Select firm, unblemished gourds that are from 5-12 inches in length. Choose gourd which is still green for a bitterer flavour and a yellow orange for a milder taste

Fat free, saturated fat free, cholesterol free, sodium free and an excellent source of vitamin C

Vegetable very low in calories providing just 17 calories per 100 g.

Containes polypeptide-P a plant insulin

Fresh pods are an excellent source of folates, contains about 72ug/100g

Fresh bitter gourd is an excellent source of vitamin C

100gm of raw provides 84mg of vitamin C

It is an excellent source of health benefiting flavonoids such as ß-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, and zea-xanthin. It also contains a good amount of vitamin A.

It purifies blood, activates spleen and liver and is highly beneficial in diabetes.

• Diabetes :    Contains  phyto-nutrient, polypeptide-P; a plant insulin, designated as 'plant-insulin', found highly beneficial in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels.

• Piles : Juice of the fresh leaves of bitter gourd is valuable in piles.

• Blood Disorder : Bitter gourd is highly beneficial in the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils,  scabies, itching, psoriasis, ring-worm and other fungal diseases.

• Respiratory Disorder : Bitter gourd plant roots are used in folk medicine for respiratory disorders from ancient times.

• Alcoholism : Leaf juice is beneficial in the treatment of alcoholism.

• Cholera : Fresh juice of leaves of bitter gourd is also an effective medicine in early stages of cholera and other types of diarrhoea during summer.

•  Blood Disorders ,Psoriasis, Respiratory disorders & Toxemia

Store bitter gourd loose in a paper or plastic bag in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Slice the gourd immediately before use

Bharwan Karela

Karele ka Salan

Shukto

Pavakkai Varuvval