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Bitter Gourd (Karela): A Sweet Victory for Diabetics!

Writer's picture: Ramesh HiraniRamesh Hirani




Get ready to spice up your diabetes management routine with a little bit of bitterness and a whole lot of goodness! We're about to unveil the remarkable health benefits of the mighty bitter gourd, also known as Karela in Hindi. Don't let the name fool you—this veggie is about to add some sweet news to your diabetic journey!



Bitter Gourd (Karela): A Diabetic's Best Friend


When it comes to controlling blood sugar levels (BSL) and ditching those meds, we all know the power of a healthy diet. Luckily, nature has bestowed us with a range of fresh vegetables and herbs that hold incredible potential as natural remedies. Enter the bitter gourd, known by various names such as Bitter Apple, Wild Cucumber, Balsam Apple, and Kugua.



Bitter Melon Nutrition Facts: Unleashing the Powerhouse!


This dark green superstar is loaded with essential nutrients. Brace yourself for the impressive lineup: iron, beta-carotene, calcium, and potassium! In fact, bitter gourd surpasses the levels found in other renowned sources like broccoli, spinach, and bananas. And here's the cherry on top—it's low in calories and bursting with vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, zinc, and dietary fibre.



Health Benefits of Karela: Let the Magic Begin!


  1. Diabetes Champion: Prepare to be amazed! Karela contains unique chemicals that act like insulin, allowing glucose to enter your cells and regulate blood sugar levels. It's a true superhero in the battle against high BSL. What's more, Karela inhibits the body's conversion of nutrients into glucose, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. Cheers to that!

  2. Asthma Ally: Karela doesn't stop at diabetes—its wonders extend to helping ease the troubles of asthma. Take a deep breath and embrace the relief!

  3. Digestive Delight: Say goodbye to tummy troubles! Karela comes to the rescue with its digestive benefits, keeping your system in check and providing relief from digestive woes.

  4. Skin Savior: Looking for that radiant glow? Karela has got your back! Its flesh and seeds have been used for ages to combat various skin problems. Get ready to shine like never before!



How to Consume Bitter Melon| Karela for Anti-Diabetes Benefits:


Karela offers a world of culinary possibilities.

But here's the twist: the bitterness that some may find challenging is actually highly valued for its anti-diabetic properties.

Embrace the bitter side and reap the rewards!


You can also explore dried, canned, and pickled versions of bitter gourd. And don't forget the flowers, leaves, seeds, and juice—they all hold incredible health benefits!



Bitter Melon| Karela Juice Preparation: Sip Your Way to Health!


Here are two simple methods to prepare bitter gourd juice:


Method 1:

  1. Clean, chop, and blend the bitter gourd.

  2. Strain the juice to extract the concentrate.

  3. Refrigerate to increase its shelf life. Just remember not to leave it unconsumed for too long.

Method 2:

  1. Extract the juice from one bitter melon (4-5 inches long) and one cucumber (4-5 inches long).

  2. Mix the two juices with half a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of black salt for added flavour.

Consumption Tips:

If you're battling obesity, treat yourself to 30 ml of bitter gourd juice twice a week. For others, once a week will do the trick. For optimal results, enjoy 30 ml of pure undiluted juice 30 minutes after savouring your RFD super green smoothie.



Caution: Embrace the Power, but with Moderation!


While bitter gourd offers an array of health benefits, we advise against overconsumption. Remember, it's a potent laxative, and excessive intake may lead to mild and temporary discomfort like abdominal pain or diarrhoea.


If you're on hypoglycemic drugs and plan to make bitter gourd a regular part of your diet, be sure to monitor your BSL levels closely.

Don't hesitate to inform your doctor if any adjustments to your medication dosage are needed.


So, let's raise our glasses to the incredible bitter gourd, your new partner in the fight against diabetes!



Be Super Happy, Be Super Healthy

Ramesh

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