9 Benefits Of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy
All the expecting mothers - time to reap the benefits of bitter gourd, no matter the taste.
Mary-Walker Hall is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 12 years of experience, who has a passion for equipping parents and caregivers with the tools to raise healthy eaters from the start. She focuses on whole foods and an overall healthy lifestyle with simple strategies, such as baby-led weaning.
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Pregnancy is the time for happiness but also for utmost caution. This is when many questions and doubts about the right nutrition for the baby abound. Here, we shall understand the safety of bitter gourd during pregnancy. Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or balsam pear, is a medium sized-vegetable with a distinct bitter taste. It is enriched with nutrients and minerals and is considered a very healthy vegetable. However, many vegetables normally deemed safe may pose some health risks during pregnancy. As with raw papaya, the intake of bitter gourd during pregnancy is also mired in controversy. While eating bitter gourd has many advantages, it may lead to certain side effects during pregnancy. To help you make an informed decision, we have listed the possible concerns and advantages of consuming bitter gourd during pregnancy. Read to know the facts.
In This Article
Benefits Of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy
Check out here what are the benefits of eating bitter gourd during pregnancy.
1. High Folate Content
Folate is a vital requirement for pregnant women. This mineral aids in healthy fetal development by keeping the new born safe from the possible neural tube defects. Bitter gourd contains a very high amount of folate (1). It contains one quarter of the daily requirement of this mineral in pregnant women.
2. High Fiber Content
This vegetable is packed with fiber and it gives you a sense of satisfaction (2). It decreases your food cravings for high-calorie food or junk food. This vegetable helps you remain slim even during pregnancy.
3. Curbs Digestive Tract Disorders
The two major problems faced by most pregnant women around the world are constipation and hemorrhoidsi Inflamed or swollen veins in the rectum and anus usually caused during bowel movements or pregnancy. (3). One of the bitter gourd benefits is its fiber content, which helps reduce the occurrence of these problems.
4. Anti-Diabetic
Bitter gourd has anti-diabetic properties and you must consume it every day (3), (4). It has insulin-like hypoglycemic proteins that help lower blood sugar levels. Nutrients like charantini Phytochemicals or phytonutrients found in bitter gourd used to treat diabetes and high blood sugar. and polypeptide-Pi A well-known hypoglycemic agent (that controls blood sugar) that is extracted from fruits, tissues, and seeds of bitter gourd. may also help in fighting gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
5. Antioxidant And Antibacterial
Bitter gourd contains vitamin C which is an antioxidant and helps pregnant women fight against harmful bacteria (2), (3). It also has antibacterial properties that prevent infections from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans which may otherwise cause skin issues (5). It also helps in building the immunity of the expecting mothers.
6. Regulates Bowel Movement
This vegetable can also help in promoting peristalsisi A series of automatic muscle movements that start in the esophagus transport food through the digestive tract. that later helps regulate the bowel movement and the digestive system of pregnant women. However, more research is needed in this regard.
7. Great Source Of Nutrients Needed By The Foetus
Bitter gourd is a great source of some vitamins and minerals (6). It contains Iron, niacin, potassium, pantothenic acid, zinc, pyridoxine, magnesium and manganese. It can easily be called a super vegetable as it plays a vital role in the growth of the fetus.
This vegetable also contains other vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamin B1, B2, B3 etc. and it is a rich source of calcium and beta carotene.
8. Source Of Other Nutrients
This vegetable also contains other vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamin B1, B2, B3 etc. and it is a rich source of calcium and beta carotene.
9. May Help Brighten The Skin
Bitter gourd is rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants, which may promote skin rejuvenation and brighten the skin tone. Its natural bleaching properties may help fade dark spots, acne scars, and pigmentation, resulting in a more radiant complexion (7), (8). Anecdotal evidence suggests that bitter gourd juice may aid in flushing out toxins, promoting clear and glowing skin. Additionally, the gallic acid in bitter gourds may regulate melanin production, which may reduce hyperpigmentation and promote an even skin tone(7), (8). You can either use bitter gourd juice for topical application or include it in your diet to achieve a brighter and healthier skin.
Quick TipThe numerous health benefits of bitter gourd can be attributed to its rich nutritional profile, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Learn more about it in the next section.
Key Takeaways
- Bitter gourd helps regulate bowel movement and treat digestive tract disorders.
- The charantin and polypeptide-P present in bitter gourds help fight gestational diabetes.
- Excess consumption of bitter gourds may cause toxicity and preterm labor in some people.
Nutritional Insights Of Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd is a nutrient-dense vegetable that offers various health benefits, particularly for pregnant women. Here is a breakdown of its nutritional content (9):
Nutritional Value per 100 grams:
- Calories: 17 kcal
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 1.62 mg
- Vitamin C: 27 mg
- Vitamin A: 700 IU
While bitter gourd is rich in nutrients, excessive consumption or use of its supplements can lead to various side effects, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions. Discover them below.
Risks of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy
- Causes Toxicity: Bitter gourd consists of alkaline components like resins, quinine, saponic glycosides and morodicine. These are some of the substances that spread toxicity in the human body. This toxicity can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and dimness of vision, vomiting, redness on face, diarrhea, extreme salivation and weakness of the muscles in pregnant women (10).
- Excess Consumption Can Cause Stomach Related troubles: Diarrhea, cramps in abdomen and other stomach problems can occur (10).
- Causes Sensitivity In Some: The seeds of bitter gourd contain vicine that can cause symptoms of favism in some sensitive beings (11). The red arils found in the seed are toxic for children. Therefore, this is not a favored vegetable for pregnant women.
- Pre-Term Labour: Bitter gourd can also lead to some troublesome uterine activities that can actually lead to a pre-term labor in most women.
Quick TipNote: No tests have been done on women who consumed bitter gourd during pregnancy. Hence, ensure you consult a gynecologist before including it in your diet.
Bitter gourd, if eaten for the first time, can cause cramps in the abdomen, gastritis, and other such stomach-related diseases. Therefore, it is important to consider the side effects of bitter gourd, especially during pregnancy. Pregnant women must always consult their gynecologist before choosing their diet, especially when including an item they have not eaten before.
Infographic: Top Reasons To Have Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy
Look beyond the bitter taste of this vegetable and marvel at the various benefits it can provide you. Bitter gourd has many nutritional benefits and properties hidden beneath its rugged texture. It might just be the one-stop solution to deal with the common issues faced during pregnancy.
Check out the infographic below to learn more about the top reasons to have a bitter gourd during pregnancy. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Hope you liked our post on eating bitter gourd during pregnancy. It’s always best to keep on the safe side of diets and eat carefully. If you have never tried it before, don’t try eating bitter gourd during pregnancy. Have a safe and healthy pregnancy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw bitter gourd poisonous?
Blanca Garcia, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “Not at all! Fresh bitter gourd provides a good amount of vitamin C, folate, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential during the neural growth and development of a baby. However, if consumed excessively, raw bitter gourd may cause allergic reactions or digestive problems for some. Also, proper food handling and good hygiene are essential when preparing raw bitter gourd since pregnant women are vulnerable to infection and other diseases.”
Should we remove the skin of the bitter gourd?
According to Garcia, “There is no need to remove the skin of the bitter gourd. It is tender and edible. But if you prefer eating it without skin, take note that by doing so, you may not be maximizing its nutrient content, since the skin also contains a good amount of beneficial nutrients.”
Why should bitter gourd not be eaten at night?
Garcia says, “There is no scientific explanation for limiting the consumption of bitter gourd at night. While there is no specific time to consume it, some may experience gastric discomfort when they consume it at night, possibly due to its citric juices that may contain irritants.”
Is bitter gourd good for fertility?
No. The presence of triterpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids in bitter gourd may exhibit anti-fertility activity (12). However, more studies are warranted in this regard.
Is bitter gourd considered a heat food for the body?
Yes. According to Ayurveda, bitter gourd is a heat food for the body. It has hot potency and may cause a burning sensation in the stomach.
Illustration: Benefits Of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Learn about the 12 benefits and 3 risks of eating bitter gourd during pregnancy. Check out this video to learn how it can help you and your baby.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Balsam-pear (bitter gourd), pods, raw
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168393/nutrients - Bitter Gourd: Health Properties And Value Addition at Farm Scale
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312580416_BITTER_GOURD_HEALTH_PROPERTIES_AND_VALUE_ADDITION_AT_FARM_SCALE_a - Momordica Charantia Linn (Karela): Nature’s Silent Healer
https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/volume11issue1/Article-007.pdf - Immediate Effect of Bitter Gourd, Ash Gourd, Knol-khol Juices on Blood Sugar Levels of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017300147 - Recent Advances in Momordica charantia: Functional Components and Biological Activities
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751158/ - Nutritional Composition of Bitter Gourd Types (Momordica Charantia L.)
https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/236876-nutritional-composition-of-bitter-gourd-b9a42be3.pdf - Antioxidant, cell-protective, and anti-melanogenic activities of leaf extracts from wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser.) cultivars
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5432827/ - Study on the Efficacy of Vitamin C Lotion on Skin: Permeable and Anti-Aging
https://www.scirp.org/pdf/jcdsa_2022032415094473.pdf - BITTER GOURD
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2164642/nutrients - Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria Siceraria) Toxicity: A “Bitter” Diagnostic Dilemma
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4316287/ - Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): A Review of Efficacy And Safety
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12625217/ - Antifertility activity of Momordica charantia Descourt pulp and seed hydroalcoholic extract
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259645032_Antifertility_activity_of_Momordica_charantia_Descourt_pulp_and_seed_hydroalcoholic_extract
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