What Are the Benefits of Bitter Gourd?

Man in a bitter gourd costume handing out the beneficial food

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter melon, is low in calories but big on nutrients, with twice as much potassium as a banana and twice the beta-carotene of broccoli. It is also a good source of folic acid, zinc, magnesium, fiber and phosphorous. It is also chock full of and Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.

Immune System

Bitter gourd can help boost the immune system because it provides vitamin-rich nutrients.

Blood Sugar

A British clinical study has shown that consumption of bitter gourd can help lower blood sugar since it contains an insulin-like principle known as plant-insulin.

Energy

Bitter melon has been shown to increase energy and stabilize sleep patterns.

HIV Treatment

A test tube study published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine reports that the alpha and beta momorchardin proteins in bitter gourd could have an inhibiting effect on HIV infection, although it is unlikely that eating bitter melon will slow the effects of the disease in infected people.

Psoriasis Treatment

Bitter gourd has been shown to be helpful in treating psoriasis, since it can inhibit the activity of the guanylate cyclase ezyme, which has been known to be involved in the skin disorder.

References

• JuicingForHealth.com
• AyurvedicCure.com
• Encyclopedia.com

Resources

• The National Bitter Melon Council