The green, bumpy vegetable known as bitter gourd, or karela, is prized for its intensely bitter flavour. It has a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are good for your health.
Boosts immunity: Rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as vitamins, particularly C, bitter gourds are a nutritional powerhouse. Because higher humidity during the monsoon might encourage the growth of viruses, these nutrients strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s capacity to fend off infections and illnesses.
Detoxifies the body: Quinine and saponins, two substances found in bitter gourds, help in detoxification. It aids in the removal of dangerous toxins from the blood, supports liver function, and guards against skin conditions like rashes and acne, which are frequently made worse by the monsoon season’s excessive wetness and humidity. Controls Blood Sugar Levels: Charantin and polypeptide-p, two of the bitter gourd’s medicinal ingredients, aid in controlling blood sugar levels. This is especially helpful during the monsoon, when eating habits might change and patients with diabetes may eat more rich and heavy foods, which can cause blood sugar variations.
Improves Digestion: The high fibre and water content of bitter gourd supports a well-functioning digestive tract. It promotes overall digestive comfort and health by reducing common digestive problems like bloating, indigestion, and constipation that might result from consuming heavier, oilier foods frequently during the monsoon.
Reduces inflammation: Bitter gourd has strong anti-inflammatory properties that aid in lowering swelling and inflammation. This can provide relief from these usual seasonal discomforts, especially during the monsoon season when moist and cold conditions may increase joint pain and arthritis.
Enhance skin health: Bitter gourd’s antibacterial and antioxidant qualities support the preservation of clear, healthy skin. It fights skin infections and acne, which are frequently made worse by the humid, wet conditions. During the monsoon season, regular drinking can help maintain the skin glowing and free of imperfections.
Supports weight management: Bitter gourd has a high fibre content despite having few calories. It contributes to the promotion of satiety, which lowers total caloric intake. During the monsoon, when people may indulge in heavier foods and need to effectively manage their weight, this might be extremely helpful.
Boosts liver function: Bitter gourd aids in the detoxifying processes that maintain liver function. Because of dietary changes and increased humidity that might influence the liver’s function, its qualities help to eliminate toxins from the liver, which is especially important during the monsoon.
Promotes healthy hair: Packed with vitamins and minerals, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C, bitter gourd feeds the scalp and hair. Due to increased moisture and possible scalp problems from the humid weather, it aids in avoiding hair loss and encouraging healthy hair development, which can be problematic during the monsoon.