Karela is one of the healthiest vegetables in the food kingdom. It is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It can be eaten as a vegetable, a pickle or as a juice. There are many benefits of regular consumption of bitter gourd.
What is karela juice?
Karela juice is made from a called bitter melon, or Momordica charantia. It takes its name from translations of “bitter melon”in Indian languages.
The is a common ingredient in cuisines from subtropical regions like the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of China. Its juice is also a popular health tonic in these and other parts of the world.
Nutritional Value of Karela
Bitter gourd or Karela is low in calories. 100 grams of bitter gourd gives about 19 calories of energy. Around 3.5 grams of carbohydrates and 2.4 grams of fibre are present in 100 grams of karela while it contains only 150 mg of fats and 930 mg of proteins. It also has a high water content of 87 grams.
Karela is in vitamin A and vitamin C. Minerals like potassium, folate, zinc and iron are also present in karela.
Antioxidants like catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid are obtained from karela, which helps to keep us free from many diseases.
May help lower blood sugar levels:
Karela contains compounds that have been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, it a popular natural remedy for managing diabetes.
May improve digestion:
Karela is in dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. It also contains compounds that may help stimulate the of digestive enzymes.
May aid in weight loss:
The fiber content in karela can help promote feelings of fullness, which may help reduce appetite and support weight loss efforts.
May boost immunity:
Karela is in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It also contains other compounds that have been shown to have immune-boosting properties.
May have anti-inflammatory properties:
Karela contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent diseases.
May promote healthy skin:
Karela contains vitamin C, which is essential for the of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin firm and elastic. It also contains compounds that may help reduce skin inflammation and improve skin health.