6 Side Effects Of Bitter Gourd
We all know why we
hate bitter gourds. Born in an era whose taste buds are habituated only to junk
and fast foods, it isn’t much of a surprise that such
grossly tasting veggies couldn’t become our favourites.
Your mother, just like
my mother, would have advised you umpteen times about the greatness of bitter
gourds. And you, just like I, wouldn’t have paid any heed. Maybe we were being
ignorant. Or maybe we weren’t.
Now I will come to the
actual point. Bitter gourd, also known as karela or bitter melon, is just like
any other food given to us by nature and has its own set of side effects.
Want to know what are the side effects of bitter gourd? I bet
you do.3
1. Can Stimulate Miscarriage:
Bitter gourds, if
taken in excessive quantities can turn out to be a nightmare for pregnant
women. Bitter gourds are notorious for causing emmenagogue (increase of
menstrual flow) and abortifacient effects.
Bitter gourds can also
trigger contractions. And for lactating women, it is best to avoid bitter
gourd. This is because though there isn’t any scientific backing which says
bitter gourds are bad for lactating women, its adverse effects on pregnant
women might have similar effects on lactating women.
2. Drug Interactions:
It is actually
shocking to know vegetables like bitter gourd which are known for their healing
properties, might even come in the way of drugs. But this is the fact.
Combining bitter gourds with standard drugs can reduce blood
sugar levels steeply. This might possibly lead to dangerously
low blood sugar levels.
Hence diabetic
patients who are under medication should consult their doctors before consuming
bitter gourds.
3. Infertility:
In case you are planning your pregnancy, stay away from bitter gourds
as much as possible. The seeds of bitter gourd contain momorcharin, which was
shown to cause anti-fertility effects in female mice. Hence be aware of this
dangerous side effect of bitter gourd.
So seeking pregnancy?
Bitter gourds – highly NOT recommended.
4. Bitter Gourds For Your Children? Think
Again:
This might come as
good news for your kids. But this is not a random statement produced out of
thin air. It has been reported that red arils (the covering on the seeds) might
be toxic to children. Theymight
cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
So if your child is
allergic to bitter gourds, it is better to avoid giving them the vegetable.
5. Hypoglycaemic Coma:
Hypoglycaemic coma is
a condition of coma which is caused due to excessive doses of injected insulin.
This might lead to severe decrease in blood sugar levels. There are case reports
which suggest the onset of hypoglycaemic coma and the start of atrial
fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) with the intake of bitter gourds.
6. Might Affect The Liver:
You might wonder what
the connection is between liver and bitter gourd. Though this might appear a
bit illogical, evidence exists. Intake of bitter gourds for extended periods of
time to control diabetes might actually induce liver inflammation.
Bitter gourds don’t directly
damage the liver. Long term use of bitter gourds can elevate liver enzymes and
result in a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Some of the points, or
maybe all of these side effects of bitter gourd sound new and
unbelievable to you. It’s natural. Though it is extremely beneficial in a lot
of ways, its over consumption can lead to complications.
So the next time your
mother asks you to eat bitter gourds, don’t show her this post and justify your
hatred for the vegetable. Eat it instead. Because moderate consumption of
anything is not going to be harmful!
Hope you liked this
article highlighting the bitter gourd/karela side effects! Don’t forget to
share your experience in the comment section given below: