15 Proven Health Benefits of Lauki Juice

This article has been reviewed by experts

15 Proven Health Benefits of Lauki Juice 1 20 11zon

Lauki or bottle gourd is not only a staple in Indian households but also a treasure trove of nutritional goodness. Lauki juice, extracted from the bottle gourd, has held a revered place in Ayurvedic medicine. Lauki juice benefits offer time-tested solutions to a multitude of health concerns. Incorporating this juice into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective step towards a healthier life. This article will unravel 15 remarkable advantages of bottle gourd juice.

Nutritional Value of Lauki Juice [6]

Nutrients ComponentsValue/100 grams
Energy 14kcal
Carbohydrates3.39g
Fats0.02g
Protein0.62g
Fibre0.5g
Iron0.2mg
Calcium26mg
Sodium2mg
Magnesium11mg
Potassium150mg
Selenium0.2µg
Phosphorus13mg
Zinc0.7mg
Manganese 0.066mg
Copper0.026mg
Vitamin C10.1mg
Vitamin B10.029mg
Vitamin B30.32mg
Vitamin B20.022mg

Properties of Lauki Juice [7]

The benefits of bottle gourd juice are immense for human health due to its nutritional components. Following are some of the properties of lauki juice. 

  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-tumour 
  • Reduces hypertension
  • Acts as a laxative
  • Lipid-lowering
  • Blood glucose lowering
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Analgesic action

Benefits of Bottle Gourd Juice

Ayurveda lists several advantages of bottle gourd juice for overall health and well-being. The following are some of the benefits of lauki juice. 

  1. Enhances Digestive Health:  Lauki juice is rich in dietary fibre content, comprising both soluble and insoluble fibres. This makes it a digestive ally, preventing issues like constipation, flatulence, and piles. [1]
  2. Aids in Stress Reduction: Regular consumption of lauki juice can be a soothing remedy for stress reduction. The high water content in bottle gourd imparts a cooling effect on the body, providing a sense of calm and relaxation.[1]
  3. Boosts Heart Health: Incorporating lauki juice into your diet two to three times a week can contribute to heart well-being and assist in regulating blood pressure. [1]
  4. Helps in Weight Management: Bottle gourd juice for weight loss is often recommended as this juice can support your weight loss journey effectively. Bottle gourd is packed with essential nutrients like iron, vitamins, and potassium. It keeps the body well-nourished while effectively curbing unnecessary appetite, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach in the morning. [1][4]
  5. Combats Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders are increasingly prevalent in India. Among its many benefits, lauki also plays a role in addressing sleep issues. Sipping on lauki juice can promote restful sleep, offering relief to those facing sleep disturbances.[1]
  6. Prevents Premature Greying: Premature greying of hair is a concern often exacerbated by climate and dietary factors. Consuming a glass of bottle gourd juice daily may help maintain hair texture and prevent premature greying.[1]
  7. Reduces Inflammation: Lauki juice’s high water content offers a natural remedy for reducing inflammation in the liver and kidneys. Its hydrating properties contribute to this anti-inflammatory effect.[3]
  8. Offers Cooling Sensation: Indulging in bottle gourd juice offers a delightful cooling effect that aids in replenishing lost fluids through perspiration. It is the best way to beat the heat and stay refreshed particularly during the summer months. [2]
  9. Remedy for Urinary Tract Infections: Fresh bottle gourd juice combined with freshly squeezed lime juice is considered an effective treatment for urinary infections. This concoction has alkalizing and diuretic properties which not only reduces the discomfort of acidic urination but also combats urinary tract infections. [3]
  10. Help Manage Blood Glucose Levels: Bottle gourd due to its minimal glucose content and virtually zero carbohydrates makes an excellent addition to the diabetic diet  It is an ideal choice for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels. Moreover, with approximately 8% fibre content, bottle gourd aids in slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This leads to the stabilization of blood sugar levels. [3]
  11. Boosts Immunity: Bottle gourd is a powerhouse of vitamins, micronutrients, enzymes, and minerals, such as Thiamine, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium. This impressive nutritional profile are effective in combating the hazards of free radicals, reducing inflammation, and fostering a healthier gut microbiome. [2, 3]
  12. Enhances Liver Function: Enzymes found in bottle gourd are believed to have detoxifying properties that benefit liver health. Regular consumption of bottle gourd juice is associated with improved liver function. [2]
  13. Maintains Sodium Balance: A glass of bottle gourd juice, when combined with a pinch of salt, plays a pivotal role in preventing excessive sodium loss from the body.[4]
  14. Promotes Nervous System Health: Bottle gourd juice offers valuable assistance in addressing conditions related to the nervous system, such as epilepsy, and other nervous diseases.[5]
  15. Relieves from Acidity: The high fibre content and alkaline nature of bottle gourd juice make it an excellent choice for combating acidity. [3]
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Side Effects of Lauki Juice

Although, bottle gourd juice side effects are not many, bitter-tasting lauki juice can be highly toxic and, in some cases, fatal. The bitterness and the unpleasant taste in some laukis can be attributed to a tetrapenoid known as Cucurbitacins.

Consuming a bitter bottle gourd juice leads to severe symptoms, including: 

  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms typically start within 30 minutes to seven days after ingestion. Gastrointestinal bleeding, indicated by hematemesis (vomiting blood), low blood pressure (hypotension), and elevated liver enzymes, can occur in those who consume bitter lauki juice. The symptoms may resemble other illnesses like gastrointestinal sepsis, making diagnosis difficult. 

Bitter bottle gourd juice poses a heightened risk, especially to individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Raising public awareness about the dangers of consuming bitter bottle gourd is crucial in preventing further cases. [4]

Also, it is advised to limit the consumption of lauki juice to no more than 100 ml at a time to avoid potential hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Precautionary Measure

There are some precautions regarding bottle gourd juice uses that one needs to keep in mind. Experts recommend that before juice extraction, it is advisable to taste a small piece of bottle gourd to ensure it is not bitter. If bitterness is detected, the bottle gourd should be discarded immediately without further use. Bitter bottle gourd juice should never be consumed under any circumstances.

If one experiences any discomfort after juice consumption, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a sense of uneasiness, rush the individual to the nearest hospital for medical evaluation and care. [4]

Conclusion

Ayurveda considers bottle gourd as a treasure. It also lists the various health benefits of lauki and lauki juice. Bottle gourd juice is beneficial in treating several ailments and providing relief from them. However, in case you experience any side effects due to the consumption of bottle gourd juice, consult your healthcare provider immediately. 

FAQs

1. Is it safe to consume lauki juice on empty stomach?

The benefits of lauki juice on empty stomach are numerous. Lauki juice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Due to its low calorie and high fibre content, it improves weight loss, aids with digestion, and helps keep one hydrated.

2. Can lauki juice help with losing weight?

Lauki juice is low in calories and packed with essential nutrients, water, and fiber. These all aid in controlling your appetite and supporting weight management. 

3. How can I include lauki juice in my daily routine?

You can start with a small amount and increase it to 100 ml. Avoid consuming more than 100 ml and any bitter-tasting lauki, as it can be harmful.

4. Are there any side effects of drinking lauki juice?

Yes, bitter lauki juice can have side effects like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s crucial to ensure the lauki isn’t bitter before juicing it. Also, excessive consumption of lauki juice can lower your blood sugar levels. [4]

5. Does lauki juice remove blockage?

Due to its high fibre, vitamin, and mineral content, bottle gourd, also known as lauki, is a nutrient-rich vegetable that can improve overall health. Nevertheless, there’s no proof that lauki can precisely treat heart blockage. 

References: 

  1. Review on Study of Bottle Gourd on Human Health
  2. Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) juice poisoning
  3. Physicochemical and functional properties of ash gourd/bottle gourd beverages blended with jamun
  4. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH A REVIEW ON : BITTER BOTTLE GOURD : HEALER OR KILLER?
  5. Pharmacological traditional and health benefits of bottle gourd: A review
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Dr. Deepa Kadam

Dr. Deepa has over 25 years of experience making her one of the notable medical professionals in the field of Ayurveda with expertise in Ayurvedic pharmacology.

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