8 Benefits Of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time for happiness but also for utmost caution. This is when many questions and doubts about the right nutrition for the baby abound. Here, we shall understand the safety of bitter gourd during pregnancy. Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or balsam pear, is a medium sized-vegetable with a distinct bitter taste. It is enriched with nutrients and minerals and is considered a very healthy vegetable. However, many vegetables normally deemed safe may pose some risk during pregnancy. As with raw papaya, the intake of bitter gourd during pregnancy is also mired in controversy. While eating bitter gourd has many advantages, it may lead to certain side effects during pregnancy. To help you make an informed decision, we have listed the possible concerns and advantages of consuming bitter gourd during pregnancy. Read to know the facts.

Benefits of Eating Bitter Gourd during Pregnancy

Check out here what are the benefits of eating bitter gourd during pregnancy.

1. High Folate Content

High folate content in bitter gourd good for pregnant womenSave

Folate is a vital requirement for pregnant women. This mineral helps in keeping the new born safe from the possible neural tube defects. Bitter gourd contains a very high amount of folate (1). It contains one quarter of the daily requirement of this mineral in pregnant women.

2. High Fiber Content

This vegetable is packed with fiber and it gives you a sense of satisfaction (2). It decreases your food cravings for high-calorie food or junk food. This vegetable helps you remain slim even during pregnancy.

3. Curbs Digestive Tract Disorders

Woman takes a glass of bitter gourd juice for better digestive functionSave

Image: Shutterstock

The two major problems faced by most pregnant women around the world are constipation and hemorrhoidsi (3). The fiber content of bitter gourd helps in lessening these problems.

4. Anti-Diabetic

Bitter gourd has anti-diabetic properties and you must consume it every day (3), (4). The nutrients like charantini and polypeptide-Pi may also help in fighting gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

5. Antioxidant And Antibacterial

Bitter gourd contains vitamin C which is an antioxidant and helps pregnant women fight against harmful bacteria (2), (3). It also has antibacterial properties that prevent infections from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans which may otherwise cause skin issues (5). It also helps in building the immunity of the expecting mothers.

6. Regulates Bowel Movement

This vegetable can also help in promoting peristalsisi that later helps regulate the bowel movement and the digestive system of pregnant women. However, more research is needed in this regard.

7. Great Source Of Nutrients Needed By The Foetus

A pregnant woman taking bitter gourd juiceSave

Bitter gourd is a great source of some vitamins and minerals (6). It contains Iron, niacin, potassium, pantothenic acid, zinc, pyridoxine, magnesium and manganese. It can easily be called a super vegetable as it plays a vital role in the growth of the fetus.

This vegetable also contains other vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamin B1, B2, B3 etc. and it is a rich source of calcium and beta carotene.

8. Source Of Other Nutrients

This vegetable also contains other vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamin B1, B2, B3 etc. and it is a rich source of calcium and beta carotene.

You can consume bitter gourd by stir frying, deep frying, boiling or steaming it. You may alternatively add it to a green juice and drink it.

Risks of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy

Woman experiencing toxicity during pregnancy as a side effect of eating bitter gourd

Causes Toxicity: Bitter gourd consists of alkaline components like resins, quinine, saponic glycosides and morodicine. These are some of the substances that spread toxicity in the human body. This toxicity can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and dimness of vision, vomiting, redness on face, diarrhea, extreme salivation and weakness of the muscles in pregnant women (7).

Excess Consumption Can Cause Stomach Related troubles: Diarrhea, cramps in abdomen and other stomach problems can occur (7).

Causes Sensitivity In Some: The seeds of bitter gourd contain vicine that can cause symptoms of favism in some sensitive beings (8). The red arils found in the seed are toxic for children. Therefore, this is not a favored vegetable for pregnant women.

Pre-Term Labour: Bitter gourd can also lead to some troublesome uterine activities that can actually lead to a pre-term labor in most women.

You should not consume bitter gourd if you have been diagnosed with and prescribed medications for gestational diabetes before consulting with your in-gyn.

Note: No tests have been done on women who consumed bitter gourd during pregnancy. Hence, ensure you consult a gynecologist before including it in your diet.

Bitter gourd, if eaten for the first time, can cause cramps in the abdomen, gastritis, and other such stomach-related diseases. But pregnancy is a time which is special. Pregnant women must always consult their gynecologist before choosing their diet, especially when including an item they have not eaten before.

Infographic: Top Reasons To Have Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy

Look beyond the bitter taste of this vegetable and marvel at the various benefits it can provide you. Bitter gourd has many nutritional benefits and properties hidden beneath its rugged texture. It might just be the one-stop solution to deal with the common issues faced during pregnancy.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the top reasons to have a bitter gourd during pregnancy.

top reasons to have bitter gourd during pregnancy (infographic)

Hope you liked our post on eating bitter gourd during pregnancy. It’s always best to keep on the safe side of diets and eat carefully. If you have never tried it before, don’t try eating bitter gourd during pregnancy. Have a safe and healthy pregnancy!

Is raw bitter gourd poisonous?

Blanca Garcia, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “Not at all! Fresh bitter gourd provides a good amount of vitamin C, folate, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential during the neural growth and development of a baby. However, if consumed excessively, raw bitter gourd may cause allergic reactions or digestive problems for some. Also, proper food handling and good hygiene are essential when preparing raw bitter gourd since pregnant women are vulnerable to infection and other diseases.”