10 Surprising Benefits of Eating Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy – Backed by Science!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pregnancy cravings are out of control—you'll be mad for mangoes one day, and the next day, you'll stare at that bitter gourd on your plate like it is your favourite dish. If you've ever asked yourself whether bitter gourd in pregnancy is good for you, then you're in the right place. While you may not like the bitter gourd taste, the nutrients that you'll get can't be compared.
This blog will discuss the bitter gourd benefits during pregnancy, debunk some myths, and answer the burning question—whether you should have bitter gourd during pregnancy or not.
Bitter melon, bitter gourd, or karela is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. It has been used for centuries in numerous cultures to promote digestion, balance blood sugar, and boost immunity. But can you eat it during pregnancy? The answer is not a simple yes or no. Let’s discuss.
Yes, but with caution. Bitter gourd during pregnancy is healthy in moderation. It contains loads of folate, fibre, and nutrients that will aid foetal development. But taking too much of it would lead to indigestion or mild contraction since bitter gourd has some effect on the uterus. [1]
If you have any pregnancy complications or a sensitive stomach, please take guidance from your doctor before consuming bitter gourd during pregnancy. Otherwise, taking cooked bitter gourd occasionally would be healthy and safe.
Risks and Precautions
Although it possesses numerous health benefits, excessive consumption of bitter gourd during pregnancy can have some risks:
● Uterine Contractions – Bitter gourd is said to have chemicals that cause uterine stimulation. Although the effect is too weak to lead to miscarriage in a normal pregnancy, individuals who have had preterm labour or existing complications should exercise caution. [2]
● Digestive Discomfort – The same chemicals that facilitate digestion at times induce nausea, cramps, or diarrhoea when taken excessively.
● Risk of Hypoglycaemia – If you already have low blood sugar, consuming too much bitter gourd will decrease your blood sugar further leading to dizziness or weakness.
Nutritional Value of Bitter Gourd (Per 100g)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 17 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3.7 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Fat | 0.2 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g |
Vitamin C | 84 mg (93% DV) |
Vitamin A | 471 IU (9% DV) |
Folate (Vitamin B9) | 72 mcg (18% DV) |
Iron | 0.43 mg (2% DV) |
Calcium | 19 mg (2% DV) |
Potassium | 296 mg (8% DV) |
Magnesium | 17 mg (4% DV) |
Zinc | 0.8 mg (5% DV) |
DV = Daily Value (Based on a 2000-calorie diet)
Here are some amazing tried and tested benefits of bitter gourd during pregnancy and why you should definitely have it in your pregnancy diet:
1. Folate-rich for Baby Brain Development
Folate (Vitamin B9) helps develop the baby's brain and spinal cord. Its deficiency can cause neural tube defects, which can cause severe birth defects. [3] One of the main bitter gourd benefits is that it contains a good amount of folate, which aids in the development of the nervous system of the child.
Summary
Bitter gourd is rich in folate which helps in the baby's brain and spinal cord development and prevents neural tube defects.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Gestational diabetes is common in pregnancy, which if not controlled can result in complications. The bioactive compounds found in bitter gourd—charantin and polypeptide-p—can reduce blood sugar levels naturally. [4]
Summary
Natural ingredients in bitter gourd help control blood sugar levels, so it is great for pregnant women who are at risk of developing gestational diabetes.
3. Facilitates Digestion and Avoids Constipation
Pregnancy usually slows down your digestion and will lead you to feel constipation, bloating, and indigestion. Bitter gourd has a good amount of fibre that works as a natural digestive aid by inducing easy bowel movement. It allows easy passage of stool. It loosens stools and avoids constipation, which is also prevalent in pregnant women.
Summary
High fibre in bitter gourd encourages digestion, ensures smooth bowel movements, and avoids constipation, a very common pregnancy complaint.
4. Enhances Resistance to Infections
Pregnancy weakens a woman's immune system, exposing her to infections. One benefit of bitter gourd is it has a high amount of vitamin C, which enhances the immune system and enables the body to ward off the common cold, flu, and other infections. Antioxidants present in bitter gourd also fight free radicals, limiting oxidative stress that would otherwise ruin foetal growth.
Summary
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, bitter gourd makes the immune system strong, preventing the body from getting colds, flu, and infections.
5. Natural Detoxifier for a Healthy Liver
Liver function is commonly known to have a very important role during pregnancy when the body undergoes severe metabolic changes that put a heavy burden on this organ. Among the most important bitter gourd juice benefits is natural detoxification or cleansing, which purifies the liver and also improves its function. It also helps in bowel movement and maintains overall metabolic health.
Summary
Bitter gourd helps in the elimination of toxins from the body and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications such as jaundice or fatty liver.
6. Encourages Heart Health
A healthy heart is essential while pregnant because the body undergoes increased blood volume and pressure. Bitter gourd has been found to balance cholesterol levels by decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL) and stimulating good cholesterol (HDL). [5] This increases blood flow and prevents pregnancy-related hypertension and heart issues.
Summary
Eating bitter gourd during pregnancy can help in maintaining a healthy heart and ensure that oxygen and nutrient delivery to the growing foetus is proper.
7. Averts Anemia by Increasing Iron Levels
Iron deficiency anaemia is prevalent during pregnancy and may cause dizziness, weakness, and difficulties during childbirth. The benefits of bitter gourd include its rich iron content, which ensures healthy haemoglobin levels and wards off anaemia. Bitter gourd is a great food that you can include in an iron-rich pregnancy food.
Summary
If eaten with foods containing vitamin C, bitter gourd facilitates iron absorption, which ensures adequate oxygenation of the mother and foetus.
8. Keeps Pregnancy Weight in Check
Pregnancy weight gain is normal, but excessive weight gain can result in issues such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and difficult labour. Bitter gourd in pregnancy is rich in fibre and low in calories, making it the perfect food to maintain your pregnancy weight.
Summary
Bitter gourd makes you feel full longer, preventing you from eating too much, which reduces unwanted weight gain and keeps you supplied with all the needed nutrients.
9. Averts Swelling and Water Retention
Swelling of hands, feet, and face due to water retention in pregnancy is among the common conditions faced by pregnant women. One of the most amazing bitter gourd benefits is that it is a natural diuretic that removes excess water and prevents swelling.
Summary
Bitter gourd regulates normal kidney function and prevents the body from water retention, thus relaxing during pregnancy. Its natural diuretic effect removes excess fluids, preventing pregnancy swelling and discomfort.
10. Encourages Healthy Skin and Prevents Acne
Pregnancy hormones can induce skin issues such as acne, pigmentation, and oiliness. Bitter gourd has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight skin infections and ensure the skin appears healthy and shining. Rather than chemical-based skin care, a pregnant woman can promote skin health from within by adopting a natural diet rich in bitter gourd.
Summary
Bitter gourd juice cleanses the blood, and eliminates toxins that lead to breakouts and inflammation, resulting in making the skin appear fresh and clean.
While the bitter gourd taste is not the most appealing, the benefits for pregnant women are undeniable. With all the nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants, bitter gourd during pregnancy can be a pleasant addition to your diet—assuming, of course, you eat it in moderation. However, be mindful of the portions, listen to your body, and consult your doctor if unsure. If you or someone you know need personalised diet counselling, then get in touch with an expert nutritionist at your nearest super-specialty hospital as soon as possible!
1. Can bitter gourd juice be safely consumed during pregnancy?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Bitter gourd juice is useful since it keeps blood sugars normal and purifies the system, but a lot of it can induce gastric upset or contractions of the uterus.
2. How many times a week can I use bitter gourd when I'm pregnant?
You can have it once or twice a week if cooked. Don't consume it much during pregnancy, particularly as a juice or raw because it can have a lot of side effects.
3. Can eating bitter gourd cause miscarriage?
There's no concrete proof indicating bitter gourd during pregnancy will cause miscarriage, but overuse will induce uterine contractions. Consume it at all times in moderation.
4. Can bitter gourd cure diabetes during pregnancy?
Yes! The benefits of bitter gourd include its natural aspect of bringing balance to the level of blood sugars, hence healthy for women suffering from gestational diabetes.
5. Are there any side effects of eating bitter gourd during pregnancy?
If you have too much of bitter gourds then you'll face nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and other side effects. Hence, it is always advised to have it in moderation.
Greenberg, J. A., Bell, S. J., Guan, Y., & Yu, Y. (2024). Folic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention. Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4(2), 52. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3218540/
Joseph, B., & Jini, D. (2013). Antidiabetic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 3(2), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2222-1808(13)60052-3
Kinoshita, H., & Ogata, Y. (2018). Effect of Bitter Melon Extracts on Lipid Levels in Japanese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4915784
Pandya, P., Chavda, D., Parikh, C., & Patel, V. (2022). Bitter bottle gourd poisoning: A case report and review of literature. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 11(7), 4042. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2154_21
Perveen, H., Dey, A., Nilavar, N. M., Chandra, G. K., Islam, S. S., & Chattopadhyay, S. (2019). Dietary CCPS from bitter gourd attenuates sodium arsenite induced female reproductive ailments cum infertility in wistar rats: anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic role. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 131, 110545–110545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2019.05.053
