Bitter Gourd (Karela) Powder

Product Information

Bitter gourd is a powerhouse of various vital nutrients including iron, magnesium, potassium. A rich source of dietary fibre, bitter gourd contains twice the amounts of calcium available in spinach, broccoli. It in fact has twice the amounts of potassium than in a banana and is an amazing source of Vitamin C, Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B9. Medicinal Properties Of Karela: Shekelle, P. G., Hardy, M., Morton, S. C., Coulter, I., Venuturupalli, S., Favreau, J., and Hilton, L. K. Are Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes effective? J Fam.Pract. 2005;54(10):876-886. View abstract. It is also referred as a stomachic which means that it improves appetite, serves as a laxative, antibilious, emetic in cases of stomach wash, antiparasitic and is also recommended for treating cough, respiratory ailments and for managing rheumatism.

Bibhitaki is another fruit in the three fruits of triphala. It is particularly supportive of kapha dosha and known as an herb for lungs and respiratory health. Like the other two fruits, it is gently cleansing to the lower gastrointestinal tract and tonifying to the stomach. Bibhitaki is also good for supporting the eyes and throat. Brahmi/Gotu Kola Anila L, Vijayalakshmi NR. Beneficial effects of flavonoids from Sesamum indicum, Emblica officinalis and Momordica charantia. Phytother Res 2000;14:592-5. View abstract. Now that your karela is ready, it is time to get started on the stir fry. I will be sharing the Punjabi North Indian way to make Karela. Konishi T, Satsu H, Hatsugai Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of a bitter melon extract on the P-glycoprotein activity in intestinal Caco-2 cells. Br J Pharmacol. 2004;143(3):379-87. View abstract.

However, consuming high amounts of bitter melon or taking bitter melon supplements may be associated with several adverse effects. 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. Even though Karela, is well known for its bitterness, there is a way to reduce it to an extent. And here is how you do it:

One human study found that administering water-soluble extract of bitter melon led to significant decreases in levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, compared to a placebo ( 13). Karela contains a few chemicals, including glycoside, charantin, vicine, karavilosides, and polypeptide-p (plant insulin). These chemicals might improve blood sugar levels by raising the glucose uptake and synthesis of glycogen in the liver, fat, and muscles cells. 6 Kindly consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions such as diabetes. Please do not sefl-medicate. In India, Karela is available in both large and small sizes, green in colour, exhibiting warty, triangular ridges, with tapering ends on the exterior and is oblong in shape. Inside, the seed cavity can be found filled with flat seeds, pith and little amount of flesh. The Karela is harvested while it is still green in colour. As it ripens, it turns yellow in colour, with tender skin and loses its bitterness. Karela powder may also have benefits for skin health. The high vitamin C content found in Karela powder is beneficial for collagen production and skin health, it can help to keep skin looking youthful and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidant properties of Karela powder may also help to protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution. Karela was one of the veggie we all hated as kids growing up. Its bitter taste was one of the major reason, we ran away from this vegetable, but now we enjoy after growing up. Stuffed karela is another great way to enjoy it.Lee-Huang S, Huang PL, Chen HC, et al. Anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities of recombinant MAP30 from bitter melon. Gene 1995;161:151-6. View abstract. Three fruits,” triphala, is one of the most esteemed Ayurvedic compounds. Triphala offers gentle cleansing, purification, and rejuvenation to the digestive tract, and especially the lower intestines. Its combination of the three fruits make this formula suitable and beneficial for all three doshas. Turmeric This Karela Fry or Bitter Gourd Fry is a simple Indian style stir fry as I’ve used a mix of spice powders and gram flour (besan) that are common ingredients in the Indian cuisine. Karela or bitter gourd/melon is also referred to as kakarakaya in Telugu language and pavakkai in Tamil language. Hence, this dish can also be called as Kakarakaya Fry or Pavakkai Fry.