GENERAL FACTS

Bitter Gourd: Nature’s Hidden Treasure for Health Bitter gourd , also known as Momordica charantia , karela (in Hindi), or pagarkai (in Tamil), may not win hearts with its taste, but it certainly deserves a place in every kitchen due to its powerful health benefits . A tropical vine native to Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, bitter gourd has been a core ingredient in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for centuries. In this article, we’ll explore its nutritional values, medicinal uses, health benefits, how to use it in daily cooking, and precautions to consider. What Is Bitter Gourd? Bitter gourd is a green, oblong-shaped vegetable with warty skin and a distinct bitter taste. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes melons, cucumbers, and squashes. Its bitterness comes from compounds called momordicin , which are responsible for many of its medicinal properties. Nutritional Profile of Bitter Gourd Bitter gourd is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable packed with: Vit...

  Murungai Keerai Soup (Moringa Leaves Soup) — A Nourishing Tamil Classic with Modern Science Behind It   1. Introduction: Why This “Miracle Tree” Matters If you grew up in South India, you have probably seen Murungai keerai (Tamil for Moringa oleifera ) fluttering in almost every backyard. Grandmothers add the tender pods to sambar, new mothers sip murungai keerai kootu to regain strength, and children are coaxed into eating the leaves for “good eyesight.” For centuries Tamil folk medicine, Siddha, and Ayurveda have celebrated the drumstick tree as a near–complete food and remedy. Modern nutrition science is now catching up, calling moringa a “superfood” because it delivers concentrated vitamins, minerals, high‑quality plant protein, and potent antioxidants with very few calories. In fact, gram for gram, fresh moringa leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, and more iron than spinach . No wonder the United Nations has promoted moringa cultivation...