Why Eat Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy

Bitter Gourd is a vegetable that has been loved by health experts and fanatics alike. The vegetable is full of nutritional values that help provide an individual with a complete energy pack and excellent health. The vegetable is also known as Balsam Pear, Bitter Melon, Karela and Karkareya in a few Asian countries. Pregnant women are often suggested to consume foods rich in nutrients, and bitter gourd during pregnancy is a definite suggestion. Understanding how, why, and when a lady should consume this vegetable during pregnancy is essential. So, let’s understand bitter gourd juice benefits along with its side effects!

Is Bitter Gourd Good For Pregnancy?

While bitter gourd is one of the most popular vegetables suggested by experts to be included in the diet of a normal human being, the point of view keeps differing for pregnant women. Even though vegetables are highly nutritious, some experts suggest consuming Karela during pregnancy as normal on the other hand. Some may find bitter gourd juice to be avoided. So, deciding whether vegetable consumption by pregnant women is completely safe or not is still a controversial topic.

Benefits Of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy

Although the topic of whether Karela in Pregnancy is still debatable, there certainly are benefits to its consumption during that crucial phase. 

Here are some notable benefits of Karela during Pregnancy: 

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1. Maintaining Weight

Women often complain about excessive weight gain during pregnancy, bitter gourd helps in maintaining weight. This is a reason why many fit people include bitter gourd in their diet.

2. Avoids Diabetes

Bitter gourd contains Characin and Polypeptide- P, both the substances help in avoiding a pregnant woman from getting diabetes.

3. Boosts Immunity

Bitter gourd has a good amount of Vitamin C and multiple antioxidants, these help in building up a strong wall of immunisation against multiple harmful components that can make you sick.

4. Full of Vitamins and Minerals:

Bitter Gourd is rich in nutrients and contains high amounts of Minerals and Vitamins. That helps in better nourishment and growth of the baby. As well as maintain good health for women.

Side Effects Of Bitter Gourd While Pregnancy

Since we have found out the benefits, knowing and understanding the side effects of Bitter Gourd during pregnancy is equally important. Let’s find out what are the possible consequences.

1. Presence Of Toxic Substances: Glycosides, Moricizine and Quinine are present in bitter gourds. These molecular substances can be harmful to health because of their toxicity, leading to stomach aches, vomiting, fever, etc.

2. Common Stomach Problems: Bitter Gourd can also have adverse effects on the digestion of an individual; this can cause diarrhoea, stomach ache, loose stools, etc.

3. Premature Delivery: The substances present in Bitter Gourd can trigger the uterus in an unhealthy way, leading to premature delivery.

4. Allergy/Hypersensitivity: If you haven’t consumed bitter gourd before. Then it is better not to consume it during pregnancy as women have suggested feeling nauseous, dizzy, and showing several signs of sensitivity that can be harmful to mother and baby.

How To Consume Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy?

A woman can consume bitter Gourd during Pregnancy in various ways instead of raw or juice form. Some of the most exciting ways are,

Curry-

Make your usual curry but include a Bottle gourd as an ingredient. You can also make it using coconut milk or yoghurt to add more texture and flavour.

Mix Vegetable-

Mix vegetables is a standard option to put together all the available vegetables. To make a delicious dish in the house, why not add Karela benefits to it and make it healthier?

Precautions To Take While Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy

If you prefer karela, we know you’ll want to eat it occasionally while pregnant, and you CAN, as long as you consume it in moderation. For that:

• You can have a small cup of bitter gourd once or twice a week, but do not consume more than that.
   
• During pregnancy, a maximum of 2 cups of bitter gourd in a curry or vegetable is recommended, as long as it is not drunk all at once.
   
• You can eat it in little amounts during lunch and supper. Get advice from a nutritionist before including it into your diet. We recommend that you not begin eating it while pregnant if you have never tried it before.

Some Interesting Facts About Bitter Gourd 

• In some places of Florida, bitter melon has become an invasive species.

• Cucurbitacins, which are found in cucumber family members to prevent herbivores, are responsible for the bitter taste of bitter melons.

   

• The bitter gourd, scientifically known as “Momordica Charantia,” is one of roughly 40 similar tropical African species.

• The plant is a creeper with yellow blooms on both male and female flowers, however, only the female flowers produce bitter gourds.

   

• Bitter gourd juice benefits are supposed to alleviate the effects of alcoholic intoxication, such as a hangover. It aids in liver detoxification.

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Karela Fry – If you are lazy and just want to whip a quick meal for your pregnant self then Karela Fry is the perfect recipe for you. Toss bitter gourd with your favourite spices and add onion or potato or just bitter gourd and that’s it, eat with Chapati/Flat Bread.

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Stuffed Karela – One of the yummiest and interesting recipes for all. Preparation is quite time consuming, still, it’s a nice combo with roti and rice.

Deciding on adding or avoiding bitter gourd eventually is in the hands of the mother. Although it is better to avoid bitter gourds during pregnancy. If you have never consumed it before and are specifically thinking about trying it because of the suggested health benefits. If possible, avoid bitter gourds during the first half of pregnancy to prevent any additional health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

1. it safe to drink raw bitter gourd juice during pregnancy?

A pregnant lady can consume raw bitter gourd juice during pregnancy but in a very low quantity, although most experts suggest drinking it cooked as it helps neutralise its toxic content to some extent. The quantity should always be moderate.

2. Can I take ripe Bitter Gourd while pregnant?

Bitter Gourd in ripe form should only be consumed if cooked and just in moderate amounts during the period of pregnancy.

3. What is the best time to start eating Bitter Gourd during pregnancy?

You can eat bitter gourd throughout the phase of pregnancy but in minimal amounts. Although the best time to eat Balsam Pear is the second half period of pregnancy, there are low chances of miscarriage.

Note- Not everything that is organic and natural should be ingested, particularly if it puts your kid in danger. However, bitter gourds are not recommended to use when pregnant. Consult your doctor if you wish to consume it.

Reference Articles:

Jeera Water During Pregnancy: Check out the reasons why every expecting mom must add this beverage to her diet.

Pregnancy And Food Obsession: See how to balance your hunger for food obsession during  pregnancy. 

Cravings During Pregnancy: What could be the possible symptoms and effects of craving during pregnancy? Know here!

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