Every year, untreated diabetes causes 1.5 million deaths around the globe. Diabetes Mellitus Type-2 is incurable and is a lifestyle disease. Yet, a person diagnosed with type-2 diabetes can thwart it from causing further damage. Bringing some lifestyle changes and following a proper diet and fitness plan, one can easily tackle this ailment. Amongst many food items that fight against blood sugar problems, bitter gourd is the number one—drinking karela juice benefits in lowering the sugar level to an impressive amount.
Bitter gourd, bitter melon, or simply karela in Hindi, is a fruit with life-changing properties. People love karela and not because of its taste. All the credit for its popularity goes to bitter gourd uses in diabetes management. Karela juice benefits for diabetes are not new to us. We are all aware of this “blessing in disguise” food. Hence, let us all fight against perilous diabetes with our mighty weapon, bitter gourd juice.
Manage Diabetes with Karela Juice Benefits
Karela is known for its hypoglycemic nature because of the presence of vicine, polypeptide, and charantin active substances. The glucose concentration in the peripheral tissues is reduced with the help of lectin; another one of the many proteins found in bitter gourd. This protein is well known for its hypoglycemic effect. The contents of Karela juice function like insulin and lower the blood sugar level.
Kerala juice benefits the cells by helping them absorb sugar to use in the form of energy. It helps in moving them to the liver and muscles. Although there are several points to prove that Karela helps with diabetes, one should always consider bitter gourd benefits and disadvantages equally to know its full potential. There are not many Karela juice side effects, but we must take a look to understand if it suits our bodies.
13 Incredible Karela Juice Benefits
Karela not only takes care of your blood sugar level but also has detoxification, healing, and weight loss properties. Bitter gourd uses, in terms of immunity, are not hidden from the world. Karela’s is rich in vitamins and minerals, necessary to sustain a healthy body. Moreover, there are so many benefits of karela for the improvement of skin and hair. Therefore, we have made a list of the top 13 incredible ways in which karela juice benefits your body.
1. Detoxifies Liver
Karela is known for its bitter taste which helps in detoxification and boosting liver enzymes. Bitter gourd juice is suggested not only to suppress the craving but also to cleanse the body from alcohol poisoning. The juice also treats other liver infections and disorders with the help of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, Karela extracts stimulate the production of natural antioxidants in the body to fight against other infections. The production of fat accumulation in the liver is also controlled by bitter gourd juice.
2. Takes Care of the Heart
Karela has numerous phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, vanillin acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and many more. These compounds are responsible for lowering bad cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, and maintaining heart health. Excessive sodium is removed from the urinary tract with the help of potassium content in karela juice. This maintains the blood pressure and prevents hypertension. Overall, karela juice benefits in preventing heart strokes and other heart-related diseases.
3. Weight Control
The amount of carbohydrates and fats in karela juice is low, making it a perfect weight loss drink. Drinking karela juice benefits your weight loss journey. It even breaks belly fat and activates insulin to use glucose. Bitter gourd uses its ability to stimulate bile juice production in the liver to improve the metabolism. It is a low-calorie drink and serves as the best pre-workout during summer exercises. Apart from alleviating appetite, it is packed with water (almost 90% of bitter gourd is water) which holds hunger.
4. Purifies Blood
Antibacterial properties of bitter gourd allow it to fight against blood infections. It clears out toxins from the blood which can lead to further bigger problems. Phenolic and flavonoids are the anti-oxidants responsible for fighting against the free radicals in the blood. The toxins in the body are the result of the harm done due to smoking and drinking, karela juice can clear them out. Improved blood circulation is another one of the main karela juice benefits. Blood purification is the first step in tackling skin infections, blood disorders and preventing cancer.
5. Good for Eyes
Bitter melon is rich in beta carotene or Vitamin A, which is responsible for protecting the retina and cornea in the eye. This nutrient is the protective eye pigment that supports night vision. Bitter gourd supplies 8% of the daily value of Zinc, which helps in transporting this vitamin from the liver to the optical tissues. It also aids the production of melanin, a pigment that protects the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Children with issues of myopia or nearsightedness should drink karela juice daily to improve their eye condition.
6. Cures Injuries
Diabetic patients often suffer from delayed wound healing. This major drawback can be tackled with the help of karela juice. It speeds up coagulation or blood clotting during wound healing. Quicker wound healing allows infections to stop spreading further. Karela Juice benefits include its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties to cure injuries. Not only does it help with wound healing after the injury but if you take karela juice daily it builds up immunity to fight against future infections.
7. Prevents Cancer Cells
Some research supported the claims of bitter gourd as an anti-cancer agent. It was not only found to prevent the tumor cells from spreading further but it also killed a few of the existing ones. Its anti-inflammatory character allowed it to get rid of cancer-causing infections before they made an appearance. The presence of active proteins and steroids makes bitter gourd a potential anti-cancer. Bitter gourd curbs the growth and development of cancerous cells in case of breast cancer. Research continues still for this purpose.
8. Aids in Respiratory Health
Bitter gourd uses its anti-histamine properties to fight against respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma. This juice eradicates the mucus or sputum from the lungs and respiratory tracts and eases breathing. Chronic diseases like sinus can be treated at home by drinking karela juice every day. Bitter gourd juice works essentially to regulate the flow of oxygen in the lungs. Besides, it prevents humans from cough, cold, and lung infections. It contains magnesium and beta-carotene, best known for respiratory health.
9. Balances Hormones
Karela juice benefits include its contribution to the endocrine system, which controls the hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for ovulation and menstruation. Sometimes when the hormones are not produced in a regular amount menstrual cycle is affected. Females going through hormonal imbalance due to stress or even disorders like PCOS should drink karela juice to get their periods on time. Bitter gourd also helps with insulin secretion, a hormone responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels.
10. Improves Bone Health
Calcium, phosphorus, and zinc guarantee bone health; and Bitter gourd is loaded with them. Drinking karela juice every day makes bones strong and repairs the damaged bone tissues. Vitamin C extracts in bitter gourd help in bone development. These nutrients work together to protect from diseases such as osteoporosis and help reduce uric acid in case of arthritis. People also drink karela juice to increase optimal bone density. Another of the major karela juice benefits is oral health because of its calcium content.
11. Takes Care of the Skin
Bitter Gourd is loaded with vitamin C which protects from sun damage and synthesizes collagen. It is known for its ability to inhibit melanin production for removing blemishes and scars. Drinking bitter gourd juice daily may result in fairer glowing skin. Folic acid helps with helps with hydration and reduces DNA damage. It firms skin and protects from premature aging by removing fine lines. Apart from UV protection and acne reduction, Kerala juice helps in curing skin diseases like eczema.
12. Helps with Digestion
Constipation and indigestion problems are dealt with by drinking karela juice. It helps in the secretion of enzymes that support food breakdown. Therefore, the bowel movements become regular and the fibre content makes stools smooth. One mustn’t ignore constipation-related issues because they might lead to hemorrhoids in the future. Bitter gourd juice may not be that delicious but its ability to digest other tasty fast food surely makes it a superfood. It even stimulates the good gut bacteria and the fibre content suppresses the appetite.
13. Immunity Booster
Vitamin C aids in the production of white blood cells which are responsible for fighting against infections in the blood. For the betterment of the immune system, we must drink bitter gourd juice. It acts as an immunomodulator by soothing down inflammation. Vitamin E acts as an anti-inflammatory and we know Karela has plenty of it. Zinc, Iron, and vitamin C are key factors in building up the immune system. Drinking Karela Juice benefits the immune system with the previously mentioned nutrients.
Nutrient Content in Karela
A health-conscious person can never be too careful. Each nutrient that bitter gourd contains has a purpose to serve in the body. Each of them has a daily requirement limit, which must be taken care of. An average bitter gourd weighs around 100-110 grams and delivers energy of 34 calories. Since it is a low-calorie food, it does not intervene with your weight loss journey.
| NUTRIENTS | QUANTITY In 100 grams of bitter gourd |
| Carbohydrates | 4.32 grams |
| Fat | 0.18 grams |
| Protein | 0.84 grams |
| Water | 93.95 grams |
| VITAMINS | The Percentage of their Daily Value in 100 grams of Bitter Gourd | MINERALS | The Percentage of their daily value in 100 grams of Bitter Gourd |
| Retinol (Vitamin A) | 1% | Calcium | 1% |
| Thiamine (Vitamin B1) | 4% | Iron | 3% |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 4% | Magnesium | 5% |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 2% | Manganese | 4% |
| Vitamin B5 | 4% | Phosphorus | 5% |
| Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) | 3% | Potassium | 7% |
| Folate (Vitamin B9) | 13% | Sodium | 0% |
| Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) | 40% | Zinc | 8% |
| Vitamin E | 1% | N/A | N/A |
| Vitamin K | 5% | N/A | N/A |
Karela Juice Recipe
If you do not know how to suppress the bitter flavor of Karela in the bitter gourd juice, check out this recipe. If you are diabetic and have read all the Karela juice benefits for diabetes, then what are you waiting for? Go to the kitchen and collect the following ingredients. Tag a friend along, as this recipe serves two glasses.
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
| Pitted and chopped Bitter Gourd | 1 cup |
| Lemon Juice | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 1 cup |
How To Make Karela Juice?
- Add 1 cup bitter gourd in ½ cup water in a juicer or mixer.
- Blend the mixture until all the lumps are clear.
- Now, strain the blend with the help of ½ cup water.
- Sprinkle the salt according to taste and pinch the lemon juice.
- Pour the karela juice into two glasses and serve cold.
Karela Juice Side Effects
Because of its bitter taste, a healthy person might undergo some short-term complications. So, before drinking this nutritious juice, take a look at the flip side of the bitter gourd juice. Hence, only after careful consideration and comparison of bitter gourd benefits and disadvantages, can you decide if it is better or worse for your health.
Short-term Karela Juice Side Effects
The following complications might occur if you drink too much Karela juice in a day. If you undergo these symptoms for a longer period, consult your doctor.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
Long-term Karela Juice Side Effects
Always ensure that you are not taking any other medication while taking this home remedy, as they might cause the following issues.
- Bitter Melon may lower the blood sugar too much.
- It might interact with other diabetic medicines.
- Bitter gourd may affect the endocrine system because of the hormonal changes.
- It may increase the chances of miscarriage as it can cause bleeding and contractions.
| PRECAUTIONS- 1. Pregnant and lactating women are not suggested to drink Kerala juice. 2. Karela juice is not an alternative to diabetic medicines. 3. People with high blood sugar levels should consult their doctors before adding it to the diet. |
Conclusion
Now that you have gathered all the relevant information about the Kerala juice benefits, would you like to try it? I bet you do! As long as you are not taking other medicines and are not a mother-to-be, this super drink is your best bet against diabetes. Grab the ingredients, follow the recipe we have shared with you, and take a sip of the nutritious karela juice. Find solutions to all your problems ranging from blood sugar level to nearsightedness to alcoholism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Karela Juice regulates the blood sugar level of type-2 diabetes cases.
Bittergourd juice can cause stomach problems like vomiting, nausea, and headache. Severe symptoms can be deficient blood sugar levels.
Bitter gourd uses against kidney stones are famous worldwide, as it breaks them naturally.
Yes. It is safe to drink bitter melon juice every day as long as you are not diagnosed with severe illnesses. In that case, consult your doctor before adding it to your diet.
No. As much as we know that there are many karela juice benefits for diabetes, it is not an alternative to medications altogether.
