Bitter Gourd (Karela) Powder

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In Ayurvedic medicine, Karela powder is used to balance the body's three doshas or energies. These three dosas are Vata, pitta, and Kapha, and are believed to have a cooling effect on the body. It is commonly used to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes, obesity, and skin conditions. Karela powder is also believed to have detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the liver and improve digestion. It is often used in combination with other herbs and spices to enhance its effectiveness. Rebultan, S. P. Bitter melon therapy: an experimental treatment of HIV infection. AIDS Asia 1995;2(4):6-7. View abstract. Brahmi/Gotu Kola is classified as a nervine and an adaptogen, which means it holds a unique affinity for the nervous system and the brain. It is said to improve concentration, intelligence, and memory, and, as an adaptogen, it is relaxing to the central nervous system, helping the body cope with daily stressors. Haritaki The phenolic compounds in karela are a potentially excellent natural source of food antioxidants. Phenolic compounds might have the ability to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the incidence of heart-related diseases and cancer. 5 However, more research is required. Potential uses of Karela for cancer: Leatherdale B, Panesar RK, Singh G, et al. Improvement in glucose tolerance due to Momordica charantia. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1823-4. View abstract.

Leung SO, Yeung HW, Leung KN. The immunosuppressive activities of two abortifacient proteins isolated from the seeds of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Immunopharmacol 1987;13:159-71. View abstract. Eating Karela as a subzi or stew will prove quite beneficiary for the liver. The antioxidants in the vegetable flush out the toxins and stimulate the secretion of bile acids, essential for various bodily functions like digestion to metabolizing fat. Blood Purifier: Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bitter melon is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Doctors recommend consuming bitter gourd for those suffering from sudden breakout of the skin and psoriasis, ringworm, itching and various other fungal infections. Being a blood purifier, it fights against skin infections from within and its anti-inflammatory properties aid in treating acne. Relieves Itching: Baldwa VS, Bhandara CM, Pangaria A, and et al. Clinical trials in patients with diabetes mellitus of an insulin-like compound obtained from plant source. Upsala J Med Sci 1977;82:39-41.

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Bourinbaiar AS, Lee-Huang S. The activity of plant-derived antiretroviral proteins MAP30 and GAP31 against herpes simplex virus in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996;219:923-9. View abstract. Though there are studies that show the Potential uses of karela in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of karela on human health. Stepka W, Wilson KE, and Madge GE. Antifertility investigation on Momordica. Lloydia 1974;37(4):645. Bitter melon is a good source of catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid, too — powerful antioxidant compounds that can help protect your cells against damage ( 5).

Raman A, et al. Anti-diabetic properties and phytochemistry of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae). Phytomedicine 1996;294. Amalaki is one of the three fruits in the classic formula, triphala, which means “three fruits.” High in vitamin C, it is an especially good source of natural antioxidants. It is considered a rejuvenative for pitta, or for elevated heat in the body. It supports the digestive tract and the body's natural cleansing mechanism. Ashwagandha Cakici I, Hurmoglu C, Tunctan B, et al. Hypoglycaemic effect of Momordica charantia extracts in normoglycaemic or cyproheptadine-induced hyperglycaemic mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1994;44:117-21. View abstract. Allergy: Avoid karela if you have a known allergy to karela or any member of the family Cucurbitaceae, including honeydew, casaba, Persian melon, cantaloupe, and muskmelon. Signs of allergy are itching, shortness of breath, or rash. 4It is a tridoshic which means it can fight all imbalances related to vata, kapha and pitha doshas. According to Ayurveda, it is in fact the bitter taste of Karela and its leaves that offers a wide range of health benefits and the texts prescribe consuming Karela as a juice or as a recipe at least twice a week to fight against various ailments. North Indians consume Karela as a subzi or a curry, stuffed with masalas whereas in Maharashtra and Goa, it is served along with grated coconut. Also when using mustard oil, make sure you heat it well and then reduce to medium flame before adding other ingredients. This will help in removing the bitter taste and distinctive smell of the mustard. It is usually recommended to drink it on empty stomach in the morning as it can be easily absorbed by the body. Being an emetic in nature, it can make you feel nauseous. So, to start with try sipping on smaller quantities. (Also Read: Fruit Juice: Is It Good Or Bad For Diabetics?) Benefits of Karela Juice: Brings Down LDL Cholesterol: We will tell you more reasons to love bitter gourd and this time for beauty. The vegetable may be bitter in taste, but do you know that it is a wonder ingredient for your skin and hair. Skin Glow:

According to Ayurveda, Karela paste might help reduce the problem of piles mass due to its strong Ropan (healing) property. Also, talk with a healthcare professional before supplementing with bitter melon if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications, and be sure to use as directed. Summary And if drinking Karela juice looks impossible for you, do not worry. Adding this super vegetable to your diet regularly also helps in deriving similar benefits. Heals Ulcer: Takemoto, D. J., Jilka, C., and Kresie, R. Purification and characterization of a cytostatic factor from the bitter melon Momordica charantia. Prep.Biochem 1982;12(4):355-375. View abstract.

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Yook JS, Kwak JJ, Jeong WM, et al. Possible adaptogenic effects of Momordica charantia on high-intensity training-induced alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2020;67(3):290-6. View abstract.

Karela powder is a rich source of antioxidants. They are helpful to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to the development of chronic and fatal diseases. The antioxidants in Karela powder, such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenols, help to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage. Karela powder also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce inflammation. It is important to note that Karela powder should not b used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment, and it should be consumed only after consulting with healthcare. Schreiber CA, Wan L, Sun Y, et al. The antiviral agents, MAP30 and GAP31, are not toxic to human spermatozoa and may be useful in preventing the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Fertil Steril 1999;72:686-90. View abstract. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. Breastfeeding: It’s safer to avoid its use during breastfeeding as there is insufficient data on its safe use during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before consuming karela.

Once you have cut and opened the karela, for young ripe karela you will see small tender, white seeds. You do’t have to remove these seeds. If the karela is over-ripe, you will see the white flesh and slightly orange-reddish seeds as shown in the picture. In a heavy-bottomed pan, over medium flame, heat 2 tsp oil. Do not add too much oil or the podi will become a paste when you grind it.