The Not So Bitter Bittergourd
Considered as vegetables, bitter melons or bitter gourds, better known as ‘karela‘ are technically fruits. There is no denial that they taste bitter but also the fact that they possess exceptional anti-oxidant properties, make them a beneficial herb when it comes to healthy vegetables.
Drinking a glass full of karela juice daily in the morning cleanses the entire system and helps in the secretion of good hormones. High, as well as low blood sugar, can result in many other disorders, one of which is diabetes. This fluid full of nutrients also helps in regulating the level of blood sugar.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can be controlled only through proper medication and better eating choices. Bitter melon juice is a must have for those suffering from diabetes.
Following are the vitamins and minerals found in bitter melons: Fiber, Peptides, Steroidal saponins, Folic acid, Zinc, Phosphorus, Alkaloids, Manganese, Vitamins C, B1, B2 and B3
All in all, karelas have two times more calcium than spinach, two times more beta-carotene than broccoli and two times more potassium than bananas.
Here are a few more reasons as to why you should have bitter gourds:
1. Bitter melons give relief in constipation and aid to digestion
2. Soothe skin conditions such as acne and wrinkles
3. Help in weight loss
4. Lower the risk of diabetes (as mentioned earlier) and certain types of cancers
5. Its antioxidants help rejuvenate the skin cells and cleanse our entire internal system
Although its bitter taste itself makes it so good for our body, there are ways by which you can reduce the bitterness of karelas. Here’s how:
Take off the seeds. Cut it into thin round slices. Salt it evenly. Cover it and leave it for about 30 minutes. Squeeze the liquid and rinse them with fresh water.
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