Better Learn About Bittergourd (Bitter Melon)

              Better learn about bittergourd(bitter melon)

Compiled by 

Lizy Bonsal, Dietitian

Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre

• Fresh bitter melon is an excellent source of vitamin-C. Vitamin-C, one of the powerful natural antioxidants, helps body scavenge deleterious free radicals- one of the reasons for cancer development.            

• Very low in calories; provides only 17 cal per   100g. The pods are rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. 
• Bitter melon contains phyto-nutrient, polypeptide-P; a plant “insulin” known to lower blood sugar levels. In addition it also contains a hypoglycemic agent called charantin. Charantin increases glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in the cells of liver, muscle and adipose tissue. Together, these compounds can cause reduction of blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes.
• Fresh pods are an excellent source of folate; contains about 72 mcg/100g.  Folate helps to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in offspring when taken by pregnant women during early pregnancy.

• It is an excellent source of health promoting flavonoids such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthins.   
•  It also contains good amount of vitamin A. Together, these compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging, cancers and various disease processes.
• Bitter melon stimulates easy digestion and peristalsis of food through the bowel until it is excreted from the body. Thus, it helps in relieving indigestion and constipation.
• The vegetable is also a good source of Niacin (vitamin B-3), Pantothenic acid (vit.B-5), Pyridoxine (vit.B-6) and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese and magnesium.