Bitter melon is one of the oldest medicinal plants. Apart from being eaten as vegetables, it is widely used against diseases due to therapeutic properties. It is a plant that looks like a wild cucumber in light green color and has a very bitter taste.
Growing mostly in tropical regions, there are vitamins B1, B2, and C, as well as Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper, and Potassium. Bitter melon (Bitter Gourd) which is used in the treatment of many important health problems, strengthens the immune system, regulates blood sugar, lowers bad cholesterol levecleansanse the liver, helps to weaken, prevents skin problems and helps rapid healing of wounds.
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What is Bitter Melon?
Bitter Gourd (Karela) is not a vegetable, it is a fruit. The part of the plant consumed and used for various medical purposes is bitter pumpkin fruit. We must not miss extensive benefits of the so-called “Momordica charantia” of bitter gourd.
To reduce bitter drinking, it is paired with some sweet fruits such as honey and apple or pear. You can also add lemon juice to reduce the harsh taste of bitter melon oil. A pinch of black pepper and ginger can also reduce in bitter.
Contains Nutrients of Bitter Melon
Among nutrients contained in karate, are found iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and manganese, such as minerals and abundant amounts of vitamin C. It is an excellent diet source thanks to high fibers contains, also contains twice as much calcium, beta-carotene, and a banana as potassium.
Which Diseases Are Good for Bitter Melon?
1. Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
Bitter melon contains an insulin-like compound called Polypeptide-p or p-insulin, which naturally balances blood sugar levels. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that when bitter gourd is consumed regularly, it lowers blood sugar levels significantly in patients with type 2 diabetes. It was also found useful in patients with type 1 diabetes.
2. Green Fruit Juice for Diabetics
Ingredients: Cucumber, green apple, mint, celery, ½ green pepper. Put all this stuff through your smoothie blender and you drink as fresh.
3. Reduces Bad Cholesterol Levels
Various scientific studies have been published on how bitter melon helps to reduce anti-inflammatory effects and bad cholesterol levels in the body. Accordingly, this medicinal plant significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. It also protects blood pressure because of absorbs excess sodium in the body. It is rich in iron and folic acid which reduces the risk of stroke and protects the heart.
4. Cleans to Liver
Drinking one cup of hot bitter melon juice a day can help eliminate liver damage caused by alcohol. It also improves liver problems while cleaning bowels. It also regulates the operation of the bladder. To see results, you should consume continuously for a week.
A study published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition concluded that potency bitter melon protects against liver failure by enhancing the antioxidant activity of enzymes in the liver.
5. Strengthens Your Immune System
It strengthens immunity by fighting against virulence viruses and bacteria. Boil leaves or fruit in water. Eat every day to strengthen your immune system and fight against infections.
6. Good for Respiratory Tract Problems
The paste made from flesh bitter melon and Indian basil leaves is very good for respiratory problems such as asthma, colds, cough when taken with honey in the morning.
7. Is Good for Constipation
Thanks to the fibers it contains, it makes digestion easier. Foods are easily digested and excreted from the body that helps in eliminating indigestion and constipation problems.
8. Removes Toxins From Blood
Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of bitter melon juice help to improve blood-related diseases and blood circulation removes toxins in the blood.
9. Protects Against Cancer
Thanks to the antioxidants contained in bitter melon, help fight free radicals that can cause various types of cancer. There are several anti-cancer drugs that have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. It can also prevent the proliferation of cancer cells.
Benefits of Bitter Gourd
It is a natural energy source. Regular consumption of bitter melon juice increases a person’s stamina and energy level and improves sleep patterns.
Benefits of Karela to Hair
Bitter Melon is a great home remedy to solve hair problems and extend the life of hair. Below you will find bitter melon cures that you can apply to your hair.
• For Hair Shine: To give your hair a natural shine, mix a glass of fresh pudding juice with yogurt and rub on your hair. After waiting for a while, wash with warm water. This cure will also nourish your hair.
• Dandruff: Dandruff is a common problem. It is often caused by unhealthy food consumption and pollution of the hair. To get rid of dandruff, mix juice of bitter melon and cumin seeds to prepare a hair mask. The regular use of this mask will save you from dandruff within a month.
• For Hair Breakage: Apply raw bitter gourd juice to broken ends of hair and then gently comb. Apply this process twice a week.
• For Dry and Itchy Scalp: Apply fresh bitter melon to dry scalp and massage your scalp with circular motions. Then rinse with clean water. For itching, you can mix bitter melon juice with avocado or banana and apply it to your scalp. Do this at least 1 time per week.
• For Hair Loss: Mix karela juice with a pinch of sugar and apply this paste to your hair. After waiting a little wash.
• For Difficult Combed Cair: Pour a cup of bitter gourd water and rinse your hair after waiting 10-15 minutes. This will help soften and shine your hair.
• For Early Whitened Hair: Apply a strength of water to white parts of your hair every ten days. This cure will slow the whitening of your hair.
• For Oily Hair: Oily foods can cause excessive lubrication in your hair. If you have oily hair problems, you must first limit the consumption of oily food. Then apply a mixture of bitter gourd juice and apple cider vinegar to your hair.
Benefits to Skin
It is known that karela juice has strong anti-oxidants along with vitamin A and vitamin C, which prevent premature skin aging and reduce wrinkles. It also reduces pimples, helps in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis, and protects skin from harmful UV rays. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, Biotin and zinc gives shine to skin.
How to Make Bitter Melon?
Wash bitter melon thoroughly in cold water before cooking. Fresh shells and leaves can be used for cooking. Bitter taste can be reduced by marinating in a mixture of salty spices and by drying in sun. Boiling salt water (5-10 minutes) causes bitter to be eliminated. Also, it can be marinated in yogurt for 30 minutes.
How to Make Bitter Melon Juice?
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pieces of bitter melon.
- 1 lemon.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon powder turmeric.
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation: Karela wash thoroughly and clean seed. Divide into small pieces. Add water, salt and powdered turmeric on top and let stand for about 15 minutes. Then pour water. Add water and mix until a smooth consistency is achieved with a blender. To get bitter of bitter gourd, drain mixture. Add juice of lemon you squeeze. Serve cold.
Damage and Side Effects
Long-term and excessive use of bitter melon may cause serious and dangerous side effects. Possible side effects of bitter melon:
Irregular Heart Rhythm
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea when consumed too much
- May cause headaches, fever, and even coma if seed is ingested in large quantities.
- Use of bitter melon during pregnancy
It is extremely risky for pregnant women because of can cause bleeding, contractions and even miscarriage. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding women as it may have adverse effects.
Use of Bitter Melon in Children
It has been found that coating on the seed of bitter melon, which is mostly safe for use in children, causes toxic effects in children with allergies. If your child has an allergic body, you can consult a doctor before giving bitter melon.
Interactions with Drugs of Karela
If you are taking drugs that lower your blood sugar level, do not consume bitter melon. It can increase the effects of these drugs and may cause your blood sugar to fall dangerously. It may also interact with some chemotherapy drugs. Always consult your doctor before taking a strengthening supplement.
It can Affect the Liver in Some Cases
It does not harm the liver directly. Long-term use may elevate liver enzymes and cause atherosclerosis. Although is extremely useful in many ways, excessive consumption can cause complications.
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