BITTER GOURD

A majority of diabetics usually suffer from malnutrition as they are usually under-nourished. Bitter gourd being rich in all the essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A, B1, B2, C and Iron, its regular use prevents many complications such as hypertension, eye complications, neuritis and defective metabolism of carbohydrates. It increases body's resistance against infection.

Natural Benefits and Curative PropertiesThe bitter gourd has excellent medicinal virtues. It is antidotal, antipyretic tonic, appetizing, stomachic, antibilious and laxative. The bitter gourd is also used in native medicines of Asia and Africa.DiabetesThe bitter gourd isspecifically used as a folk medicine for diabetes. Recent researcheshave established that it contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-likeprinciple, designated as 'plant-insulin', which has been found highlybeneficial in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. It should,therefore, be included liberally in the diet of the diabetic. Forbetter results, the diabetic should take the juice of about four orfive fruits every morning on an empty stomach. The seeds of bittergourd can be added to food in the powdered form. Diabetics can also usebitter gourd in the form of decoction by boiling the pieces in water orin the form of dry powder.

Bitter gourd is a fast growing warm seasonal climbing annual, native to South Asia. Considered one of the most nutritious gourds