Bitter gourd
You will be surprised to know that bitter gourd is not a vegetable but a fruit, yes! And even more surprising. It is a cousin of watermelon, melon, summer, winter, pumpkin, ghee, tori, peetha, cucumber. Cucurbitacaea is actually a family of plants, simply called the Gourd Family. This family includes all of the above fruits and colorful pumpkins and pumpkins from all over the world. Because it belongs to the melon family and more than half of the characteristics are familial, it is also called Bitter Melon. This term is more commonly used.
Pumpkin is a tropical vine. Tropical regions of the world are countries, islands where it rains all year round and the weather is hot and humid. Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, etc.). The continent of South America, Australia and parts of Africa fall into such areas. Many areas of Pakistan and India are also monsoon regions where there is a lot of rain in summer. Therefore, this area is also very suitable for the production of this fruit.
There are conflicting opinions about its history. Some experts say the plant spread from India to China and other countries, and some say it spread from southeastern countries to India, China and the rest of the world. About 60 species have been discovered worldwide, two of which are endemic. Chinese variety and Indian variety are widely used. Despite being from a sweet family, it is a true fruit, so the eater feels bitter. In fact, its bitterness is due to a chemical called Mormodicine. It is an alkaloid. Alkaloids in plants actually protect them from many pests and animals to keep them away from food. But man knows. It can be eaten with salt or pepper.
As a child, I used to touch it with crocodile feelings and it felt like it was crocodile food. But in fact it is human food and let's see what its benefits are.
* It is low in calories and contains adequate amount of fiber. In that sense, it is a light and easily digestible food. Fiber not only corrects your stomach, eliminates appetite, but also helps reduce obesity.
* Watermelon belongs to the melon family. So the rest of the family's fruit contains vitamin C. It also contains large amounts of vitamin C. Which strengthens the immune system by increasing the T cells in your body.
* It contains vitamin A which is good for eyes and skin.
* It controls and normalizes high blood sugar so it is very good for diabetics. Not only sugar but also the nutrients in it improve the liver.
* It contains potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Everyone has their own work. Potassium is good for the heart and blood vessels. Magnesium is good for sugar and also lowers blood pressure. Phosphorus is good for teeth and calcium is good for bones and muscles.
Û° A protein MAP30 has been discovered in it which is said to be beneficial for AIDS patients. However, further research is still ongoing.
* It contains Anti Oxidants which open blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Caution:
Û° Since all the benefits have been tested in the laboratory, it is not clinically proven. Therefore, diabetics should seek medical guidance in eating it. Remember to use a small amount of herbal or fruit treatment first. If it does not have a bad effect on the body, then start using a regular amount.
* Eating bitter gourd for a few days in a row can have a bad effect on the kidneys.
* Because it belongs to the melon family, it contains a large amount of water about 83%. Cholera may be caused by drinking too much water after a meal (especially Chinese variety, which is also eaten raw) or by eating large amounts of food at night. However, it is not dangerous.
* It can be dangerous for pregnant women, especially in the early days of pregnancy.
Use of bitter gourd:
Û° Both varieties are widely used. Bitter meat is a very healthy dish in Pakistan. Bitter gourd is low in protein, while cooking with meat balances the food.
* Bitter potatoes are also fine. Bitter gourd is low in carbohydrates, while potatoes make up for it by making it a balanced food.
* Putting small pieces of other vegetables inside the bitter gourd and frying it with a thread. That's right- this is a balanced diet. In the same way, you can boil some pulses or herbs in it and fry them. Nutrition in every way.
* Chinese bitter gourd is less bitter, so it is cut straight and eaten raw in salads. Bitter gourd is also made which is very tasty. In addition, bitter gourd juice is also made which is considered good for diabetics. But it takes courage to drink. Cut it and dry it in the sun to make its coffee which is called Gohyah tea. It is used by diabetics. Similarly, those who want the benefits of bitter gourd but do not want to eat it because it is bitter. They can also dry it and put it in capsules and eat it.
How to grow:
Wash and clean the seeds and in the last weeks of April when you start to feel regular heat. Good compost in a good container (16 inches) or bed .Add soil with mumps and then sow bitter gourd seeds in it from some distance and give water. Keep the pot where the sun is and take care of the water. Do not let the soil dry out. Check that there are holes in the pot so that water does not stand in the pot. Since it is a vine-like plant, make a stick or a fence in the pot on which this plant can climb. In a few days this plant will start to grow and in the next few weeks it will start to bear fruit.
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