It may be bitter pill to swallow but it is loaded with a bunch of benefits that can help you boost your overall health.

Bitter gourd is known by many names, bitter melon, bitter squash, bitter cucumber, bitter apple, or balsam pear and karela in Urdu. With its wart-like bumps and fleshy white inside, the green vegetable is high in vitamins A and C and other nutrients.

Belonging to the gourd family, bitter gourd is a tropical vine that is closely related to zucchini, squash, pumpkin, and cucumber.

While this vegetable can be consumed in many ways, it’s extract can also prove to be beneficial for weight loss and improving your skin. Here are some amazing benefits of bittergourd juice.

1. Helps with weight loss

Low in calories and high in fibres, bitter gourd is excellent in helping you along your weight loss journey.

2. Helps reduce blood sugar levels

For diabetics, it is the best vegetable since it has a strong hypoglycaemic effect and is high in soluble fibre. It reduces several blood-sugar control markers, including hemoglobin A1c and fructosamine, reducing the unexpected blood sugar surge.

3. Improves skin and heals wounds

A glass of this green juice is rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and provitamin A, both of which are important for healthy skin and wound healing. It has been used to manage symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and ulcers.

4. Assists in combatting hair loss

A glass of bitter gourd juice every once in while can help seal in the texture of the hair and also works to stop split ends, dandruff, and hair loss.

5. Boosts your immunity

Antioxidants in bitter gourd act as potent defence mechanisms against diseases and significantly slows the proliferation of cancer cells and prevents the formation of tumours.

Heads up: While these benefits may seem enticing, do not go overboard with the bitter gourd juice intake as extra consumption can cause adverse effects. No more than a small glass a day.