15 Proven Health Benefits of Lauki Juice

This article has been reviewed by experts

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. It offers 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 benefits of bottle gourd juice.  

Benefits of Bottle Gourd 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: Regular consumption of 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]

Side Effects of Lauki Juice

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

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]

FAQs

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