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7 Health Benets Of Bitter Gourd (Karela) Juice

7 Health Benets of Bitter Gourd (Karela) Juice

Srishti Walia | Updated: June 27, 2016 15:10 IST

Bangalore-based Nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood,

says, Bitter gourd juice is anti-inammatory
and
also helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels
in the body. Thereby, it signicantly reduces the
risk of heart attack and stroke. It also
maintains the blood pressure of the body as it
is rich in potassium, which absorbs excessive
sodium in the body. It is rich in iron and folic
acid which are known to decrease the risk of
stroke and keep your heart healthy.

Did you know that bitter gourd or karela is not really a vegetable but a fruit? The part of the plant that is used for consumption and for
various medicinal purposes is the fruit of the bitter squash. While weve been so busy condemning its bitter taste, weve not only overlooked
this fact but also the wide range of benets that drinking bitter gourd juice offers.
Bitter gourd juice contains a train of importantnutrients ranging from iron, magnesium and vitamin to potassium and vitamin C. An
excellent source of dietary ber, it also contains twice the calcium of spinach, beta-carotene of broccoli, and the potassium of a banana.
Here are some crucial benets of drinking bitter gourd juice. A quick tip to reduce the bitterness of the drink is to add some honey or jaggery
to it or pair it with sweet fruits like apple or pears. You can even add lemon juice to lessen the harsh taste of bitter melon juice. A pinch of
black pepper and ginger can also decrease the tartness. The taste however, needs to be developed because contrary to its name bitter
gourd is in fact sweet for your health.
1. Helps in maintaining blood sugar levels
The World Health Organisation has estimated that over 382 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. Bitter gourd contains an insulinlike compound called Polypeptide-p or p-insulin which has been shown to control diabetes naturally. According to a 2011 study, published in
the sJournal Ethnopharmacolgy, a four-week clinical trial showed that 2,000 mg of bitter melon when taken on regular basis reduced the
blood glucose level signicantly in the patients suffering from type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that this plant-based insulin in bitter
gourd helps patients with type-1 diabetes as well. Another report issued in the Journal of Chemistry & Biology, gave evidence regarding the
fact that bitter melon increases the uptake of glucose and improves glycemic control. People suffering from diabetes taking hypoglycaemic
drugs may even be requiredto alter the dosage of their drugs if they consume bitter melon juice daily and consult a doctor before doing so.
2. Lowers bad cholesterol levels
3. For glowing skin and lustrous hair
Longing for that awless skin? Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Hospital in New Delhi suggeststhat bitter gourd juice has powerful anti-oxidants
along with vitamin A and C which prevent premature skin ageing and diminishes wrinkles. Furthermore, it reduces acne, aids in treating
eczema and psoriasis, as well as protects the skin from the harmful UV rays.
The nutrients vitamin A, vitamin C, Biotin and Zinc impart shine and lustre to your locks. Applying bitter gourd juice regularly to your scalp
canSMART
decrease
and greying
of
hair, treat
and rough BEAUTY
hair, shrug offINGREDIENTS
dandruff, and
itchiness.
You can apply bitter
BOX hair
loss
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gourd juice directly to stop hair fall or mix it with some curd and massage on your scalp and hair for conditioning. To treat dandruff, you can
make a hair mask with bitter gourd juice, cumin seed paste and a tablespoon of lime juice. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse. Dr. Saini adds
that the juice also acts as a blood purier.
4. Cures hangovers and cleanses the liver

Got too much alcohol in your system after a crazy night of partying? You can get rid of it quite swiftly by sipping some bitter gourd juice
which wipes out alcoholic intoxication settled in your liver. The juice cleanses your bowel as well as heals many liver problems. Published in

the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition, a study concluded that a compound called Momordica Charantia provides protection
against liver failure by strengthening anti-oxidant activity of the enzymes in the liver. It also boosts the functioningof your bladder.
5. Helps in weight loss
Bitter gourd is low in calories, fat and carbohydrates. It keeps you full for longer and hence, it can easily t in your weight loss plan. In a
2010 issue of a report published in the Journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it was disclosed that extracts of bitter gourd
helped in the dislocation of human fat cells and also hindered the formation and growth of new fat cells. It was further concluded that bitter
gourd can be viewed as a natural agent for treating obesity.
6. Boosts your immune system

Bitter gourd ghts viruses and bacteria and strengthens your immunity. It prevents allergies and indigestion. The antioxidants work as
powerful defense mechanisms against illness and also help ght free-radical damage that can cause various types of cancer. In 2010, a
study was published in the Pharmaceutical Research Journal which stated that bitter-melon has anti-carcinogen and anti-tumour properties.
It reduced the risk of prostate, breast and cervical cancer.
7. Great for your eyes
Dr. Anshul Jai Bharat says that it helps in preventing vision-related problems such as cataract since it has compounds like beta-carotene
and vitamin A which are healthy for your eyes and strengthens eyesight. She adds, It is also a good home remedy to treat dark circles.
As with everything, moderation is required. Excess consumption of bitter gourd juice maycause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Pregnant
women should also avoid taking too much bitter gourd or its juice as it may stimulate the uterus and lead to preterm labour. 30 ml bitter
gourd juice extract is recommended on a daily basis, says Dr Geeta Buryok, Chief Nutritionist at Max HealthCare.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness,
suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions
appearing in the article do not reect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Tags: Bitter Gourd, Bitter Gourd Benets, Karela, Bitter Gourd Juice

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