Nutritional Value of Bitter Gourd

According to the USDA, 100 grams of bitter gourd has about 34 calories with 13 milligram sodium, 602 grams
potassium, 7 grams total carbohydrate and 3.6 grams protein. Know the following benefits of bitter gourd juice. 
 
Here are some karela juice benefits that you need to look
out for: 
1. Helps in maintaining blood sugar levels
The World Health Organisation has estimated that over 382 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. Bitter
gourd contains an insulin-like compound called Polypeptide-p or p-insulin which has been shown to control diabetes
naturally. According to a 2011 study, published in the sJournal Ethnopharmacolgy, a four-week clinical trial showed
that 2,000 mg of bitter melon when taken on regular basis reduced the blood glucose level significantly in the patients
suffering from type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that this plant-based insulin in bitter gourd helps patients with
type-1 diabetes as well. Another report issued in the Journal of Chemistry & Biology, gave evidence regarding the
fact that bitter melon increases the uptake of glucose and improves glycemic control. People suffering from diabetes
taking hypoglycaemic drugs may even be required to alter the dosage of their drugs if they consume bitter melon
juice daily and consult a doctor before doing so.

Benefits of karela juice: Bitter gourd contains an insulin-like compound

2. Lowers bad cholesterol levels

Bangalore-based Nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood, says, “Bitter gourd juice is anti-inflammatory and
also helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels in the body. Thereby, it significantly reduces the risk of heart attack
and stroke.” It also maintains the blood pressure of the body as it is rich in potassium, which absorbs excessive
sodium in the body. It is rich in iron and folic acid which are known to decrease the risk of stroke and keep your heart
healthy.
 
Benefits of karela juice: Bitter gourd juice is anti-inflammatory

3. For glowing skin and lustrous hair

Longing for that flawless skin? Dr. Simran Saini from Fortis Hospital in New Delhi suggests that bitter gourd juice
has powerful anti-oxidants along with vitamin A and C which prevent premature skin ageing and diminishes wrinkles.
Furthermore, it reduces acne, aids in treating eczema and psoriasis, as well as protects the skin from the harmful UV
rays.

The nutrients vitamin A, vitamin C, Biotin and Zinc impart shine and lustre to your locks. Applying bitter gourd juice
regularly to your scalp can decrease hair loss and greying of hair, treat split-ends and rough hair, shrug off dandruff,
and combat itchiness. You can apply bitter gourd juice directly to stop hair fall or mix it with some curd and massage
on your scalp and hair for conditioning. To treat dandruff, you can make a hair mask with bitter gourd juice, cumin
seed paste and a tablespoon of lime juice. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse. Dr. Saini adds that the juice also acts as a
blood purifier.

Benefits of karela juice: Applying bitter gourd juice regularly to your scalp can decrease hair loss
 4. Cures hangovers and cleanses the liver

Got too much alcohol in your system after a crazy night of partying? You can get rid of it quite swiftly by sipping some
bitter gourd juice which wipes out alcoholic intoxication settled in your liver. The juice cleanses your bowel as well as
heals many liver problems. Published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition, a study concluded that a
compound called Momordica Charantia provides protection against liver failure by strengthening anti-oxidant activity
of the enzymes in the liver. It also boosts the functioning of your bladder.

Karela juice benefits: it cures hangovers too

 5. Helps in weight loss

Bitter gourd is low in calories, fat and carbohydrates. It keeps you full for longer and hence, it can easily fit in your
weight loss plan. In a 2010 issue of a report published in the Journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
it was disclosed that extracts of bitter gourd helped in the dislocation of human fat cells and also hindered the
formation and growth of new fat cells. It was further concluded that bitter gourd can be viewed as a natural agent for
treating obesity.

Karela juice benefits: It keeps you full for longer

 6. Boosts your immune system

Bitter gourd fights viruses and bacteria and strengthens your immunity. It prevents allergies and indigestion. The
antioxidants work as powerful defense mechanisms against illness and also help fight free-radical damage that can
cause various types of cancer. In 2010, a study was published in the Pharmaceutical Research Journal which stated
that bitter-melon has anti-carcinogen and anti-tumour properties. It reduced the risk of prostate, breast and cervical
cancer.