Karela – the bitter pill to beat diabetes!
Karela for diabetesYou must have heard of the immense good karela or bitter gourd does. The plant is often looked down upon due to its bitter taste is a boon for diabetics. Karela has two very essential compounds called charatin and momordicin, that are the key compounds in lowering one’s blood sugar levels. It is also packed with anti-oxidants that helps the body fight off the associated complications commonly seen in diabetics by scavenging free radicals. More importantly, the seeds of the plant are packed with a plant insulin called polypeptide-P, that mimics the insulin produced by the human pancreas, and reduces one’s sugar levels. (Read: Home remedies for diabetes)
Tip: If you suffer from low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia, do not have karela juice or karela concentrate. It can cause a sudden drop in your blood sugar levels leading to a number of serious complications.
Get the best out of karela
The best way to have it is to consume as a juice, with its seeds on an empty stomach. Cut the karela with the skin and the seeds, soak in water with salt and haldi or turmeric for 15 minutes. This will help reduce the bitter taste. Now take out the pieces from the water and grind it with the water and a few drops of lemon. Sieve out the fibrous part and drink on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning. For a change of taste and an added boost to your immune system try adding half a piece of amla or Indian gooseberry to the juice for the sour taste.
Karela for diabetesYou must have heard of the immense good karela or bitter gourd does. The plant is often looked down upon due to its bitter taste is a boon for diabetics. Karela has two very essential compounds called charatin and momordicin, that are the key compounds in lowering one’s blood sugar levels. It is also packed with anti-oxidants that helps the body fight off the associated complications commonly seen in diabetics by scavenging free radicals. More importantly, the seeds of the plant are packed with a plant insulin called polypeptide-P, that mimics the insulin produced by the human pancreas, and reduces one’s sugar levels. (Read: Home remedies for diabetes)
Tip: If you suffer from low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia, do not have karela juice or karela concentrate. It can cause a sudden drop in your blood sugar levels leading to a number of serious complications.
Get the best out of karela
The best way to have it is to consume as a juice, with its seeds on an empty stomach. Cut the karela with the skin and the seeds, soak in water with salt and haldi or turmeric for 15 minutes. This will help reduce the bitter taste. Now take out the pieces from the water and grind it with the water and a few drops of lemon. Sieve out the fibrous part and drink on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning. For a change of taste and an added boost to your immune system try adding half a piece of amla or Indian gooseberry to the juice for the sour taste.