Yes, bitter gourd (also known as bitter melon or karela) is widely recognized for its potential benefits in controlling blood sugar levels, and frying it in ghee or oil is a common way to consume it. Here's a breakdown of why bitter gourd is considered helpful for diabetes and the role of cooking meاقرأ المزيد
Yes, bitter gourd (also known as bitter melon or karela) is widely recognized for its potential benefits in controlling blood sugar levels, and frying it in ghee or oil is a common way to consume it.
Here’s a breakdown of why bitter gourd is considered helpful for diabetes and the role of cooking methods like frying:
Bitter Gourd and Blood Sugar Control:
Bitter gourd contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its anti-diabetic properties:
* Polypeptide-P: This plant-based insulin-like compound mimics human insulin, helping to regulate glucose.
* Charantin: This compound has been confirmed to have a blood glucose-lowering effect.
* Vicine: Another compound found in bitter gourd that contributes to its anti-diabetic effects.
* Dietary Fiber: Bitter gourd is rich in fiber, which slows down carbohydrate digestion and prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar after meals.
* Improved Glucose Metabolism: It enhances glucose uptake by cells and supports overall metabolic health.
* Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects: Bitter gourd contains antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often associated with diabetes complications.
Cooking with Ghee/Oil:
Frying bitter gourd in ghee or oil is a popular method, and while fats need to be consumed in moderation, ghee, in particular, can offer some benefits for people with diabetes:
* Low Glycemic Index: Ghee itself has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels.
* Reduced Glycemic Load: When added to high-glycemic foods, ghee can help lower their overall glycemic index by slowing down carbohydrate absorption, which can prevent rapid blood sugar spikes.
* Healthy Fats: Ghee contains healthy fats, including short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, which can be beneficial for overall health and may even improve insulin sensitivity.
* Nutrient Absorption: Fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, K) present in bitter gourd are better absorbed when consumed with a source of fat like ghee or oil.
Important Considerations:
* Moderation is key: While bitter gourd can be beneficial, and ghee has its advantages, moderation in consumption and cooking oil/ghee quantity is crucial, especially for managing weight and overall fat intake.
* Not a substitute for medication: Bitter gourd is considered a complementary or alternative medicine and should not replace prescribed diabetes medications or medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have diabetes.
* Preparation methods: While frying is common, other methods like stir-frying with minimal oil, making juice, or adding it to curries can also be effective ways to incorporate bitter gourd into your diet. Some research suggests that certain cooking methods, like deep frying or microwave cooking, might help retain or even increase antioxidant properties.
In summary, bitter gourd fried in ghee or oil can be a part of a diabetes-friendly diet, offering potential benefits for blood sugar control due to bitter gourd’s inherent properties and ghee’s ability to help regulate glycemic response. However, it’s essential to consume it as part of a balanced diet and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Here’s what President Trump appears to be pressing Prime Minister Modi for—across three flashpoints: 🔥 1. Pressure to stop buying Russian oil or face punitive tariffs Trump has explicitly demanded that India cease its imports of discounted Russian crude, which now constitutes about one‑third of Indiاقرأ المزيد
Here’s what President Trump appears to be pressing Prime Minister Modi for—across three flashpoints:
🔥 1. Pressure to stop buying Russian oil or face punitive tariffs
Trump has explicitly demanded that India cease its imports of discounted Russian crude, which now constitutes about one‑third of India’s oil supply. He has threatened a 25% tariff on Indian goods, along with unspecified further penalties if India continues this trade. He accuses India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and of profiting from reselling Russian oil, claiming this undermines Western sanctions (The Guardian, Financial Times).
India has rejected the pressure, pointing out what it calls hypocrisy from the U.S. and EU, which also continue Russian energy imports, and stressing its energy choices reflect strategic autonomy and necessity for economic stability (India Today).
🤝 2. Recognition for purported role in the India–Pakistan ceasefire
Trump has repeatedly claimed he brokered or influenced the May 2025 ceasefire between India and Pakistan through trade diplomacy—saying, “I stopped the war … I said trade or not” (The Indian Express).
However, Prime Minister Modi firmly denies any such mediation. According to New Delhi, no talks on trade or third‑party mediation took place during the conflict. Modi stressed that any ceasefire emerged from direct military communication between India and Pakistan and not U.S. involvement (South China Morning Post).
📦 3. Trade concessions from India in exchange for resolution or recognition
Trump appears to be linking broader India–U.S. trade negotiations with the India–Pakistan conflict. Analysts suggest he’s attempting to extract symbolic or substantive concessions from India—such as market access for U.S. agricultural and pharmaceutical goods—by leveraging his claims of ceasefire mediation as political capital (The Wall Street Journal).
He also signals support for Pakistani energy and trade deals, raising concerns in India over a potential U.S. tilt toward Islamabad (AP News, Wikipedia, washingtonpost.com).
🧭 Bottom line: What Trump wants from Modi
⚠️ Implications for India
Let me know if you’d like deeper insight into how Modi’s administration is responding or how these developments might affect regional strategic dynamics.
قراءة أقل