Bitter Melon (Gourd) Juice health benefits includes boosting immune system, supporting eye health, cleansing the liver, maintaining cholesterol levels, promoting weight loss, maintaining blood sugar levels, detoxifying the body, enhancing the skin, treating respiratory disorder, preventing cancer, and strengthening hair follicles.
Bitter melon might not a part of your diet due to its bitter taste. However, you should not overlook the health benefits associated with it. Bitter gourd is not only a part of various cuisines but it is widely used for medicinal purposes as well. Consuming bitter gourd juice is ideal to cleanse liver in a short time span. No question, bitter melon is popular to manage sugar levels in your blood stream. It is also beneficial for maintaining cholesterol levels.
What is Bitter Gourd Juice?
Bitter gourd juice is prepared with firm and the spiky skin of the fruit. It comes from the family of Momordica charantia plan and is native to several parts of Asia and Africa. Nutritionists suggest the fruit belongs to the Cucurbitaceae plant – family of cucumbers, cantaloupe, cucumber, and squash. Consuming bitter gourd juice was a crucial part of Ayurvedic medicine as well.
How to Prepare Bitter Melon Juice
Ingredients
- Bitter gourd (2)
- Honey or lemon juice for flavor
- Pear or apple juice for flavor
- Water (if needed)
- Ice cubes
Methods
- Cut bitter gourds from mild and remove white flesh and seeds from the skin
- Cut chunks of the skin and soak them into the water for 30 minutes
- Pour the pieces in the juice and honey or lemon juice, pear or apple juice to reduce bitterness
- Mix all ingredients together
- Add water if it is too thick
- Add ice cubes and your nutrient-dense bitter gourd juice is ready.
Nutritional Value of Bitter Melon
- Calcium 17.7mg
- Dietary Fiber 2.6g
- Folate 67.0 mcg
- Iron 0.4mg
- Magnesium 15.8mg
- Phosphorus 28.8mg
- Protein 0.9g
- Potassium 275mg
- Vitamin A 438 IU
- Vitamin C 78.1mg
- B vitamins 18%
11 Impressive Benefits of Bitter Melon (Gourd) Juice
1. Boosts Immune System
Consuming fresh bitter gourd juice boosts immunity and helps you fight various viruses and bacteria. It is a storehouse of antioxidants which protect your body against the damages caused by free radicals. Bitter melon possesses anti-carcinogen and anti-tumor components as well. These properties play a significant role when it comes to dismantling cancerous cells.
2. For Eye Health
Several studies have proved that free radicals and oxidative stress contribute to chronic diseases including cataracts. One glass of bitter gourd juice can provide enough antioxidants along with vitamin A and beta-carotene. These nutrients do not only neutralize the effects of damaging factors but enhance the condition of your eyes as well.
3. Cleanse Liver
Toxins, chemicals, and waste materials contribute to damage your liver. That is why nutritionists encourage liver cleansing via natural sources like bitter melon juice. It provides a slew of minerals to your body which prevents liver failure. Plus, the nutrients strengthen your liver by activating antioxidant enzymes in your body. This juice also provides relief against alcoholic intoxication. Regular consumption of the juice influences your bladder increasing its functioning.
4. Maintains Cholesterol Levels
Enriched in potassium, bitter gourd juice soaks excess sodium in your body which ultimately impact on high cholesterol levels. It is worth noting that cholesterol irregularities lead to the onset of cardiovascular problems such as cardiac arrest. The mineral is necessary to consume as it widens constricted blood vessels. Therefore, drink bitter gourd juice and keep heart problems at bay.
5. Ideal for Weight Loss
Bitter gourd juice contains dietary fiber which keeps you full for several hours. This reduction of appetite allows you to lose weight in a few weeks. The minerals also function to impede the growth of fat cells in your body which ultimately bring you into the desired shape. You can consume one glass of a fresh bitter gourd juice on a daily basis as it contains no calories and fat.
6. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
Sufferers of diabetes will be delighted to learn that bitter gourd juice is packed with an insulin-like compound that is known as polypeptide-p or p-insulin. This compound is potent enough to control diabetes. A single serving of the juice reduces glucose levels significantly in the patients of type II diabetes.
This plant-based insulin is also safe for sufferers of type I diabetes. Regular consumption of the bitter melon juice lowers the doses of prescribed medicine. However, it is safe to consult your doctor before incorporating the juice into your daily diet.
7. Works as a Detoxifier
Nutritionists suggest detox is necessary to maintain a healthy body. If not daily, you should consume bitter melon juice at least twice a week to flush out all the waste material and microbes. This juice is mildly diuretic so it increases urination. This way, your body can get rid of the toxins in no time. Plus, it is natural and you should not worry about adverse effects.
8. For Clear and Radiant Skin
It is highly likely that when your body is cleaned from the inside, it shows on your face. Consuming bitter gourd juice means obtaining nutrients. These nutrients regulate irregularities in your body and wards off dangerous factors which ultimately result in clear skin. This juice seems like a great way to keep your skin moisturized saving you from the hassles of beauty products.
9. Treats Respiratory Disorder
Freshly prepared bitter melon juice can treat a cough, cold, and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Most of the respiratory problems occur when infectious bacteria affect the respiratory tract and cause inflammation. You can sip on bitter gourd juice to control inflammation without hurting your health. Despite that, a respiratory disorder requires a thorough checkup to get the right treatment.
10. Prevents Cancer
It is true that antioxidants destroy cancerous cells in your body. You can obtain the whopping amount of antioxidants from bitter gourd juice. A study has shown its positive affects certain types of the cancers such as prostatic, bladder, breast, choriocarcinoma, larynx, and lymphoid leukemia, and lymphoma. However, further studies are underway to find out more about the effects of properties of bitter melon juice on cancer.
11. Strengthens Hair Follicles
Consuming iron, phosphorus, folate, and potassium on a daily basis cannot only enhance the condition of your skin or body but it makes your hair strong as well. These minerals strengthen hair follicles and prevent breakage. Regular intake of the minerals via juice brings back lost shine in a short time span.
Bottom Line
Bitter melon juice is a natural fluid that changes the condition of your overall health without affecting it adversely. Therefore, incorporate it into your daily regimen and make the most of it.