
Everyone is aware of dry fruits’ benefits for health, however,…
Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or karela, is a vegetable that is commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. It has a unique bitter taste and is known for its numerous health benefits, including its ability to aid in weight loss. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of bitter melon for weight loss, how it can be a part of your diet, and a few hidden facts about karela.
Bitter melon or bitter gourd is a tropical vegetable that belongs to the same family as cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchini. It is long and narrow, with a bumpy, green exterior and a white, fleshy interior filled with seeds. While it is not the most palatable vegetable due to its bitter taste, it is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Hence it is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes.
Bitter melon has some hidden knowledge that you may find interesting:
It is a low-calorie vegetable, with just 17 calories per 100 grams. It is also high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods. Also preventing overeating and reducing calorie intake.
Bitter gourd also has a positive impact on blood sugar levels. It contains a compound called charantin, which has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. When blood sugar levels are stable, cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods are less, which can aid in weight loss.
Furthermore, bitter gourd contains compounds called lectins, which are thought to prevent the absorption of carbohydrates in the body. When carbohydrates are not absorbed, they are excreted as waste, reducing the number of calories that are absorbed by the body.
Bitter gourd has several benefits for weight loss, including:
Bitter gourd is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in a variety of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here is the nutritional value of bitter gourd based on a 100-gram serving:
Nutritional Value Of Bitter Gourd 100 Gram Serving |
Calories: 17 Protein: 1 gram Fat: 0.2 grams Carbohydrates: 3.7 grams Fiber: 2.8 grams Sugar: 1 gram Vitamin C: 84 milligrams (140% of the Daily Value) Vitamin A: 471 international units (9% of the Daily Value) Folate: 72 micrograms (18% of the Daily Value) Potassium: 296 milligrams (8% of the Daily Value) Calcium: 19 milligrams (2% of the Daily Value) Iron: 0.43 milligrams (2% of the Daily Value) Magnesium: 17 milligrams (4% of the Daily Value) |
Bitter gourd is also a good source of antioxidants, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These compounds can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Bitter gourd is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including:
In addition to its potential benefits for weight loss, bitter gourd has several other health benefits:
If you want to add bitter gourd for weight loss to your diet, there are a few ways to prepare it. Here are some suggestions:
1. While bitter gourd has many potential health benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may find the taste too bitter, and it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea in some individuals.
2. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, bitter gourd contains a compound called vicine, which can cause a condition called favism in people with a certain genetic mutation. Favism is a condition in which red blood cells break down faster than they are produced, leading to anemia.
3. Bitter melon may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using bitter melon as a supplement or as a food ingredient.
Overall, bitter melon for weight loss is a nutritious and low calorie food that can be a beneficial addition to a weight loss diet. However, it is important to consume bitter gourd in moderation and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about incorporating it into your diet. Overall, bitter melon is a fascinating vegetable that has many potential health benefits and hidden knowledge.
Today we are sharing the inspirational story of a girl named ‘Lovepreet. So, the girl is based in London and reached out to us about six months back with her weight loss complications. Also, she was overweight and suffering from thyroid. With the customized diet plan, she got amazing results. During her weight loss journey, she has dramatically lost 25 kg which is a complete personality transformation. She not only lost those extra kilos but got healthy skin too. Fitelo team is so proud of Lovepreet for being able to manage such an incredible weight loss success story.
Fun Fact
Here is a fun thing for you to try a swap challenge. You can do so try switching high-calorie snacks with low-calorie options. For instance, check out our low calorie swap challenge so to replace unhealthy with healthy.
Ans: Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a tropical fruit that grows in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It has a bitter taste and is present in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Ans: Yes, bitter melon has weight loss benefits. It contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improve metabolism, all of which can contribute to weight loss.
Ans: Bitter gourd can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. A good way is to have it in stir-fries, curries, and soups. If you find the taste too bitter, you can try soaking the slices in salt water before cooking.
Ans: Bitter gourd is generally safe to consume in moderate amounts. However, some people may experience digestive issues such as diarrhea or stomach cramps. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before consuming bitter gourd if you are taking any medications.
Ans: You can consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Your search to find the right guidance to be a part of all those fat-to-fit stories ends here. So, contact us today if you are looking for a diet plan with cheat meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Disclaimer
This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.
Everyone is aware of dry fruits’ benefits for health, however,…
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