Karela Juice: Top 14 Health Benefits, Nutrition & Precautions In Ayurveda

The bitter taste of karela often makes people reluctant to consider it in their daily meals. But do you know that karela juice offers you a plethora of health benefits? It has a traditional history of being effective in various health issues for centuries. If you are preoccupied with living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet, add karela juice to improve your overall health naturally and effectively.

As a vegetable, karela (bitter gourd) needs no introduction. But if you are unaware of the nutritional value and the miraculous health benefits offered by karela juice, a thorough reading will help you know all the relevant information and benefits. Are you excited? Let’s start by knowing the nutritional value!

Did You Know Various researchers have found that karela juice helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body.  One of the essential aspects is that it assists in fighting cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing tumour development. Karela juice is a proven immune booster, enriched with antioxidants, vital vitamins, and minerals. Some people may experience stomach upsets when taking karela orally, although there is little evidence available about long-term adverse effects. To conclude, karela juice has many benefits, including diabetes, which makes it preferable among extremely health-conscious people.

Average nutrition value of karela juice

Karela juice contains essential nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants that help maintain good health. Here are the key nutrients contained in karela juice:

• Vitamins: Karela juice is rich in Vitamin C, K, and A. B1, B2, and B3 vitamins can also be found in the juice, enhancing its nutritional value.
• Fibre: It is also a healthy source of fibre that improves digestive health.
• Minerals: Karela juice is also a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium minerals.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as lycopene and beta-carotene are found in karela juice, which prevents cell damage by free radicals.

The table given below shows the number of nutrients that you can get by blending 1 cup of raw bitter gourd with ½ cup of filtered water:

Calories	16
Carbohydrate	3.4 grams
Fibre	2.6 grams
Protein	0.9 grams
Fat	0.2 grams
Vitamin C	95% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Zinc	10% of the RDI
Iron	5% of the RDI
Vitamin A	4% of RDI
Potassium	6% of the RDI
Folate	17% of the RDI

Therefore, it is quite apparent that adding karela juice to your diet regularly will offer you numerous health benefits, such as boosting your immunity, regulating blood sugar levels, enhancing the functioning of the digestive system, and reducing inflammation, among many more. Read below to know all these in detail and gain information on more benefits!

Top 9 benefits of drinking karela juice

The presence of a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre not only enhances its nutritional profile but also results in its association with Ayurveda and various other non-western traditions of medicine. Below are discussed all the attractive benefits of karela juice for your health. But before moving on to the benefits of karela juice, there are also other natural products that help people to secure a healthy living.

Regulates blood sugar levels and cures diabetes

Various researchers have found that karela juice helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. ( The three major components, charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, are found in karela juice and have been proven to offer positive results in lowering glucose levels.

Especially the component polypeptide-p is associated with the operation of insulin, the hormone that aids in regulating blood sugar levels by initiating the absorption of sugar from the blood to tissues and cells.

On the other hand, vicine and charantin also assist in decreasing the levels of blood sugar. Additionally, several chemicals are present in the karela juice that repairs the pancreas cells, the organ which releases insulin in the body.

Improves hair and skin health

As karela juice contains Vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, it enhances skin and hair health. It cures any skin issues and tackles acne. Therefore it is also associated with anti-ageing features.

Karela juice can also cure several skin illnesses, including psoriasis, ringworm and itching. Thus it boosts hair health by adding shine and preventing hair loss, split ends, and dandruff. If you want to improve your hair further, you can also consider applying heena. You can know more about henna.

Heals injuries

Because of its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, it enhances coagulation and blood flow in the body. With decreased blood flow, the body can heal wounds faster, reducing the chance of infections

Acts as an amazing liver detoxifier

Bitter gourd juice or karela juice is also considered an effective liver detoxifier for its high content of phytonutrients and antioxidants that boost liver function and assist in detoxification.

These antioxidants prevent the liver cells from being damaged over time.

Moreover, bitter gourd juice contains certain compounds that trigger the liver to produce bile and enzymes that detoxify the entire body. Reducing inflammation increases the blood flow in the liver, thereby enhancing the functioning of the liver.

Not only does it enhances liver function, but it also eliminates toxins and other harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol and other pollutants from the environment. Since karela juice regulates the blood sugar level, it maintains liver health, as higher blood sugar levels cause liver deterioration over time.

Also check: Zandu's Liver Syrup

Helps in fighting cancer

Regular intake of karela juice is also known for strengthening the immune system and preventing infections and allergies. One of the essential aspects is that it assists in fighting cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing tumour development. Therefore, daily intake of bitter gourd juice proves beneficial for reducing the risk of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

Improves heart health

Maintaining good heart health is an essential aspect of keeping overall good health. Do you know that bitter gourd helps lower bad cholesterol or LDL? Yes, you heard it right! Therefore it is quite apparent that it reduces the chance of having a heart attack. Additionally, the presence of fibre also assists in clearing arteries.

Aids in weight control

Are you looking for a morning drink that will assist you in keeping your weight in control? Well, the juice of bitter gourd will prove beneficial for you! It is high in fibre and low in calories, which impedes the development of adipose cells responsible for fat storage in the body. The antioxidants in bitter gourd cleanse the body and enhance metabolism, eventually resulting in fat loss.

Purifies blood

Because of the high concentration of antioxidants, it can treat various diseases linked with tainted blood. Intake of bitter gourd juice regularly also enhances blood circulation in the body, leading to improved hair and skin health.

As most skin problems stem from impurities in the skin, bitter gourd juice can become a solution in the long run.

Effective for the eyes

You must have learnt by now that karela juice is rich in Vitamin A, known for improving vision and preventing cataracts. It also assists in brightening dark circles and provides you with clean and healthy eyes.

Improves digestion

Karela juice is a natural digestive aid containing enzymes that break down food particles, facilitating improved digestion. Regular consumption of Karela juice can alleviate common digestive issues such as indigestion and constipation, thus promoting a healthy digestive system.

Boosts immunity

Karela juice is a proven immune booster, enriched with antioxidants, vital vitamins, and minerals. It enhances your body's defenses, reduces infection risks, and provides substantial immune-boosting vitamin C. Incorporate it into your daily routine for a fortified immune system.

Manages respiratory disorders

If you're looking for a natural way to manage respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, consider adding karela juice to your diet. This potent juice acts as a natural expectorant, clearing your respiratory passages and promoting easier breathing. Regular consumption allows you to manage symptoms associated with respiratory disorders and enhance your overall lung function.

Balances hormones

Karela juice can positively impact hormone regulation, promoting balance and well-being within the body. It is especially beneficial for those who struggle with hormonal imbalances, such as individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Improves bone health

A healthy body requires solid bones and teeth, and Karela juice is an excellent source of calcium, an essential mineral that supports bone health. You can prevent osteoporosis and maintain optimal bone density with adequate calcium intake. Incorporating Karela juice, enriched with calcium, into your daily diet can support your body's overall well-being and enjoy a healthy life.

Steps to make juice from bitter gourd?

After learning about all the benefits, you must be confused regarding how to prepare karela juice. You need not worry; we have you covered with an A-Z guide.

For making Karela juice, you need not require any specific kitchen skills. A raw bitter melon, a juicer or a blender and water are all you require. It would be best if you avoid selecting a riper bitter melon and select a big one. This will help you to prevent the harsh flavour that people generally hate.

For a better taste, let the bitter gourd soak in water and add some lemon juice before blending it.

Ingredients You Need

•  One karela or bitter melon
•  A form of juice or plain water
• Lemon juice, honey or a pinch of salt. 

Directions for making Bitter Gourd juice:

• Wash the Krela with cold water.
• As there’s no need to peel karela, you only need to slice it off on a cutting board.
• Discard all the seeds using a spoon.
• Place the green flesh on the chopping board and chop it into medium pieces.
•  Add ½ a cup of water into a blender or the juicer. In place of water, you can also take some other juice you feel comfortable consuming.
• Place all the chopped pieces of bitter melon into the blender and add some drops of lemon juice. For taste, you can also add one tablespoon of honey or a pinch of salt according to the required taste.
• Blend it well until it becomes smooth.
• Filter the fruit chunks by pouring them over a strainer. Drink immediately or let it chill for some time before consuming.
• You can also use a juicer for making karela juice instead of a blender. 

Ingredients That You Can Blend with Karela Juice

•  Cucumber
•  Green apple
•  Ginger
•  Strawberries
•  Pineapple

Things to keep in mind before considering the intake of Karela juice

Most people tend to find the bitter taste of karela juice nauseating. Also, it is important to consider the intake of karela juice to a certain amount, as excess intake might lead to adverse effects such as diarrhoea, stomach pain, or other forms of trouble in the stomach.

Although entertaining a plethora of benefits, it is not recommended for everyone, especially people under specific medications. Therefore, several preventive measures must be considered to ensure the utmost safety. Here are some tips that can help you stay safe:

• People having diabetes must consult their healthcare professional because of its effect on blood sugar levels.
• If one is under some course of medication, it would be best to take suggestions from a healthcare professional before starting a systematised intake of karela juice.
• The bitter gourd might impact the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating reproduction and hormones.

Therefore to summarise, karela juice is safe for people who consider its consumption in moderation. But people having diabetes, or is under some medication or pregnant, or breastfeeding must not consider their intake without consulting with the respective health care professional.

Side effects of Karela

• Some people may experience stomach upsets when taking karela orally, although there is little evidence available about long-term adverse effects.
• Karela, when applied topically, may result in a rash.
• Oral karela intake may cause headaches in many individuals.
• Additionally, karela may lower blood sugar levels (if you take diabetes medication, see a doctor before using it).

Precautions to take with Karela

• Operation: At least two weeks before to any operation, stop using Karela. Karela may cause problems controlling blood sugar levels both before and after surgery.

• Pregnancy: Karela should not be consumed while pregnant since it contains specific compounds that may be hazardous to the developing fetus.

• Breastfeeding: Since there is not enough information on its safe usage during breastfeeding, it is safer to avoid using it at this time. See a doctor before starting karela consumption.

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD): Those who are deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) may have severe anaemia from eating karela seeds. Therefore, if you have a G6PD deficit, it is best to avoid using Karela.

• Allergy: Steer clear of karela if you have a known allergy to any other member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes muskmelon, honeydew, casaba, Persian melon, cantaloupe, or honeydew. Itching, dyspnea, or redness are symptoms of allergies.

• Use of any herb for self-medication is not advised.

Zandu Karela capsules - One-stop solution to enhance your health

Having engaged in a busy schedule, it might become extremely difficult for you to indulge in the making of karela juice. Zandu Care provides a good supplement that will provide all the health benefits and boost immunity. These capsules contain the real benefits of karela and will be a good addition to your everyday diet.

Conclusion

To conclude, karela juice entertains many benefits including diabetes that make it preferable among extremely health-conscious people. Since it is a natural product, it doesn’t cause any harmful side effects. But if you have any special medical condition, it would be best to consult a healthcare professional to be safe.

FAQs

1. Can we drink karela juice daily?

Karela juice is tasty to some, but its bitter flavour may not be to everyone's taste. Furthermore, it would not be a good idea to consume too much of this juice as doing so may result in negative side effects like upset stomach, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.

2. Who should not eat bitter gourd?

This fruit is also forbidden for nursing mothers since bitter melon contains some chemicals that can find their way into breast milk. Individuals with hypotension (or a history of hypotension): Because bitter melon contains the nutrients Vicine, Polypeptid-P, and Charantin, it can reduce blood pressure.

3. Can I drink karela juice on an empty stomach?

Due to its antioxidant content, consuming Karela juice on an empty stomach protects against skin conditions and stops cell damage. Consistently consuming Karela juice also improves insulin secretion, which helps control blood glucose levels.

4. What are the side effects of bitter gourd juice?

Bitter melon carries certain dangers and difficulties, such as the potential for diarrhoea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Abortion, contractions, and vaginal bleeding. decreasing blood sugar dangerously when combined with insulin.

5. Is Karela good for the skin?

Bitter gourd juice's potent antioxidants also prevent wrinkles and fine lines, which slows down the ageing process. Frequent intake of karela juice will also help to reinforce the shield that protects your skin from UV rays, which will further delay the onset of premature ageing.

References

1. Various researchers have found that karela juice helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. (https://www.sciencedirect.com)
2. One of the essential aspects is that it assists in fighting cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing tumour development. (https://www.researchgate.net)
3. Karela juice is a proven immune booster, enriched with antioxidants, vital vitamins, and minerals. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
4. Some people may experience stomach upsets when taking karela orally, although there is little evidence available about long-term adverse effects. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
5. To conclude, karela juice has many benefits, including diabetes, which makes it preferable among extremely health-conscious people. (https://www.researchgate.net/)