Bitter gourd is a green-skinned vegetable with white to translucent flesh and a bitter taste. It may take some time to get used to the bitter flavor of bitter gourd if you did not grow up eating it. 

Bitter gourd is another vegetable with numerous names. Bitter melon, bitter cucumber, balsam-pear, bitter apple, and bitter squash are all names for it. In India, this vegetable is known as karela, nigauri in Japan, goya in Okinawa, ampalaya in the Philippines, and ku-gua across China. 

Momordica charantia is thought to have originated in eastern India or southern China. It prefers hot, humid regions with plenty of sunshine and regular access to water. Bitter gourd is now grown in fields throughout Asia, but it has also gained popularity in the Caribbean and South America. 

Also Read: BENEFITS OF KARELA

Bitter gourd comes in various types, but the two most prevalent are Chinese bitter gourd and Indian bitter gourd. The Chinese type has crimped, rough skin and resembles a pale green cucumber. The surface of the Indian variant is covered in sharp, angled ridges and has narrow, tapering ends. The distinctions between both types are primarily cosmetic, and they both have similar flavors and health advantages. 

Other Names: Karola, Uchche, Fu gua, Mu bie zi, Ku gua, Jin li zhi, Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon, Balsam Apple, Momordique charantia, Balsambirne, Karela, Kareli, Hagalakai, Karel, Momordica charantia Linn, Karlen, Karli, Karavella, Sushavi, Kathilla, Karele

Health Benefits:

Fights inflammation

Bitter gourd is high in polyphenols. These substances are well-known for their potential to reduce inflammation in the body. The bigger the number, the greater the anti-inflammatory properties. 

Also Read: BENEFITS OF KARELA

Diabetes management:

Bitter gourd includes saponins and terpenoids, which are beneficial substances. These molecules are responsible for the bitter taste of the vegetable, but they may also help diabetics lower their blood sugar levels.

Bitter gourd's saponins and terpenoids may help transfer glucose from the blood to the cells while also assisting your liver and muscles in better processing and storing glucose. 

Bitter gourd also contains a high concentration of antioxidants. In fact, half a cup of fresh bitter gourd has almost 93 percent of your daily vitamin C need.