Bitter Gourd Juice (Karela Juice) – A Refreshing & Nutritious Drink
Bitter gourd, also known as Karela in India, is often praised for its numerous health benefits, making it a favorite in many traditional Indian households. Although its bitter taste might be challenging for some, Karela juice is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. This juice is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it is especially beneficial for people looking to manage blood sugar levels, making it diabetic-friendly. It also aids in detoxifying the body, promoting skin health, and boosting immunity. With the added benefits of ginger, lemon, turmeric, and black salt, this juice becomes a holistic drink for a healthier lifestyle.
Ready to dive into the world of healthy drinks? Let’s make Bitter Gourd Juice – Karela Juice at home!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bitter Gourd (Karela/Pavakkai) | 2, deseeded |
| Fresh Ginger | 1 small piece |
| Lemon Juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Regular Salt | 1 pinch |
| Honey (optional) | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 pinch |
| Fresh Mint Leaves (Pudina) | A few leaves |
Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 25 minutes
Servings:
- 8 servings
Cuisine:
- Indian
Course:
- Snack / Beverage
Dietary Information:
- Diabetic-Friendly
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all the ingredients required for making the Bitter Gourd Juice. Make sure you have everything ready before you begin juicing. -
Cut the Karela:
Wash the bitter gourd (Karela) thoroughly and cut it into pieces. Do not remove the skin, as it contains most of the beneficial nutrients. You may remove the seeds, but if they are tender, you can leave them intact to extract more juice. -
Juicing the Bitter Gourd:
Place the chopped bitter gourd and ginger in a juicer. Start by extracting the juice; the first juice will be quite concentrated. To extract more juice, add a little water to the juicer and squeeze out the remaining pulp. This ensures you get the maximum juice from the ingredients. -
Prepare the Juice Mixture:
Pour the extracted juice into a jar. To this, add the following ingredients:- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black salt (Kala Namak)
- 1 pinch of regular salt
- A pinch of black pepper powder
- A few fresh mint leaves
-
Adjust Consistency and Taste:
Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Check the consistency and, if you prefer a lighter juice, you can add more water to adjust it. Also, taste the juice and add honey if you prefer it slightly sweeter. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as per your taste. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well mixed, your Bitter Gourd Juice is ready to serve! Drink it immediately to enjoy its maximum health benefits, particularly for boosting your immune system and detoxifying your body.
Health Benefits of Karela Juice:
- Blood Sugar Control: Karela juice has properties that help regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes.
- Boosts Immunity: The combination of ginger, lemon, and mint helps strengthen your immune system, making it ideal for seasonal colds and flu.
- Detoxifying: Karela juice supports liver function and helps in detoxifying the body by flushing out toxins.
- Skin Health: The antioxidants in Karela help in purifying the blood, which may contribute to clearer, healthier skin.
- Supports Digestion: Bitter gourd helps in improving digestion and promoting a healthy gut, thanks to its rich fiber content.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with your meals: This refreshing juice works as an excellent accompaniment to a light snack or meal.
- Consume fresh: To get the maximum health benefits, it’s best consumed immediately after preparation.
Tip: If the bitterness of Karela is too strong for you, you can reduce the amount of Karela used and experiment with different ratios of ingredients like mint and honey to balance the taste.
