Ayushakti Ayurved

Many people in this world are without vision; the world for them is all black. Still, there are many among us who have the gift of vision yet do not tend to take proper care leading to different eye-related problems. These problems can be taken care of by doing simple things on a daily basis; by consuming necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients rich food that help in maintaining healthy vision. Anti-oxidant vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, not only help in protecting the eyes from free radicals but also help in promoting healthy cells and tissues necessary for eyes. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, bone growth and health of the immune system. There are two types of vitamin A, depending on the type of food source it comes from: 1. Vitamin A from animal-derived foods is called retinol. This “pre-formed” vitamin A can be used directly by the body. Good food sources of retinol vitamin A include beef and chicken liver, whole milk and cheese. 2. Vitamin A obtained from colorful fruits and vegetables is in the form of “pro-vitamin A” carotenoids, which are converted to retinol by the body after the food is ingested. Good food sources of pro-vitamin A carotenoids include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and cantaloupes. Vitamin A Deficiency One of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. Liver and cod liver oil, which are two great sources of Vitamin A have great optimistic effects on this condition. Lack of vitamin A causes the cornea to become very dry, leading to clouding of the front of the eye, corneal ulcers and vision loss. Vitamin A deficiency also causes damage to the retina, which also contributes to blindness. Researchers have discovered that the amplest source of Vitamin A in the entire human body is the retina and tissues found behind the eyes. In ancient times, many civilizations made use of liver, which is an exceptional source of Vitamin A to cure various types of eyesight problems. Vitamin A also helps to keep your eyes and retina moist to prevent the onset of many eyesight problems. “Carrots are good for your eyesight”, we were told as children and indeed around 500,000 children worldwide are going blind every year because their diet and their mothers’ breast milk do not contain sufficient amounts of vitamin A and Beta-carotene. Vitamin A is important for maintaining good eyesight, especially at night when it helps our eyes adjust to the dark. Vitamin A also helps fight infection, keeps skin and hair healthy, and supports bone growth and maintenance.

What comes first in your mind when you think of bitter gourd, obviously, its strong and bitter taste? Although this vegetable tastes bitter you will be overwhelmed to know the numerous health benefits.
Apart from being eaten mainly as vegetable in India and South East Asia, it is particularly established as a folk medicine due to its medicinal properties. It is also called bitter melon or balsam pear. Scientifically it is known by the name Momordica Charantia.

Nutrients present in the bitter gourd include phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and zinc. It is also among the best-known sources of thiamine, foliate and riboflavin.

Its vitamin content includes Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and Vitamin C. Apart from these it is also a rich source of calcium, iron and beta-carotene.

Bitter gourd is very beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. Consuming bitter gourd daily on an empty stomach is found very good and effective. Mind it do not do excessive consumption as it may lead to diarrhea and other stomach problems.

Its juice contains polypeptide, which is similar to insulin and can be used as an alternative to insulin in diabetic people. It helps in bringing down the sugar levels in blood and urine. This polypeptide is also known as ‘plant-insulin’.

Juice of bitter gourd leaves is found useful in the treatment of alcoholism. It repairs the liver after alcohol has been consumed. Its juice mixed with milk is beneficial for people suffering from piles. Paste of its root can be applied over piles for relief.

Regular use of bitter gourd juice boost body stamina and fights chronic fatigue syndrome. It also struggle blood boils and itching caused by bacterial toxic material in the blood. The beta-carotene content in bitter gourd helps in controlling eye disorders and enhances eyesight.

Since bitter gourd contains zero cholesterol and fats, its consumption lowers hypertension. It purifies blood and improves the blood circulation in the body. With its qualities, this vegetable is a natural blood purifier. It has a healthy impact on liver and is effective in controlling diabetes.

You can even apply its juice on to the affected area and cure a painful ailment such as arthritis. It has been advised that eating bitter gourd can also heal joint pains.

This magical vegetable can also work wonders in keeping up good digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. No doubt, it is quite bitter and that is why people keep distance from it. However, the bitterer it is the more sweet it gets for your overall health care.

It is useful for people suffering from piles also. Lots of times, piles do not come under control with modern medicines and doctors suggest the patient to go for a surgery. Such patients are recommended trying one tablespoon of bitter gourd juice along with some sugar, two times a day. Just do it at least for a week and you would feel the difference by yourself?

Further if your children are suffering stomach worms, just make them gulp one tea spoon of bitter gourd for three to four day. No medicine can be as effective as this natural remedy. You just need to persuade your child to gulp it anyways. Nevertheless, bitter gourd juice can also prevent jaundice, if taken at very early stages.