Bitter gourd, also known as karela, is not the most appealing vegetable for many due to its bitter taste. Despite its bitter taste, this vegetable is packed with nutrients that can make a real difference for your skin, hair, and overall health. This is due to the presence of vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. Here are eight key benefits of bitter gourd that may just convince you to give this nutrient-packed vegetable a try.
Benefits Of Bitter Gourd For Skin, Hair, and Health
1. Promotes Clearer Skin
Bitter gourd is packed with antioxidants and vitamins like A and C, essential for skin health. These nutrients help purify the blood, reducing toxins, and preventing skin problems like acne, blemishes, and eczema. The antioxidants combat free radicals that can lead to skin ageing, keeping your skin youthful and glowing.
According to a 2015 study, bitter gourd is also an excellent source of catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid, potent antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
You can drink bitter gourd juice regularly for clearer skin, or even apply it topically by mixing the juice with some honey or lemon for a purifying face mask.
2. Helps Combat Skin Infections
Bitter gourd has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat skin infections. So the next time you deal with itching, rashes, or fungal infections, apply bitter gourd juice to the affected area to help soothe the skin and speed up the healing process.
3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Bitter gourd is well known for its capacity to regulate blood sugar levels due to compounds, such as charantin and polypeptide-p, which mimic insulin and aid in lowering blood sugar levels. Hence, people with diabetes should make it a part of their regular diet. According to a 2005 study, bitter gourd can enhance how sugar is utilised in your tissues and stimulate the release of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
Also Read: How Does Bitter Gourd Help In Managing Your Blood Sugar Levels?
4. Reduces Hair Fall
You might be surprised to learn that bitter gourd can help with hair fall. It is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and biotin and nourishes your hair follicles from the inside out. This boost in nutrition can strengthen your hair, making it less prone to breakage and helping you maintain healthier and fuller locks. You can massage bitter gourd juice into your scalp once a week to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair fall. You can also mix it with coconut oil for an added boost of hydration.
5. Treats Dandruff and Scalp Itchiness
Another benefit of bitter gourd is that it can help combat dandruff and relieve an itchy scalp due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Its cleansing properties remove impurities and reduce the chances of infections that may cause scalp irritation. Mix bitter gourd juice with yoghurt and apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with a mild shampoo. This helps cleanse the scalp and control dandruff.
6. Aids in Weight Loss
Bitter gourd is a low-calorie vegetable that can support weight loss. It is high in fibre, which promotes satiety and helps control hunger pangs. Moreover, bitter gourd improves digestion and metabolism, aiding in faster calorie burn. Adding bitter gourd to your daily meals or drinking bitter gourd juice can help in weight management.
Also Read: Is Eating Bitter Almonds Good Or Bad? Know All The Benefits and Risks
7. Boosts Immunity
The high vitamin C levels and antioxidants in bitter gourd make it a great immune booster. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, while antioxidants help fight off harmful free radicals that can weaken the body. According to a 2018 study, bitter Melon Extract (BME) can adjust the levels of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and enhance the killing activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells. Regular consumption of bitter gourd can also help in preventing common colds, flu, and other infections.
8. Improves Digestion
Bitter gourd contains dietary fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health. It aids in better digestion and prevents common issues like constipation. The vegetable also stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, helping to break down food more effectively. Eating bitter gourd regularly can keep your digestive system functioning smoothly. Try including it in your meals by adding it to soups, stews, or as a stir-fry side dish.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]