The Complete Guide to Karela Juice: Nutrition, Benefits and How To Make It

Karela, also known as bitter gourd, is a unique vegetable with a bitter taste but some great health benefits. In this complete guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about karela juice – what makes it so nutritious and its many health benefits. Whether you enjoy the bitter taste or want to try it, this guide will tell you about this wholesome, healing beverage.

The Nutritional Value of Karela Juice

Here is the nutritional value of karela per 100g (1)

Properties of Karela Juice

• Anti-Inflammatory – Reduces bodily inflammation involved in common conditions like infections, metabolic disorders and even cancer progression.
• Antimicrobial – Exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects protecting against pathogen invasion threats through multifaceted mechanisms under study
• Anticancer – Contains compounds that may help slow down the spread of cancer cells and promote their destruction.

How to use Karela Juice

• Bitter gourd juice tastes quite bitter as the name suggests. Add other vegetables and fruits like cucumber, apple, and carrots to make it more palatable while making the juice. Adding a squeeze of lemon also helps cut the bitterness.

• Start drinking just 1-2 ounces of pure or mixed bitter gourd juice daily. Gradually increase up to 4-6 ounces per day if you want. Drinking it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is highly recommended.

• You can also mix the juice in healthy smoothies or shakes with fruits, yoghurt, milk, etc. The other ingredients will balance the strong bitter taste.

• Drink the juice right after making it. If you store bitter gourd juice for later, it loses nutrients and may develop more bitterness over time.

• Most plant compounds and nutrients responsible for health benefits are concentrated in the juice rather than the flesh. However, do not discard the pulp after juicing; it provides dietary fiber. 

• Consume bitter gourd juice in moderation, as it can act as a laxative for some people sensitive to its compounds. Start slowly and monitor your body’s response.

Health Benefits of Karela Juice

1. Helps in Diabetes

Karela juice is known for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It contains an insulin-like compound known as Polypeptide-p or p-insulin (4),  which has been shown to control diabetes naturally. Regular consumption can improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.

2. Fights Stomach Worms

Karela has antiparasitic properties, making it effective in eliminating stomach worms. It can disrupt the environment worms thrive in, helping to clear them from the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Reduces Oxidative Stress

The high antioxidant content in karela juice helps neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, which reduces oxidative stress and boosts overall health. Also, by reducing oxidative stress, it protects against tissue damage and enhances the body’s resilience against diseases.

4. Acts as an Antioxidant Support

It’s loaded with vital antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other compounds that help in protecting the body against cellular damage and maintaining overall health. (2)

5. Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Karela juice possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation and is particularly helpful in conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

6. Helps in Cancer

Studies suggest that karela juice contains certain enzymes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and can potentially reduce the risk of cancer development, especially in the digestive tract.

Precautions to take with Karela Juice

• If you have diabetes and are taking medications, monitor your blood sugar closely as karela juice can lower blood sugar levels, which might require adjustments to your medications.
• The effects of karela juice during pregnancy and breastfeeding aren’t well-documented, so it’s advisable to avoid it during these times to ensure safety.
• Drinking karela juice in excessive amounts can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It’s best to consume it in moderation.

Side Effects of Karela Juice

• For people with diabetes, consuming too much karela juice can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia).
• Some people might experience stomach upset, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, mainly if consumed on an empty stomach. (3)
• There have been some reports suggesting that excessive consumption of karela juice can lead to liver inflammation and damage.

Interactions with other Drugs

• Karela juice can potentiate the effects of medications used to lower blood sugar, such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics, leading to a risk of hypoglycemia.
• Consuming karela juice might enhance the effects of blood thinners like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Karela juice can affect liver enzymes, specifically those in the cytochrome P450 system, which is responsible for metabolizing many drugs.

Conclusion

Karela juice offers numerous health benefits, from regulating blood sugar and combating infections to acting as a powerful antioxidant. However, it is crucial to consume it with caution, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs.

FAQs

References

1. Here is the nutritional value of karela per 100g (fdc.nal.usda.gov)
2. It’s loaded with vital antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other compounds that help in protecting the body against cellular damage and maintaining overall health. (researchgate.net)
3. Some people might experience stomach upset, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, mainly if consumed on an empty stomach. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
4. Karela juice is known for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It contains an insulin-like compound known as Polypeptide-p or p-insulin (researchgate.net)