Did you know?
Karela is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are good for the skin. It reduces ageing and fights acne and skin blemishes. It is useful in treating various skin infections like ringworm, psoriasis, and itching. Karela juice adds lustre to the hair and combats dandruff, hair loss, and split-ends.
Benefits of Karela
1. Good for Diabetics
Bitter gourd has a compound that functions similar to insulin. In fact, ‘Karela and diabetes’ are often coined together! It reduces the blood glucose levels in both type I and type II diabetes. Consuming a glass of karela juice is so effective that diabetes patients need to reduce the dosage of their medicines. In fact, it can also help manage gestational diabetes. What is gestational diabetes? It is a type of diabetes that is first detected in pregnant women who did not have diabetes before they were pregnant. Bitter gourd can certainly be included in the Diet for Gestational Diabetes.
2. Liver Cleanser
Bitter gourd is liver friendly and detoxifies. It boosts liver enzymes and is a good cure for a hangover as it reduces alcohol deposits on the liver. The bladder and the gut also benefit from consuming karela.
3. Combats Cancer
Karela boosts immunity and prevents allergies and infections. But its most significant benefit is that it fights cancer. It works against cancer cells proliferation and stops tumour formation. The risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer is significantly reduced after regular consumption of bitter gourd.
4. Benefits the Eyes
Karela is rich in vitamin A and prevent cataract and strengthens vision. It even lightens dark circles. Also, read 10 foods that are good for eye health.
Moderate your karela consumption to ward off diarrhoea and stomach ache. Also, pregnant women should avoid consuming karela as it leads to uterine contractions.
some Precautions To Take
- Avoid eating red seeds of Karela (especially by children ) as it can lead to pain in the stomach and lose motions
- They should be consumed in moderation by Diabetics, as excessive consumption can drastically lower blood sugar levels in people who are already on medications for diabetes
- Avoid eating karela (especially the seeds) in pregnancy as it can be harmful