Weight loss foods: Karela (Bitter gourd)
05 Jul 2013 (Health Me Up): It is bitter but very health and if you know how to cook this humble blood purifier right, than you will not only lose weight but also lower your lower blood glucose in case of diabetics. Karela can play a role in the prevention and treatment of Type II diabetes, which is also called insulin-independent diabetes or adult onset diabetes.
Karela keeps your blood sugar level under control, as against to sugary foods that causes a spike in the blood sugar level which in turn sends a signal to the pancreas to release the fat storing hormone insulin. Thus you don’t gain weight! Karela is an effective diet-friendly food.
Calorie check
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vegetables have a low calorie-density, so even if you have lots of them you don’t put on weight. Karela have 16 calories per cup, and leafy tips have 14 calories.
Fills you up
Karela is high in water content (90%) and water is calorie-free. The more water you intake the more your appetite is suppressed as you feel fuller in your tummy. Karela has 2.6 g dietary fiber, and as it takes a longer time to break down in the stomach you feel less hungry.
According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services a high-fiber diet may help you control your weight.
You think the bitterness of the Karela is a turn off? Than try soaking it in chilled saltwater for a few hours before eating it or cooking it.
One cup of Karela has 70 per cent of the daily value for vitamin C, and at least 9 per cent of the daily value for vitamin A. Karela is sodium-free.
Comments on this Article | |
Chip, Canada | Fri, July-5-2013, 11:44 |
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