Karela Juice Benefits: Get Healthier, Stronger, & More Vibrant!

Bitter gourd, known as Karela, may not be everyone's favorite, but it offers immense health benefits. 

Today’s blog typically features the health benefits of Karela Juice, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. 

Before we delve into the potential benefits of Karela juice, a popular beverage in North India, read through what Karela is, its interesting facts, synonyms, and more. 

What is Karela?

Bitter gourd, bitter melon, or Karela, is a vegetable with green skin and white to transparent flesh. Ironically, its name matches its taste, which is bitter. It is consumed by many; however, Asians are the biggest consumers worldwide.

7 Interesting Facts about Karela 

1. Karela (bitter gourd) is a plant-based source. The vegetable contains vitamins A, B, C, E, zinc, and potassium. 
2. Biologists believe Karela belongs to Kerala and was introduced to China in the 14th century. 
3. Karela has important medicinal properties that contribute to good skin, improve digestion, and manage blood glucose levels.
4. The scientific name of bitter melon is Momordica charantia. 
5. Applying Karela paste mixed with coconut oil or water can help reduce the problem of dandruff.
6. In Ayurveda, Karela paste is a healer. Its application might help people suffering from piles. 
7. Nevertheless, Karela juice acts as a glucose-lowering medicine. Its consumption may lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels. 

18 Synonyms of Karela (Bitter Gourd) 

Bitter gourd, urf Karela has several synonyms that may take you by surprise. Some of them are mentioned below: 

1. Momordica charantia
2. Karavella
3. Varivalli
4. Karavalli
5. Kakiral
6. Kakral
7. Karolla
8. Bitter gourd 
9. Hagalakai
10. Kaippa
11. Pavackkai
12. Karla
13. Kalara
14. Salara
15. Paharkai
16. Kaakara
17. Kaaya
18. Kathilla 

As mentioned above, today’s blog typically includes information about Karela juice benefits but nothing else, so let’s get started. 

What is Karela Juice?

Karela juice is prepared from a fruit, namely bitter melon, scientifically known as Momordica charantia. Despite the fact Karela juice tastes bitter, it offers immense health benefits. Karela is a source of most vitamins and other essential nutrients. 

Two popular varieties of bitter melon 

Bitter melon looks rough, and it has a bumpy texture. It is available in two varieties. The differences and similarities are mentioned below: 

Difference 

Chinese bitter melon	Indian bitter melon
This variety of bitter melon grows nearly to eight inches. Its color is pale green, and it has smooth, wart-like bumps.	This variety of fruit nearly grows to four inches with pointed ends. It has spiked skin and is dark green.
Chinese bitter melon looks like cucumber and is cultivated in tropical climates.	Indian bitter melon looks like a warty gourd, usually egg-shaped. It is cultivated in sub-tropical and hot, arid regions.

Similarities 

1. Both Chinese and Indian bitter melons have white flesh. It tends to get more bitter as the fruit ripens. 
2. They have the same hardiness, cultural needs, and bitter taste. 
3. Indian and Chinese Karela juice is also a popular health tonic. 

The bitter melon is commonly used in cuisines, including subtropical regions like Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of China. 

Nutritional Value of Karela Juice (100 ml)

Karela juice, prepared from bitter gourd, has a rich nutrient profile. Per 100 ml of Karela juice contains: 

• Calories: 16-20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3-4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5-2 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Vitamin C: 50-60 mg (about 60-70% of the daily requirement)
• Vitamin A: 140 IU
• Folate (Vitamin B9): 70 mg
• Potassium: 250-300 mg
• Calcium: 20-30 mg
• Iron: 0.5-1 mg
• Magnesium: 16-20 mg
• Phosphorus: 30-35 mg
• Zinc: 0.2 mg

10 Health Benefits of Karela Juice

Karela juice has been associated with offering several health benefits. Its use is common in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Some of its benefits include: 

1. Regulates blood sugar levels

Karela juice helps regulate blood sugar levels. It contains compounds such as charantin and polypeptide-P that act like insulin. This helps the body absorb glucose and utilize it more efficiently. If people with type 2 diabetes consume Karela juice, they can manage blood sugar spikes. 

2. Helps in weight management

Karela juice can be beneficial for people who want to reduce weight. The drink is low in calories and high in fiber. Therefore, its consumption can help them feel full longer, reducing unnecessary cravings. Besides, Karela juice can improve metabolism, making the body burn calories more efficiently. 

3. Improves skin health

Karela juice is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, crucial in improving skin health. The skin health benefits of Karela juice include fighting free radicals responsible for premature aging. Drinking it regularly can help reduce acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Besides, its natural blood-purifying properties detoxify your system from within, resulting in clearer skin. 

4. Helps boost immunity

The vitamin C in Karela juice strengthens the defense mechanism of the body. Thus, it boosts your immune system, protecting you from infections and illnesses. Besides, it acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Drinking Karela juice regularly may help minimize the problem of common colds and infections. 

5. Aids in digestion

Karela juice is a magical drink for your health. Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, it helps improve gastrointestinal health. Karela, or bitter gourd, contains fiber that improves digestion, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. 

6. Good for heart health

Karela juice contains anti-inflammatory properties. They lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, which are responsible for plaque formation in arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. The potassium content in karela juice also helps regulate blood pressure, keeping your heart healthy.

7. Detoxifies the Liver

Karela juice has many health benefits for the liver. It helps detoxify it, ensuring it works optimally. Besides, bitter gourd juice stimulates the functioning of the liver and eliminates toxins from the body. Karela juice is beneficial for those recovering from alcohol-related liver damage or other liver disorders.

8. Helps in fighting cancer

Regular consumption of Karela juice can boost your immune system and prevent infections and allergies. A bitter gourd juice helps fight cancer by not letting the cancer cells grow. Consequently, daily intake of Karela juice can reduce the risk of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. 

9. Effective for the eyes

The vitamin A in Karela juice is a key factor in improving vision and preventing cataracts. Besides, juice effectively repairs and brightens under-eye skin by boosting collagen and reducing dark circles, eye bags, and puffiness. 

10. Improves bone health

Karela juice is a potent source of calcium. A 100 ml serving of juice contains about 20-30 mg of calcium. Hence, drinking juice can help get solid bones and teeth. Besides, incorporating bitter gourd into your daily diet can support your overall health and well-being. 

How to Make Karela Juice? 

Making Karela juice is not rocket science. Follow these easy steps and make a refreshing Karela juice at home: 

4 Main Ingredients:

• Two small-sized karelas (bitter gourds)
• A pinch of salt
• Water 

Procedure:

1. First, rinse bitter gourd (Karela). Slice them lengthwise. Please take off the seeds and chop them into small pieces. 
2. Second, soak chopped pieces in water with a pinch of salt. It will reduce its bitterness. 
3. Third, blend the karela pieces with a little water until smooth. 
4. Fourth, strain the juice. 
5. Fifth, squeeze a few drops of lemon to make it tastier. 
6. Last, drink it fresh. 

What are the adverse side effects of karela juice?

It is confirmed that karela juice offers several health benefits. Its consumption may pose health risks if not consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption of karela juice may lead to: 

• Hypoglycemia: It is a condition that causes blood sugar levels to drop too low. Hence, it would be best if you were careful. 
• Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea. 
• Pregnancy Risk: Bitter gourd is not good for expecting women. It may stimulate uterine contractions.

Conclusion

Karela juice may not taste delicious, but its health benefits are enough to have garnered everyone’s attention, especially health-conscious ones. Karela juice can be a valuable addition to your daily routine, as it helps manage diabetes, boost weight loss, and boost heart health. 

Excessive intake of Karela juice can be harmful. It is crucial to consume it in moderation. Discuss any health concerns with your healthcare provider before consuming it. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Karela Juice Benefits

1. Can I drink Karela juice daily?

Yes, you can drink Karela juice regularly. You should start with small amounts and check how your body responds. 

2. What are the benefits of karela juice?

The benefits of karela juice include managing diabetes, kidney stones, and liver disorders, as well as preventing malaria and jaundice, among others. 

3. Is karela (bitter gourd) a blood purifier?

Yes. Karela is a blood purifier. Bitter gourd contains antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help treat blood disorders and skin problems. Consuming it can flush out harmful toxins from the body. 

4. Is karela juice good for hemoglobin?

Yes. Bitter gourd juice is good for hemoglobin. It effectively improves several long-term blood sugar control markers, such as fructosamine and hemoglobin A1c.