Bitter gourd is a type of bitter-tasting vegetable. While some people absolutely love it, others strongly dislike it because of its bitterness. Regardless of your personal preference, this green vegetable offers remarkable health benefits.
Bitter gourd is consumed in many ways some prefer it fried, while others cook it in curries. Some even drink its juice. Although opinions about its taste vary, its health value remains undisputed. A Nutritionist spoke about the benefits of drinking bitter gourd juice. She explained that bitter gourd is a medicinal vegetable that offers many benefits for the body.
According to her, bitter gourd is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. However, when it is fried in excessive oil for a long time, some of its nutrients are lost. That’s why drinking bitter gourd juice is a healthier way to consume it.
Many people avoid bitter gourd because of its bitterness, but others love it and consider it one of their favourite foods. Whether you like it or not, this dark green vegetable offers numerous benefits. Besides eating it fried or cooked, many people also drink its juice. Today, let’s learn about the benefits of bitter gourd juice, as explained by nutritionist .
She said that bitter gourd is a vegetable with medicinal properties and is very beneficial for the body. It contains vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. However, when it is fried or cooked in oil for a long time, its nutritional value decreases. Therefore, drinking bitter gourd juice provides better benefits.
To prepare the juice, cut the bitter gourd into small pieces, remove the seeds, and blend them. Then strain the juice, mix it with water, and drink it. To improve the taste, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or some honey.
Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd Juice:
Helps Control Blood Sugar
Bitter gourd juice helps regulate blood sugar levels. It contains compounds called polypeptide-P and charantin, which help control glucose levels in the body. Bitter gourd juice improves insulin sensitivity, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. Therefore, people with diabetes can benefit from it. However, the idea that drinking bitter gourd juice alone can control diabetes is incorrect. Diabetic patients must follow dietary guidelines and regular exercise routines along with consuming bitter gourd juice to get benefits. Without medical advice, excessive consumption can sometimes cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Therefore, people with diabetes should drink it under medical supervision.
- Relieves Respiratory Problems: A mix of water, honey, and bitter gourd juice can help with asthma, bronchitis, throat inflammation, and respiratory diseases.
- Boosts Immunity: The vitamin C and antioxidants in bitter gourd strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
- Improves Digestion: Drinking bitter gourd juice in the morning helps cleanse the stomach and improve digestion, relieving constipation.
- Supports Eye Health: Its beta-carotene and vitamin A help maintain good eyesight.
- Lowers Cholesterol: The anti-inflammatory compounds in bitter gourd juice reduce cholesterol levels.
- Enhances Skin and Hair: Antioxidants in bitter gourd juice make skin glow, improve hair health, and help treat skin conditions.
- Aids Weight Loss: Bitter gourd juice burns fat cells and prevents new ones from forming.
- Purifies Blood and Reduces High Blood Pressure: Regular consumption helps cleanse the blood and lower blood pressure.
- Prevents Cancer: Compounds in bitter gourd help destroy cancer cells and may reduce the risk of breast, liver, and colon cancer.
Problems That Can Be Reduced by Drinking Bitter Gourd Juice
- During winter, when people consume sweets, molasses, and cakes, drinking a glass of bitter gourd juice in the morning helps keep blood sugar levels in check.
- Bitter gourd juice flushes toxins from the body and purifies the blood.
- It enhances digestion and metabolism, keeps the stomach clean, and increases appetite when consumed regularly in the morning.
- Research shows that bitter gourd contains compounds that act as cancer-fighting agents. The oil extracted from its seeds is particularly effective in preventing breast, liver, and colon cancer.
Precautions
Although bitter gourd juice is beneficial, certain precautions should be followed:
- One bitter gourd is enough to make a glass of juice; don’t drink more than that in a day.
- Drinking bitter gourd juice during pregnancy may be harmfulconsult a doctor first.
- If children drink it, they may suffer from stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Excessive consumption can cause liver inflammation and diarrhea.
- People taking regular medication should consult a doctor before drinking it.
- It’s best not to drink bitter gourd juice continuously take breaks after three months of regular use, with a gap of 12–15 days.
