What is Karela juice?

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

The fruit and its juice, as the name implies, have a bitter flavor that some people find unpleasant.

Karela juice, on the other hand, has grown in popularity due to its numerous health advantages, which include decreased blood pressure, Regulation of blood glucose and enhanced skin health.

This article will teach you all you need to know about karela juice, including nutritional facts, potential health advantages, and how it's made.



Karela, commonly known as Momordica charantia L., is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter melon, karela, and kugua are some of its common names. For thousands of years, its fruit has been utilized as a vegetable. It is found in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world.

It is known as 'bitter melon' or 'bitter gourd' because the entire plant, including the fruit, is bitter. Karela is commonly grown in nations such as India, Mexico, China, Japan, Malaya, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, East Africa, Colombia,  Amazon, Brazil, Cuba,  Haiti, Panama, Ghana,  Nicaragua, New Zealand,  the Middle East, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.


Karela's properties include:

  • Karela is a powerful antioxidant.
  • Karela helps to reduce blood sugar levels.
  • Karela is a bacteria-killing agent.
  • Karela has antiviral properties.
  • Karela may have anti-cancer properties.
  • Karela possesses anti-diarrheal properties.
  • Karela is an excellent source of vitamin C.
  • Karela is low in calories and rich in fiber.
  • Karela strengthens our immune system and respiratory system.


Research studies on karela health benefits

A certain NIH study discovered that when 42 volunteers were given 4.8 grams of bitter melon extract daily, they eliminated considerable quantities of abdominal fat. They had shed an average of 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from their waistline after seven weeks.

In addition, certain animal and test-tube studies indicate that some of the components of karela juice may have cancer-fighting effects.

Further, animal studies suggest that karela juice may enhance HDL (good) cholesterol while decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol and overall triglyceride levels.


Karela use on diabetes:

Because of its antioxidant and anti-diabetic characteristics, Karela extract has long been used as a vegetable insulin. Its anti-diabetic properties have been studied in both animals and humans. In an animal model, the entire plant, including the fruit pulp and seed, shown potential antidiabetic properties. Its fruit has been proven to have higher possible diabetic impacts. It might either influence insulin release or alter glucose metabolism.

Glycoside, charantin, vicine, karavilosides, and polypeptide-p (plant insulin) are among the compounds found in karela. These compounds may lower blood sugar levels by increasing glucose absorption and glycogen synthesis in liver, fat, and muscle cells. For the accurate diagnosis and treatment of severe illnesses such as diabetes, please visit a doctor. 


Karela use for cancer:

The karela extract may help change the signaling pathways implicated in breast cancer. It may inhibit the development of breast cancer cells and be used as a dietary supplement to help prevent breast cancer. 

Karela fruits, green leaves, stems, and seeds contain a variety of active proteins and steroids. These proteins may have anticancer action. Serious illnesses, such as cancer, should be identified and treated by a doctor. Consult a doctor instead of self-medicate.


Karela use for Malaria:

Karela might be used to treat malaria. 

Asians, Colombians, and Panamanians have long used karela to treat malaria. Several investigations have confirmed that some karela species may have antimalarial effects.


Karela use for wound healing:

Diabetes is associated with a number of problems, including a diminished immunological response, decreased development of new blood vessels, a lack of growth factors, and decreased collagen synthesis. 

When karela fruit ointment was administered to diabetic rats, it demonstrated the ability to increase wound healing and may help boost a gene that aids in cell proliferation. As a result, it might aid in wound healing. More study, however, is needed to verify such impacts on humans.


Karela use on Kidneys:

Patients with high creatinine and urea levels should consume karela juice, but they should also pay attention to one point: the amount of bitter gourd juice to drink. This is due to the fact that an increase in creatinine and urea levels is usually followed by a decrease in urine flow or even edema. Extra fluid consumption may readily stress the kidneys in this case. 


What are the disadvantages of karela juice?

Although some individuals enjoy karela juice, others may find its harsh flavor unpleasant.

Furthermore, drinking too much of this juice may result in negative side effects such as stomach discomfort, vomiting, and an upset stomach. There is, however, insufficient scientific data to decide how much is safe to take .

People with diabetes and those on medication should see their healthcare provider before beginning a karela juice program due to its effect on blood sugar.

Karela extract may have an impact on your endocrine system, which regulates hormones and reproduction. As a result, pregnant or nursing women should consult with their healthcare professional before including karela juice into their daily regimen.

Karela may cause stomach distress in some people. When Karela is administered to the skin, it may induce a rash. Some individuals may have headaches. Karela may also help to reduce blood sugar levels. If you encounter any adverse effects, see your doctor.


How to make karela juice?

Ingredients

  • 2 bitter melon (Karela)
  • 1 apple, green
  • 2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon rock salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 inch ginger root
  • Water


Preparation Directions

Step 1: Wash the bitter gourd well. Scoop out the seeds after cutting them in half. Cut it up into little pieces.

Step 2: Place this in a mixing basin, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and thoroughly combine with your hands. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cut one apple in half, remove the seeds, and set aside. Squeeze the bitter gourd in your hands; the juices will flow out; discard it. 

Step 4: Place the squeezed bitter gourd in a blender, along with the green apple, chilli, ginger, and little water, and purée until smooth.

Step 5: Strain and season with lemon juice and salt. Combine thoroughly. If the mixture is too thick, add additional water.

Step 6: Pour it into glasses and serve chilled.

Bitter melon may have adverse reactions. Pregnant women, persons with underlying health concerns, and those using blood sugar-lowering drugs should seek medical advice before using this remedy.