8 Reasons to Start Drinking Bitter Gourd(Karela) Juice Regularly!
By Newsmeter Network Published on 1 Oct 2020 4:41 AM GMTAs children, most of us faked a stomach upset whenever our moms made Karela curry for us! Didn't we? No matter how hard they forced us to eat it, we always tried to come up with excuses and run away from the dining table. Little did we know that this bitter vegetable (actually a fruit) is a true superfood that does plenty of good for us!
Today, we shall discuss some amazing Bitter Gourd juice benefits for our body, which might actually surprise you! From managing Diabetes to promoting better digestion and even boosting your immunity (much needed during the pandemic times), there are numerous ways in which Karela can help us lead a healthy life.
Top 8 Health Benefits of Drinking Karela Juice:
Here are 8 ways in which Karela Juice can benefit our health, skin and hair:
1. Supports Weight Loss:
If you are taking up a weight loss program, then don't forget to add Bitter Gourd juice to your diet. The reason? Karela juice is low in calories but high on nutrition! It can keep you full for a longer time and also reduce your hunger pangs. A study also confirms that bitter gourd juice extracts can reduce the weight body in rats fed with a high-fat diet, by increasing the fatty acid oxidation and hindering the growth of new fat cells. So, consume this juice in moderation to shed that excess bulk!
2. Controls High Blood Sugar Levels:
One of the major benefits of drinking bitter gourd juice regularly is its ability to maintain blood sugar levels. According to research, bitter gourd juice contains insulin like peptides which can lower blood sugar levels naturally. It is also known that consuming this juice in recommended quantities for a specified period may lead to a reduced dosage of hypoglycaemic drugs in patients with both Type-1 and Type-2 Diabetes.
3. Reduces Bad Cholesterol Levels:
Bitter Gourd juice can be particularly beneficial to those suffering from elevated LDL cholesterol levels. A scientific study shows that rat fed with a high-fat diet shows significant reduction on Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels (LDL) and increased HDL levels in the body. This can help prevent cardiovascular diseases like blocks, heart attacks or strokes, hypertension etc. and maintain a healthy heart.
Also Read: What Are The Healthiest Cooking Oils
4. Cleanses Your Liver:
Bitter Gourd juice can cleanse your liver and remove the toxins that affect its functionality. A study was conducted in 2014, which shows that bitter gourd juice can protect the liver from alcoholic damage with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Experts also opine that this property of Karela juice may help in curing hangovers due to alcohol consumption and make you feel better quickly.
5. Strengthens your Immune System:
During the ongoing pandemic, there is a special emphasis on building a strong immune system to prevent contracting any diseases. Karela Juice is loaded with powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C which can improve immune responses in the body. Also, the anti-microbial properties of this juice can lower of chances of serious infections or allergic reactions caused by foreign bodies. It is also known that Karela Juice can ward off several types of Cancers like breast, colon, prostrate etc.
6. Makes your Skin Radiant:
If you are looking for a healthy, glowing skin, try drinking Karela Juice! This amazing juice can purify your blood and eliminate toxins that cause skin allergies, acne, dullness, dark circles, etc. Also, the antioxidants like Vitamin A and C present in this juice can reduce free radical damage that leads to collagen breakdown. This helps in preventing aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, etc. and instead promotes younger and firmer skin.
Also Read: Health Benefits Of Amla Juice
7. Promotes Healthy Eyesight:
Karela juice is rich in Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy eye health. These agents can also prevent age-related macular degeneration of optical nerves along with other disorders like cataracts.
8. Treats Scalp and Hair Related Disorders:
Bitter Gourd Juice contains an array of vitamins like B1, B2, C and minerals like Calcium, Iron, Zinc, etc. which can strengthen your strands to prevent hair loss. The juice also contains certain amino acids which have antiviral and anti-microbial properties which can be effective against scalp disorders like rashes, dandruff, scaly skin etc. Along with consuming the juice orally, you can also apply it topically on the scalp to enjoy a lustrous, healthy mane.
How to Prepare Bitter Gourd Juice?
Bitter Gourd juice can be quite unpleasant if it is not prepared in the right way. To make it palatable, follow the recipe below:
Ingredients:
- Bitter Gourd ā 2
- Black Salt - Ā½ Spoon
- Lemon Juice ā 1 tbsp
- Apple juice ā Half Cup (Optional)
How to Prepare?
- Wash and clean the bitter gourds thoroughly
- Peel the ridges and slice the gourd into small pieces
- Now remove seeds and the white flesh in the center
- Sprinkle some black salt on the pieces and let it remain for 15-20 minutes
- Squeeze out the excess water to remove the bitterness
- In a juicer, add these pieces along with some water
- Blend until smooth
- Strain the juice, add the remaining black salt, fruit juice and lemon juice
- Mix well and consume immediately
Also Read: Benefits Of Drinking Haldi Milk
Side Effects of Bitter Gourd Juice:
The saying, "Too much of anything can be bad", applies perfectly to Bitter Gourd juice. Consuming it in excess may cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heart Burn
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Toxicity in the Body
After learning the wonderful benefits of Bitter Gourd juice, it makes perfect sense for us to start loving this ridgy fruit! If you have any prexisting illnesses, pregnancy or on long-term medication, please consult your doctor to know the suitability of this juice, along with the recommended dosage. Have you ever tried making Bitter gourd juice at home? Tell us how your folks reacted to it!
DISCLAIMER: The article is written purely for informational purpose and must be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician before trying out any of the methods mentioned in the article. Also, Newsmeter is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information provided in the article.