Bitter Gourd
Plant insulin. The most potent anti-diabetic vegetable used in Soma Delights.
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), or karela, is the most potent anti-diabetic plant food with documented clinical evidence. It contains polypeptide-P — a compound structurally similar to insulin — along with charantin and vicine that collectively lower blood glucose through multiple pathways.
Good for
- Blood sugar control
- Liver function
- Weight management
Watch for
- Pregnancy, hypoglycemia
Blood sugar management
Polypeptide-P, Charantin, VicinePolypeptide-P mimics insulin in peripheral tissues. Charantin activates GLUT4 transporters. Vicine and momordicine inhibit intestinal glucose absorption. Three independent mechanisms working simultaneously.
Liver detox
MomordicinBitter gourd activates liver enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, catalase) that neutralise environmental toxins. Used in traditional medicine across India and Southeast Asia for liver cleansing.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 17 kcal |
| Vitamin C | 84mg |
| Vitamin A | 471 IU |
| Folate | 72μg |
| Iron | 0.43mg |
| Polypeptide-P | Present |
A 2011 randomised trial in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found bitter gourd juice (2000mg/day) reduced fasting blood glucose by 4mmol/L in type 2 diabetics over 4 weeks — comparable to 500mg metformin. However, polypeptide-P can cause hypoglycaemia in non-diabetics at high doses. Start with 30–50ml maximum.
- Fuangchan A et al. (2011). Hypoglycemic effect of bitter melon compared with metformin. J Ethnopharmacol.
- Leung L et al. (2009). Anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica charantia. Br J Nutr.
- Market
- Local Kukatpally vendors, Hyderabad
- Distance
- 5–10km
- Restocked
- Every 2 days
- Freshness
- Pressed within 24 hours of purchase
- Notes
- Smaller, darker karela has more concentrated bioactives. We select firm, dark green specimens without yellowing.
Do
- Start with 30–50ml — potent. Combine with cucumber base for palatability
- Ideal for diabetics: consume 30 minutes before a meal
Don't
- ⚠️ Avoid during pregnancy — polypeptide-P and vicine can trigger uterine contractions
- Don't over-consume if non-diabetic — risk of hypoglycaemia at high doses
Bitter gourd is used medicinally in over 24 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean — making it one of the most geographically widespread medicinal plants on Earth. The WHO includes it in their list of plants with documented hypoglycaemic effects.
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Curry Leaves
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Have us press it
fresh for you.
First week is free. Skip the shopping list, the peeling, the press — we deliver bitter gourd in its freshest form.