Health Benefits Of Bitter Melon

Bitter melon, which is the most bitter of all vegetables, is a tropical and subtropical vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is known by different names in different regions of the world, like bitter melon in English; goya in Japanese; karela in Hindi and paavakka in Malayalam. The original home of this vegetable species is not known, though it is a native of the tropical areas. Bitter melon is grown extensively in India and other parts of the Indian subcontinent, as also in Southeast Asia, China, Africa, and the Caribbean. It is known to be high on nutritional value and carry several medicinal properties. Read on to know the health benefits of eating bitter melon.

Nutritional Value Of Bitter Gourd

Amount of Bitter Gourd: 100 gm

Nutrients	Amount
Energy	79 kJ
Carbohydrates	4.32 gm
Protein	0.84 gm
Water	93.95 gm
Dietary fiber	2.0 gm
Sugars	1.95 gm
Total Fat	0.18 gm
Saturated Fat	0.014 gm
Monounsaturated Fat	0.033 gm
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.078 gm
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv.	6 μg
Thiamine	0.051 mg
Riboflavin	0.053 mg
Niacin	0.280 mg
Vitamin B6	0.041 mg
Folate	51 μg
Vitamin C	33.0 mg
Vitamin E	0.14 mg
Vitamin K	4.8 μg
Minerals
Calcium	9 mg
Iron	0.38 mg
Magnesium	16 mg
Phosphorus	36 mg
Potassium	319 mg
Sodium	6 mg
Zinc	0.77 mg

Health & Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Bitter Melons

Bitter melon is believed to be a remedy against infections that are associated with retroviruses, including those viruses that can cause Human Immunodeficiency Disease (HIV). The vegetable is also believed to destroy strains of herpes virus in the body.
The leaf extracts from bitter melon have shown to possess antibacterial properties, against bacteria such as E.Coli that thrives in the lower intestines of mammals and human beings, and can lead to urinary tract infections and other gastrointestinal ailments.
Bitter melon extract has found usage as an effective antihelmintic substance that works to eliminate worms from the intestinal tract.
The vegetable is used externally to heal skin problems, such as skin eruptions, chapped skin, burns, hemorrhoids, and psoriasis.
Bitter melon capsules are available as a part of the alternative treatment for ailments like diabetes, cold, and so on.

Caution

Bitter melon capsules are to be used with certain precautions, as they can cause side effects and may interact with some of the over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs and herbal medicines.
Pregnant women should not consume bitter melon products, as they can lead to uterine contractions.
People who have a low blood sugar level should also not eat bitter melon, as it can worsen their situation by lowering the blood sugar even more.
Diabetics, who are on prescription hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, should avoid bitter melon supplements, unless the physician prescribes them.
Individuals with cirrhosis of the liver and medical history of hepatitis or HIV need to abstain from consuming this herb.
It should be noted that for all the health benefits of bitter melon, it cannot be regarded as a stand-alone medicine and should only be taken on professional recommendation.

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