Bitter gourd, commonly known as 'Karela' in India, holds a significant place in both Indian cuisine and traditional medicine due to its distinctive flavor profile and remarkable health attributes. Originating as a domesticated crop in India, this vegetable has become an indispensable part of the Indian palate.
In Indian culinary traditions, bitter gourd is valued not only for its unique taste but also for its versatile use in enhancing the flavors of various dishes. However, its significance extends beyond the culinary realm, as it's highly regarded in traditional medicine for its exceptional health benefits.
Karela, especially in its juice or tablet form, is highly recommended within traditional medicine systems for individuals managing diabetes. It is believed to aid in restoring pancreatic beta cells, crucial for insulin secretion, thereby assisting in regulating and optimizing glucose levels in the body.
Often referred to as bitter melon, this vegetable, known for its intensely bitter taste, is distinguishable by its specific characteristics. The Indian variant of Karela typically boasts a narrower profile with pointed ends and a rough, jagged surface. Its green hue shifts to a yellowish tinge when it reaches overripeness. Internally, it features a white flesh containing seeds.
Additionally, bitter gourd is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its rich nutritional profile contributes to its recognized role in promoting overall health and well-being. Moreover, ongoing research continues to explore the diverse potential health benefits and uses of bitter gourd beyond its traditional applications, emphasizing its significance in modern health practices.
Here, we delve into 5 extraordinary advantages this humble vegetable offers for overall health and wellness.
# Reduces blood sugar1. Bitter gourd contains an insulin-like compound charantin, which possesses anti-diabetic properties. These compounds aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels and also prevents unpredictable spikes by regulating glucose metabolism.
2. The high content of soluble fiber and its low glycemic index helps in reducing the blood sugar level.
3. The lectin content of karela lowers blood glucose concentrations in the body by suppressing appetite. Lectin is responsible to trigger the lowering of blood sugar levels.
4. Bitter gourd lowers the blood glucose levels in both Type I and Type II diabetes.
# Protects against cancer1. Bitter gourd contains certain compounds possessing cancer-fighting properties.
2. Karela acts against cancer cell proliferation and arrests tumor formation. It blocks the growth and spread of breast cancer cells and promotes cancer cell death.
3. Free radicals are the primary cause of cancer. They are eliminated by the lycopene, lignans, and carotenoids, vitamin A, zeaxanthin, and lutein content present in karela.
4. Regular consumption of karela reduces colon, liver, breast, pancreas, and prostate cancers.
# Reduces Cholesterol Levels1. Bitter gourd decreases the bad cholesterol and reduces the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
2. The fibre content present in karela prevents the clogging of arteries.
3. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium content all produce a positive impact on the heart.
# Aids Weight Loss1. Bitter melon is low in fats, calories, carbohydrates thus, it prevents the body from absorbing fat thereby, helps in weight management. It stimulates the liver to secrete bile acids which are vital for fat metabolism.
2. Bitter gourd contains 80-85% water which helps in suppressing appetite.
# Other possible BenefitsKarela produces several health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces a few more such as aids digestion, cures a hangover, cleanses the liver,boosts the immune system, benefits the eyes, promotes healthy skin and hair, heals any wounds, energises the body, treats kidney stones, battles respiratory problems.
Also treats constipation, purifies the blood, cures acne, prevents skin disorders, delays ageing, promotes silky and shining hair, treats dandruff, cures split ends, treats hair loss, cures dry hair and scalp, cures rough and tangled hair, treats premature greying, and treats obesity.