The Bitter melon (also known as bitter gourd) looks like a cucumber but with ugly gourd-like bumps all over it. Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folate, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.
Bitter melon contains a unique phyto-constituent that has been confirmed to have a hypoglycemic effect called charantin. There is also another insulin-like compound known as polypeptide P which have been suggested as insulin replacement in some diabetic patients.
It is scientifically proven bitter gourd lowers blood glucose levels. Bitter gourd lowers blood glucose as it contains a chemical called Charantin which reduces high blood glucose levels so it is very good for Diabetic persons. Regular intake of bitter gourd juice helps prevent the rise of blood sugar levels. You can take Bitter Gourd juice every morning on an empty stomach to lower down the blood sugar.
Those who want to lose weight can add Bitter Gourd in their diet as it stimulates liver for excretion of bile juices that are very essential for metabolism of fats. Karela benefits to weight loss because of its high fiber and low carbohydrates and calories content. Its antioxidant property helps keep the digestive system healthy. It is very good source of weight loss.Consumption of Bitter melon juice helps flush toxins out effectively. It makes an ideal diet for those who are on a weight loss program.
Bitter melon has anti-cancer ingredients. Karela juice benefits to prevent some particular types of cancer. It also helps trigger leukemic cancer cells effectively. Researchers shown that bitter melon juice inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells by limiting their ability to metabolize glucose. Thus, the cancer cells are unable to generate energy,leading to death.
4.Antibacterial and Antiviral
Bitter melon contains many biochemical compounds that have antibacterial and antiviral activity. Extracts of bitter melon leaf have been shown to be effective against many types of bacteria including E. coli, Staph, Strep and Salmonella, as well as Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Bitter melon also has anti-viral activity against HIV, herpes and Epstein-Barr viruses, and increases resistance of animals and humans to viral infections.
The Beta-carotene content of Bitter melon helps improve eye sight and ward off eye troubles.
Bitter Melon is very good for skin. As it purifies blood and a very good source of vitamin C, antioxidants , it is very effective in treatment of acne. It prevents wrinkles, anti ageing and protects skin from harmful rays of sun. Regular consumption of this bitter juice has also been known to improve psoriasis condition and other fungal infections like ring-worm and athletes feet.
Karela juice enhances digestion. Karela contains anthelmintic or anthelminthic compounds. The properties that found in Karela are used to cure gastrointestinal diseases and the Karela juice kills parasitic-worms that grow inside our body. It cures stomach problems because the properties in Karela kill toxic substances in the stomach, which kills good bacteria, hence by eradicating toxic substances it protects good bacteria in our body.
This bitter juice can also help to build your immune system and increase your body's resistance against infection. Karela juice helps boost the immune system.
Bitter Melon consumption helps dissolve kidney stone so that they can easily pass out through urine. It also helps reduce the acid content in the blood to prevent the formation of kidney stone.
The liver can be strengthened by regularly drinking bitter melon juice. Disorders such as constipation, cirrhosis of liver, and hepatitis can be prevented by bitter melon juice consumption. Also, Bitter Gourd stimulates liver for excretion of bile juices that are very essential for metabolism of fats.