Ampalaya
is common known as Bitter Gourd. It is a long vegetable with green color and
has bumpy gourd.
There are two types of Ampalaya. The first one is long with pale
green color and second type is smaller with dark green color. They have red or
white seeds, which depends on how ripe they are. If the seeds are dark then the
vegetable is bitterer. It originated from Asia and South America. It is very
popular in Asia because of its numerous health benefits. In Asia it is
especially used as remedy against diabetes. It can be found in the stores in
form of pills, tea, juice and extract.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
01: Relieves cold - ampalaya is used in treating fever and cough caused by cold. It has
anti-inflammatory properties and that is why it is used against mucus
accumulation and chest congestion.
02:Disinfectant - It is
used against bacteria as it has strong powerful antibiotic properties. It can
be used as a disinfectant for minor wounds, burns and scrapes.
03:Lowers Blood Sugar
Level - Ampalaya is used against diabetes. It is able to reduce the blood sugar
level and prevents other side-effects caused by high blood sugar.
04:Immunity booster - It
removes free radicals from the body and fights infections which can lead to
tissue and organ damage.
05:Lowers Blood
Pressure - It lowers the blood pressure because it is able to relax the vascular
system. Lowering the high blood pressure is an important function because it
can protect people from having a heart attack or stroke.
06:Headache relief - When
the muscles around brain are under pressure, they cause headaches. Ampalaya
reduces the pressure and alleviates headaches. Stress usually causes the
pressure but ampalaya also helps in relieving tension and stress.
07:Improves Psoriasis -
People who suffer from psoriasis have confirmed that this plant has helped them
a lot. Ampalaya juice can also help with fungal infections as athlete’s foot
and fungi.
08:Spleen and liver
protection - overuse of alcohol and toxins can lead to damaged spleen and liver.
This vegetable can regenerate and repair tissues in the body which were damaged
by toxins. Ampalaya contains useful enzymes which maintain proper spleen and
liver function.
09:Weight control -
Obesity is linked with numerous health problems like diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease and many others. A study showed that amapalaya juice is
effective in preventing fat cells from forming.
10:Eye problems - Ampalaya is rich in beta-carotene and other minerals which
help with eye problems.
