Is Bitter gourd (karela) good for your health condition?
Bitter gourd (karela) is a very bitter vegetable that is popular in Indian cooking and often discussed for blood sugar. Eating it does not replace any prescribed treatment.
Pick your conditions and get a plain-language answer.
Nutrition per 100 g
| Calories | 17 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 3.7 g |
| Sugars | n/a |
| Fibre | 2.8 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated fat | n/a |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 296 mg |
| Purines | not listed in the USDA purine table |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy), entry "Balsam-pear (bitter gourd), pods, raw". Purines: USDA and ODS-NIH Database for the Purine Content of Foods, Release 2 (2025).
Quick guide by condition
| Diabetes or prediabetes | Usually fine in normal portions |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Low in salt |
| High cholesterol | Low in saturated fat and cholesterol |
| High uric acid or gout | Not listed in the USDA purine table |
| Weight loss goal | Low in calories |
This guide only uses the nutrient numbers above (rules explained on How it works). It is general information and does not know your medicines, test results or portion size.
Common questions
Can people with diabetes eat bitter gourd (karela)?
Going by its sugar and carbohydrate numbers, the general guide is: usually fine in normal portions. Portion, cooking method and what you eat it with all change the effect on blood sugar, so check with your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet.
Is bitter gourd (karela) OK for high uric acid or gout?
Purine level: not listed in the USDA purine table. General guide: Not listed in the USDA purine table. Purine tables describe the food, not your body, so ask your doctor what is right for you.
Is bitter gourd (karela) good for high blood pressure?
Sodium is 5 mg per 100 g. General guide: low in salt. Salt added during cooking often matters more than the food itself.