Karela Juice: Benefits, Side Effects & How to Make It

Karela juice is a fruit juice made from bitter melon, a rough-skinned fruit.

Its flavour is bitter and, as the name implies, some people find it unpalatable.

Due to its multiple health benefits, however, karela juice has gained popularity. These benefits include lowering blood pressure and better skin health.

Learn about karela juice, its nutrition, potential health benefits, and the method for making it in this article.

What Is Karela Juice (Bitter Gourd)?

Karela juice is the juice extracted from bitter gourd. As the name suggests, the karela juice tastes bitter and is not a beverage liked by everyone.

Karela Juice Nutrition

In 1 cup(124 grams) serving of Karela Juice, the nutrients are

• Calories: 24
• Fat: 0.2g
• Sodium: 392mg
• Carbohydrates: 5.4g
• Fibre: 2.5g
• Sugar: 2.4g
• Protein: 1g
  
  

Furthermore, Karela juice is a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that promotes immunity, brain health, and tissue healing. It's also a great source of vitamin A which helps with eyesight and skin health.

Karela Juice Benefits

If you are looking for bitter gourd benefits, then read on.

1) Reduction in sugar levels

Due to a sedentary lifestyle and junk food, diabetes is increasing at a fast rate. There is also a large population in the prediabetes stage. Karela juice controls diabetes naturally.

It contains an ingredient called Polypeptide-p or p-insulin. This insulin-like substance increases the assimilation of sugar from the blood into the cells and tissues.

This keeps diabetes in control. Regular consumption of karela juice can allow people with confirmed diabetes to reduce their dependence on medicines. Those in the prediabetes stage can successfully avoid diabetes.

2) Bitter gourd benefits for skin

Regular consumption of karela juice can give you glowing skin. Bitter gourd juice has many antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These vitamins reduce wrinkles and prevent premature ageing of your skin.

Also Read: What is Skin Purging & How to Tell If Your Skin Is Purging or Breaking Out?

3) Karela juice for weight loss

• Karela has high water content and very low calories. Bitter gourd is also low on fat and carbohydrates. Due to its high water content, bitter gourd keeps you full for a long time. This is why you can effectively use karela juice for weight loss.

4) Keeps your eyes healthy

High vitamin A and beta carotene content make bitter gourd juice highly beneficial to your eyes.

5) Reduction in bad cholesterol levels

Bitter gourd juice reduces bad cholesterol and thereby reduces your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke.

6) Good for your hair

Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice can give you shiny hair. The zinc, biotin, vitamin A, and vitamin C present in karela juice are responsible for hair health. Bitter gourd juice can be applied externally on the scalp to cure problems like dandruff, hair loss, itchy scalp, etc. The amino acids present in this juice have antiviral and anti-microbial properties that effectively fix scalp problems.

7) Lowers blood pressure

Bitter gourd benefits include high potassium. The potassium absorbs extra sodium in your body. The result is reduced blood pressure. Hence it is good for people suffering from hypertension. Low blood pressure also means a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, the high folic acid content in bitter gourd juice further brings down your risk of strokes and heart attacks.

8) Good for immunity and overall health

The vitamins and antioxidants in karela juice promote immunity. In addition, karela juice contains fibre which supports digestion and improves bowel movements. Improved digestion leads to better absorption of nutrients from food. Overall health also improves due to weight loss, reduction in sugar, and BP levels.

9) Bitter gourd for liver health

Karela juice detoxifies your liver and keeps it healthy. In addition, it is a promising hangover cure as it boosts your liver enzymes and reduces the deposit of alcohol in your liver.

10) Gut health

Bitter gourd is rich in fibre content and improves your bowel movement. Ease your constipation and boost your gut health with karela juice.

How to Make Karela Juice - Karela Juice Recipe

Bitter gourd juice is easy to prepare. Its high-water content makes it a good candidate for juicing. You can add other ingredients like fruits or spices to make it more palatable and improve its taste.

Recipe

• Bitter gourd - 2 (Choose raw ones. The ripe ones may taste very bitter)
• Lemon juice- 1 tbsp
• Black Salt- ½ tsp
• Apple Juice or Pear Juice- ½ cup (optional)

Preparation

• Wash the karela properly.
• You can remove the skin of the gourd if you want. But the peel has plenty of health benefits as it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. It is better to retain it.
• Then slice the bitter gourd in the middle such that it is cut open completely.
• Scoop out the seeds and flesh of the vegetable using a spoon.
• Discard the seeds and flesh.
• Cut the bitter gourd into small pieces.
• Transfer the pieces into a juicer.
• Add salt and lemon juice. Add some black pepper or ginger for added taste.
• You can add honey to reduce the bitterness.
• Filter the karela juice using a wire mesh strainer.
• Add water or apple juice, or pear juice to dilute the karela juice.

Karela Juice Side Effects

Karela juice side effects include:

• Gastric ailments like diarrhoea, stomach ache, and an upset stomach.
• Those who have diabetes should consult with health professionals before starting to consume karela juice.
• This juice may also have an impact on your hormones and the body’s endocrine system.
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers must consult their doctor before, including karela juice in their diet.

Summing Up on Karela Juice

Karela juice is highly nutritious and associated with a variety of health benefits, including improved skin health and better blood sugar control.

Because it's made of bitter melon, it's an acquired taste. You can add other fruits to the juice at home to reduce its sharp taste.

Although it may have many side effects, it provides key nutrients and may help optimize your health when consumed in moderation.

FAQs

How Much Karela Juice to Drink Everyday

You can consume one glass (100 ml of half diluted juice) of Karela juice every day. It will improve your skin health and help control your blood sugar. It will also purify the blood and prevent hair discolouration.

When to Drink Karela Juice

The best time to drink it is usually in the morning on an empty stomach since it can be absorbed quickly by the body.