Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is part of the gourd family and is related to pumpkin and zucchini. It is considered quite a staple in many different types of Asian cuisine. The Indian variety looks more narrow and has sharp pointed edges, while the Chinese variety is long and is more pale green in colour. While not many find its flavour appealing, this melon has a lot of health benefits that are good for our body. Here is why you need to add bitter gourd to your diet.

Bitter gourds are also great in curing respiratory problems like asthma, cold, cough, etc. You could even make a paste of bitter melon leaves, along with the paste of tulsi leaves and a pinch of honey. Consuming this paste in the morning can also help get rid of respiratory problems.

You can say goodbye to acne with the consumption of bitter gourd. All you need to do is mix some gourd juice with lemon juice and drink it on an empty stomach daily for 6 months or until you get the desired results. It can even treat blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, itching, psoriasis, ringworm and other fungal diseases.

Bitter gourd can also work well for the digestion process of your body. Since it contains fibres it can ease the digestion process and can improve the speed of the process as well. This way, problems like indigestion and constipation will be a thing of the past.

Bitter melon has strong medicinal properties that can benefit diabetes patients. Many studies have found the fruit can help control blood sugar levels. Researchers have also found it can drastically reduce levels of fructosamine, which is also a marker for blood sugar control.

Researchers have found a compound in bitter gourd that has cancer-fighting properties. One study found bitter gourd extract can kill cancer cells of the stomach and lung. Another study also found it can help prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. The antioxidants in it also act as a powerful defence mechanism against illnesses.

Bitter gourd can reduce cholesterol levels and improve your overall heart health. This is important because high levels of cholesterol can cause the build-up of fatty plaque in your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. However, more research is needed to determine if bitter gourd can be taken to effectively reduce cholesterol levels.

Want to lose weight? Consume a lot of bitter gourds. It is high in fibre and low in calories. It also keeps you fuller for longer and can help you tackle digestive issues. Previous research has found it can cause you to burn fat faster. For the study, participants lost close to 0.5 inches within seven weeks. You should incorporate the melon in your diet a few times a week.