants present in bitter gourd juice detoxify the body,
improve digestive health and metabolism, thus promote weight loss, treat obesity and
inhibit accumulation of excess fat cells in the body.

8. Improves eye sight: High levels of Vitamin A and beta carotene in bitter gourd juice
aid in improving eyesight and treating eye problems naturally.

6 Side Effects Of Bitter Gourd-

1. Can Stimulate Miscarriage:

Bitter gourds, if taken in excessive quantities can turn out to be a nightmare for
pregnant women. Bitter gourds are notorious for causing emmenagogue (increase of
menstrual flow) and abortifacient effects. (1)
Bitter gourds can also trigger contractions. And for lactating women, it is best to avoid
bitter gourd. This is because though there isnt any scientific backing which says bitter
gourds are bad for lactating women, its adverse effects on pregnant women might have
similar effects on lactating women.

2. Drug Interactions:

It is actually shocking to know vegetables like bitter gourd which are known for their
healing properties, might even come in the way of drugs. But this is the fact. Combining
bitter gourds with standard drugs can reduce blood sugar levels steeply. This might
possibly lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. (2)

Hence diabetic patients who are under medication should consult their doctors before
consuming bitter gourds

3. Infertility:

In case you are planning your pregnancy, stay away from bitter gourds as much as
possible. The seeds of bitter gourd contain momorcharin, which was shown to cause
anti-fertility effects in female mice. (3) Hence be aware of this dangerous side effect of
bitter gourd.

So seeking pregnancy? Bitter gourds highly NOT recommended.

4. Bitter Gourds For Your Children? Think Again:

This might come as good news for your kids. But this is not a random statement
produced out of thin air. It has been reported that red arils (the covering on the seeds)
might be toxic to children. They might cause vomiting and diarrhoea. (4), (5)

So if your child is allergic to bitter gourds, it is better to avoid giving them the vegetable.

5. Hypoglycaemic Coma:

Hypoglycaemic coma is a condition of coma which is caused due to excessive doses of

injected insulin. This might lead to severe decrease in blood sugar levels. There are
case reports which suggest the onset of hypoglycaemic coma and the start of atrial
fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) with the intake of bitter gourds. (6)

[ Read: Bitter Gourd Juice For Diabetes ]

6. Might Affect The Liver:

You might wonder what the connection is between liver and bitter gourd. Though this
might appear a bit illogical, evidence exists. Intake of bitter gourds for extended periods
of time to control diabetes might actually induce liver inflammation.

Bitter gourds dont directly damage the liver. Long term use of bitter gourds can elevate
liver enzymes and result in a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
(7)

Some of the points, or maybe all of these side effects of bitter gourd sound new and
unbelievable to you. Its natural. Though it is extremely beneficial in a lot of ways, its
over consumption can lead to complications.

So the next time your mother asks you to eat bitter gourds, dont show her this post and
justify your hatred for the vegetable. Eat it instead. Because moderate consumption of
anything is not going to be harmful!

22 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Bitter Melon/Bitter Gourd For Skin, Hair And Healt

Confused with the name? More commonly bitter gourd in hindi is known as Karela.
This vegetable is called as Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon and Bitter Squash in english. First
thing that comes to my mind seeing it is the bitterness in the name. They are dark or
light green in colour depending on the region where they are grown. Though they taste
very bitter, they are filled with many beneficial antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Bitter melon can be consumed in various ways like drinking its juice, pickle or using
them in recipes.

Bitter Melon Benefits:

Let us quickly look at some of the most well known health benefits of Bitter Melon:

1. Respiratory disorders:

Fresh pods are an excellent remedy for curing respiratory problems like asthma, cold,
cough, etc.

2. Liver tonic:

Drink one glass of Bitter Melon juice daily to heal liver problems. Keep consuming this
continuously for a week to see results.

3. Immune system:
Boil bitter melon leaves or fruits in water and consume it every day to fight against
infections. This also helps to build your immunity.

4. Acne:

Consuming Bitter Melon can help to get rid of acne, blemishes and deep skin infections.
Bitter melon is useful in treating blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, itching,
psoriasis, ring-worm and other fungal diseases. The free radicals in it are also useful for
anti ageing.

Consume juice of bitter melon mixed with lemon on an empty stomach daily for 6
months or till you get the required results.

5. Diabetes:

Bitter melon juice benefits to overcome type 2 diabetes. It has been a part of the
Chinese and Indian ancient medicine for a long time but only recent research has
proven that it is no folk lore. Type 2 diabetes is caused partially due to the inability of a
cell to absorb the sugar in the blood due to insufficient insulin or due development of
resistance to insulin. In both cases, the cells are unable to absorb the sugar due to the
ineffectiveness of insulin produced. The absorption of sugar occurs due to the activation
of AMP-activated protein kinase in the cells. Bitter gourd activated these kinases due to
which the absorption of sugar increases. And hence aids in bringing diabetes in control.

Green juice for diabetics: cucumbers, green apples, bitter melon, celery, green
capsicum (bell pepper). Bitter melon contains certain chemicals that are like insulin
which help to reduce blood sugar levels.

6. Constipation:

Bitter melon helps in easy digestion as it contains fibre properties. The food is digested
and waste is thrown out of the body which helps in curing indigestion and constipation
problems.

7. Kidney and bladder:

Bitter melon helps to maintain healthy liver and bladder. It is also useful in curing kidney
stones.

8. Heart disease:
Bitter melon is very good for the heart in many ways. They help to reduce the bad
cholesterol levels which clog the arterial walls and thereby reduce the chances of heart
attacks. Also it is known to lower blood sugar levels that help in maintaining good heart
health.

9. Cancer:

Bitter Melon can prevent cancer cells from multiplying.

10. Weight loss:

Bitter Melon contains antioxidants, which help to flush out your system. This improves
your metabolism and digestive systems thus helping you lose weight quickly.The two
other major factors that aid in weight loss is the calorie control and filling components.
Calorie control happens as such because vegetables are low on calories which allows
you to consume more quantities of them. Filling component in this vegetable is water.
We know that water is a universal suppressant of hunger. And the pods of this
vegetable contain on the whole 80-85% water.

Skin Benefits for Bitter Melon:

The appearance of your skin is largely determined by what you put inside your body. In
other words, getting proper nutrition is a pre requisite for healthy and damage free skin.
Being a natural blood purifier, bitter gourd helps in improving the appearance of your
skin. It provides the following benefits to your skin:

11. Prevents Skin Problems:

Regular consumption of bitter gourd helps in keeping your skin glowing and free from
blemishes. It also helps prevent acne thanks to its blood purifying properties.

12. Skin Infections:

Bitter melon benefits in treating skin diseases or skin infections, eczema and psoriasis.
Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice helps in improving psoriasis condition as well
as other fungal infections like ring worm and athletes foot.

13. Anti-ageing:

Bitter gourd contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. By fighting and

eliminating the harmful free radicals, it helps to prevent wrinkles by slowing down the
ageing process. It also protects the skin from damage by Suns ultraviolet rays.
14. Healing Qualities:

Bitter gourd helps in controlling blood flow and clotting, causing wounds to heal faster,
preventing further infections.

Hair Benefits of Bitter Melon:

Bitter gourd is a great home remedy for your hair. Besides being beneficial for your skin
and health, bitter gourd juice is also effective in treating hair problems and promoting
longevity. It is beneficial for your hair in the following ways:

15. Shiny Hair:

To impart a natural shine to your hair, you can mix a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice with
yoghurt and apply on your hair. Wash off after sometime. This will make your hair shiny
and beautiful.

16. Dandruff:

Dandruff is a common problem and is mostly caused due to the consumption of

unhealthy food and exposure to pollution. To ward off dandruff, you can prepare a hair
pack by mixing bitter gourd juice and cumin seeds. Regular usage of this pack will rid
you of dandruff within a month.

17. Split Ends:

If you are troubled by split ends, you can apply raw bitter gourd juice to your split ends
and then comb gently. This should be done twice a week to get rid of split ends.

18. Dry and Itchy Scalp:

To combat dryness of scalp, you can rub a fresh piece of bitter gourd on it and massage
your scalp in a circular motion. Then rinse off with clear water. To combat itchiness, you
can prepare a hair pack by mixing bitter gourd juice with either avocado or banana and
apply it on your scalp. This should be used at least once a week to get rid of itchy scalp.

19. Hair Loss:

Bitter gourd juice helps in reducing hair-fall naturally. All you need to do is mix bitter
gourd juice with a dash of sugar and use this paste on your hair to get good results.
20. Rough and Tangled Hair:

If you have rough and tangled hair, you can pour a cup of bitter gourd juice and allow it
to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse off your hair. This will help smoothen your hair
texture and make it soft and shiny.

21. Grey Hair:

Bitter gourd can also treat premature greying of hair. You can apply freshly squeezed
bitter gourd juice on your grey strands. Doing this once in every ten days will reduce
grey hair growth.

22. Oily Hair:

Increased intake of oily food can cause the accumulation of excess oil in your hair. If
you have oily hair, you should first limit the consumption of oily food. You can apply a
mixture of bitter gourd juice and apple cider vinegar to remove excess oil from your hair.

Bitter Gourd: Nutritional Value:

The numerous health, skin and hair benefits of bitter melon can be attributed to its
nutritional value. It has a wide array of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, Vitamin
B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, copper and phosphorus. The
chart given below shows the nutritional value of bitter gourd.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:Bitter melon (Momordica

charantia),

fresh, raw, Nutritive value per 100 g

Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of

RDA

Energy 17 Kcal <1%

Carbohydrates 3.70 g 3%

Protein 1.00 g 2%
Total Fat 0.17 g 0.5%

Cholesterol 0 mg 0%

Dietary Fiber 2.80 g 7%

Vitamins

Folates 72 g 18%

Niacin 0.400 mg 2.5%

Pantothenic acid 0.212 mg 4%

Pyridoxine 0.043 mg 3%

Riboflavin 0.040 mg 3%

Thiamin 0.040 mg 3.5%

Vitamin A 471 IU 16%

Vitamin C 84 mg 140%

Electrolytes

Sodium 5 mg <1%

Potassium 296 mg 6%

Minerals

Calcium 19 mg 2%
Copper 0.034 mg 4%

Iron 0.43 mg 5%

Magnesium 17 mg 4%

Manganese 0.089 mg 4%

Zinc 0.80 mg 7%

Phyto-nutrients

Carotene- 190 g

Carotene- 185 g

Lutein-zeaxanthin 170 g

Calories: Bitter gourd is quite low in calories with a 100 gram serving providing
just 17 calories.
Vitamin C: Bitter gourd is an excellent source of vitamin C with 100 grams of raw
pod, providing 84 mg of this vitamin which is equivalent to 140% of Recommended
Daily Intake (RDI).
Folates: Fresh pods are a good source of folates. 100 grams of fresh pods
provide 72 g of folate which is equivalent to 18% of RDI.
B-vitamins: It is also a good source of B-vitamins like niacin or Vitamin B3,
pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 and pyridoxine or Vitamin B6.

Some important tips:

1. Always wash Bitter Melon thoroughly under running water.

2. Use fresh Bitter Melon for best results.

3. Always choose bitter gourds that are fresh, bright, deep green in colour.

4. Dont consume more than 2 bitter melons a day

4. The Bitter Melon leaves should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place. They stay fresh in
refrigerator up to a week.

5. Marinade with salt to reduce bitterness.

6. Pregnant women should be careful while consuming this vegetable. The laxative
component of the vegetable may lead to premature contraction, vaginal bleeding and
miscarriages. Do consult your doctor once.