Any Ampalaya haters here? Good. Read up because we’re listing down reason’s why being bitter about ampalaya is actually not good for you. Growing up ampalaya or bitter gourd gets a lot of hate due to its bitter taste, sad wrinkly exterior, and well, it’s really that overpowering bitterness that gets us going. But the thing is, God made it for some reason. So to recover from its sad reputation, here are eight fun yet real reasons why you shouldn’t grow bitter anymore about the ampalaya.
1. It is packed with nutrients
While it’s not as pretty as its green veggie colleagues like the zucchini or broccoli the bitter gourd or scientifically known as Momordica charantia is known to be loaded with a lot of nutrients the leafy green kale would ever dream of. It’s rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Iron, and Zinc to name a few of its nutrients
2. It can help manage your blood sugar
One of the main benefits of eating ampalaya is that it can actually help regulate your blood sugar. It has an insulin-like component that can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, a benefit for those suffering Type 2 Diabetes. Don’t start abusing on sugar though even if you love eating ampalaya since these studies although significant is still limited
3. It can decrease cholesterol levels
Bitter gourd is an anti-inflammatory, which aids in reducing bad cholesterol levels. It’s also loaded with potassium (a fact we mentioned earlier), which is beneficial in also leveling blood pressure. Not bad for an alien-like veggie.
4. It can help you lose weight.
Sigh. If only ampalaya isn’t so bitter like a jealous ex-partner it would be so good to indulge in to help people lose weight. That’s right—it’s low in fat, fibrous, and even has fat-burning properties.
5. It is an immunity booster
Bitter gourd also has antioxidants properties that can provide protection against common illnesses and bad bacteria. Can ampalaya make you look prettier? Uhmm mahirap sumagot para sayo, but for sure it can make you feel stronger.
6. It can help you relieve a cough
Not only is the ampalaya vegetable beneficial but also are its leaves. Old folks swear by its healing properties when it comes to annoying ailments like coughs, colds, and even diarrhea. Them asking you when why you still aren’t married at your age? No healing from that burn, unfortunately.
7. It can give you younger glow skin
When they say you are what you eat, well, that doesn’t actually apply to the wrinkly veggie. Since it’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, ampalaya has natural properties that can prevent you from developing wrinkles. It even acts as a natural sunscreen since its nutrients also guard your skin against nasty UV rays.
8. It is a versatile, cheap ingredient
With all that’s been said, it all goes down to its nature—ampalaya is food that can sustain its consumer. Sure, it may not be the best-tasting vegetable there is but many people still eat it and for sure sincerely love it. It’s easy to find in any market or grocery, can be used in any type of cuisine, and can be eaten as an appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert? Pwede naman. Someone even made an ice cream flavor out of it. Most of all, it’s cheap too.
There you have it. Even in all its bitter glory, we gotta say, ampalaya, you aren’t such a bad guy after all. So, eat up your ampalaya and don’t be such a wuss. Sabay-sabay na lang tayo maging bitter at least healthier pa. Sige ka, magagalit sayo si mama.
Looking for delicious ampalaya recipes? Check these out:
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