Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has a protruding tumor-like outer skin, which is called “wine”. Bitter gourd is rich in nutrition, and its protein, fat, carbohydrate content is higher in melon vegetables, especially vitamin C, ranking first in melons. Bitter gourd also contains crude fiber, carotene, momordica glycosides, phosphorus, iron, various minerals and amino acids.
Bitter gourd has the effects of clearing he at, relieving heat, improving eyesight and detoxifying. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bitter gourd is bitter, cold, non-toxic, and has the effects of eliminating evil and heat, relieving fatigue, clearing the heart and improving eyesight, and replenishing Qi and strengthening Yang.
Bitter gourd has a calorie value of 19 kcal per 100g, which is low in calories. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bitter gourd has a bitter taste and cold nature, which can clear away heat and relieve fire. Bitter gourd also has the effect of lowering blood sugar because it contains substances similar to insulin. Bitter gourd is one of the ideal foods for diabetics.
Bitter gourd can be cooked into a variety of flavor dishes, which can be shredded, sliced, diced, used as ingredients or individually served in dishes. After frying, stewing, steaming, and boiling, it becomes a delicacy with different flavors. There are many famous bitter gourd dishes, such as fried bitter gourd with green pepper, braised bitter gourd in sauce, fried bitter gourd, bitter gourd roasted with meat, stewed bitter gourd with beef and so on.
