is bitter gourd good for health - #22972
I am really confused about something. My grandma swear by this stuff called bitter gourd. She says is bitter gourd good for health, but I always thought it was just some old wives' tale or whatever. I've been trying to eat healthier lately since I gained a few pounds during the lockdown. I heard bitter gourd can help with weight loss or control blood sugar or something like that, which sounds cool. My friend, who's on a health kick, says is bitter gourd good for health and makes some weird juice outta it. I tried it once, ugh, didn't like the taste at all. But if it's so good for me, I keep thinking, should I just suck it up and drink it? Also, my mom said it can help with digestion, but honestly, I haven't noticed it doing anything for me. Like, she adds it to stir-fries sometimes, but I can't tell if that’s helping me with my stomach issues or if it’s just the spice in the meal! Should I actually start incorporating bitter gourd into my diet? Like, do you guys believe is bitter gourd good for health or should I just stick to the veggies I actually enjoy?
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Doctors' responses
Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, indeed has some potential health benefits. It’s known for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, which might be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those managing their glucose levels. This effect is due to compounds in bitter gourd that can have insulin-like actions and help increase glucose uptake. Regarding weight loss, bitter gourd is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller longer, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake overall. However, there isn’t strong scientific evidence to support significant weight loss results from it alone. Concerning digestion, while there’s some hearsay about it improving digestive health, likely due to its fiber content, it’s not as thoroughly studied for this benefit compared to other veggies. If you’re not thrilled by the taste of bitter gourd, it’s important to prioritize your enjoyment of food to maintain long-term healthy eating habits. Having a variety of vegetables can provide a broader range of nutrients, and flavor is key to enjoying them. If you’re set on reaping its benefits, you might try introducing it in small amounts in dishes where the flavor can be masked, rather than the juice form you dislike. You can also experiment with different cooking methods, like steaming or baking, to see if that makes it more palatable. Ultimately, incorporating it moderately in a balanced diet can be beneficial, but it’s not essential if you’re consuming other nutrient-rich vegetables that you enjoy more.
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