Karela for Diabetes – The current rate of Diabetes affecting people is 62 million alone in India which means more than 7.1% of the adult population. The average age of onset is 42.5 years. According to the Indian Heart Association, India is projected to be home to 109 million individuals with diabetes by the year 2035. Relying completely on the medicines has its own harms and side effects. One of the best natural remedies for diabetes is Karela. Here, we will let you know the tons of benefits of Karela for diabetes treatment.
Diabetes basically occurs due to the elevated levels of blood glucose in the body. Lack of awareness and self-care often results in the poor management of the condition. Unpredictable changes in the blood glucose levels can even cause severe health conditions like obesity, kidney failure, and several other heart-related ailments. Apart from diabetes medications, it is important to take foods that are high on simple carbs and saturated fats such as Karela.
Bitter Guard and Diabetes
Bitter Melon, Momordica charantia, Karela, known by many names is a bitter fruit that can be eaten as both food and medicine. It grows in the tropical and subtropical regions in South America, Asia, parts of Africa etc. to name a few. Bitter gourd has been long used as an herbal remedy in the treatment of diabetes especially Type 2 diabetes. Karela contains 3 active substances that have anti-diabetic properties that are listed below.
- Charantin, that has been confirmed to lower blood glucose levels.
- Vicine.
- And an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide –p.
Bitter gourd also contains lectin which is pretty much the reason behind the hypoglycemic effect that develops when you start eating this fruit on a regular base.
Karela Juice for Treating Diabetes
Karela Juice is an excellent beverage for not only diabetic patients but everyone to lead a healthy life. Drinking its juice every morning can help in reducing blood sugar levels. But the problem with Karela is the bitter taste that makes it unpalatable. Amongst all other ways, Karela juice is the most convenient. Here, we have compiled the list of ways to make Karela juice at home.
- Peel the outer skin of the bitter gourd.
- Slice the Karela to the center.
- After this, scoop out the white part and seeds of the karela.
- Cut the remaining Bitter gourd into tiny pieces and soak them in water for about 30 minutes.
- Add these pieces to the juicer along with salt and lemon juice. Blend them together into a fine consistency.
- Pour it into a glass and your Karela Juice is ready.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of Bitter Guard?
Bitter melon, popularly known as Karela is a fruit with many properties of a vegetable. It contains a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some of the other nutritional qualities of Bitter melon are down below in the list.
- Vitamins such as C, A, E, B1, B2, B3, and B9.
- Minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Iron.
- Antioxidants such as Phenols, flavonoids etc.
Risks and complications
Just like any other fruit or vegetable, overuse of Karela or bitter guard can cause harm to your body. Beyond the occasional use, it is always advisable to take caution for its consumption. It can cause several side effects which are mentioned below in the list.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Vaginal bleeding that can even lead to abortion in pregnant women.
- Liver damage.
- Anemia etc. to name a few of them.
Conclusion
Bitter gourd is a healthy addition to your lifestyle in every sense possible. However, you should be extra cautious while using it on a regular basis. You can add it to your diet routine in any form but in the right dosage, which will bring better results in fewer days. Henceforth, go ahead and make way for healthy living with Bitter melon.