BITTER GOURD

Geek talk: Momordica charantia But we talk: calabaza amarga (Spanish), Karela (Hindi), pāhakkai (Tamil), bitter melon Description: Bitter Gourd as the name suggests is an extremely bitter tasting vegetable which is almost disliked by everyone but the sad part is that it has a great nutritional value which makes it almost necessity for the diabetic patients to consume it. It is a tropical vegetable whose origin is believed to be South-East Asia. It is a fast-growing, trailing or climbing vine with thin stems and tendrils and it requires trellis to support the climbing vine. [1] There are two varieties of this vegetable. The large kind is long, oblong and pale green in color. The other kind is small, little oval and dark green. [2] This Indian Karela has many therapeutic usages and is widely used in alternative medicines to treat many diseases [3] Bitter melon has been used medicinally in traditional Chinese and African folk medicine for countless generations. [4] . Kitchen Pharmacy:  Bitter gourd contains a hypoglycemic compound i.e. plant insulin that is very effective in keeping blood sugar levels down. [5] Bitter gourd contains good amount of beta carotene, which is highlt benficial for mainting and improving one's eyesight. [5] Bitter melon stimulates easy digestion and peristalsis of food through the bowel until it is excreted from the body. [6] The vegetable is very low in calories and its pods are rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. [6] Nutrition: 1 Cup  of Bitter Gourd

Origin: Southeast Asia

  References:

1. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bitter-gourd.html
2. http://www.indo-world.com/bitter_gourd/bitter_gourd_extracts.htm
3. http://www.fruitvegetables.in/fresh-vegetables.htm
4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/393699-bitter-melon-facts/#ixzz2U6cGjqEO
5. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-29/diet/29825272_1_bitter-taste-karela-vegetable
6. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bitter-gourd.html