Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Karela tea is made by boiling karela in water and then straining it. It is a popular Ayurvedic product that is believed to have many health benefits. Karela tea is rich in vitamins and minerals and an excellent antioxidant source. It is believed to help improve digestion, boost immunity, lower blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss. 5. Karela Oil Wang, Y. X., Neamati, N., Jacob, J., Palmer, I., Stahl, S. J., Kaufman, J. D., Huang, P. L., Huang, P. L., Winslow, H. E., Pommier, Y., Wingfield, P. T., Lee-Huang, S., Bax, A., and Torchia, D. A. Solution structure of anti-HIV-1 and anti-tumor protein MAP30: structural insights into its multiple functions. Cell 11-12-1999;99(4):433-442. View abstract. Yin RV, Lee NC, Hirpara H, Phung OJ. T. The effect of bitter melon (Mormordica charantia) in patients with diabetes mellitus: s systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Diabetes. 2014;4:e145. View abstract.

In addition, karela contains potassium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is another significant risk factor for heart disease, so consuming karela can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.Upadhyay A, Agrahari P, Singh DK. A review on salient pharmacological features of momordica charantia. Int J Pharmacol. 2015;11(5):405–13. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281431310_A_Review_on_Salient_Pharmacological_Features_of_Momordica_charantia

Another way to consume karela is to stir-fry it with vegetables or meats. You can also stuff karela with spices and herbs, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric , and bake it in the oven. List of Ayurvedic Products of Karela Jiratchariyakul W, Wiwat C, Vongsakul M, et al. HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd. Planta Med 2001;67:350-3. View abstract. Karela has excellent medicinal virtues. Here are some amazing health benefits of Karela including the list of some common diseases for which karela has been proven beneficial.Cortez-Navarrete M, Martínez-Abundis E, Pérez-Rubio KG, González-Ortiz M, Méndez-Del Villar M. Momordica charantia administration improves insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Med Food. 2018;21(7):672-7. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2017.0114. View abstract. So, diabetic patients should include karela liberally in their diet. It will be even better to have it in the form of freshly squeezed juice. You can also add the seeds of karela to food in the powdered form. 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.

In fact, it can be pan-fried, steamed, baked, or even hollowed out and stuffed with your choice of fillings. Akhtar, M. S. Trial of Momordica charantia Linn (Karela) powder in patients with maturity-onset diabetes. J Pak.Med Assoc 1982;32(4):106-107. View abstract.Karela capsules are a popular Ayurvedic product that is made from karela extract. Karela capsules are believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and improve digestion. They are also considered to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help prevent various chronic diseases. 3. Karela Powder Alam MA, Uddin R, Subhan N, Rahman MM, Jain P, Reza HM. Beneficial role of bitter melon supplementation in obesity and related complications in metabolic syndrome. J Lipids. 2015;2015:496169. View abstract. Peter EL, Kasali FM, Deyno S, et al. Momordica charantia L. lowers elevated glycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;231:311-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.10.033. View abstract. Rebultan, S. P. Bitter melon therapy: an experimental treatment of HIV infection. AIDS Asia 1995;2(4):6-7. View abstract. 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:

Boone CH, Stout JR, Gordon JA, et al. Acute effects of a beverage containing bitter melon extract (CARELA) on postprandial glycemia among prediabetic adults. Nutr Diabetes. 2017;7(1):e241. View abstract. Liu, H. L., Wan, X., Huang, X. F., and Kong, L. Y. Biotransformation of sinapic acid catalyzed by Momordica charantia peroxidase. J Agric Food Chem 2-7-2007;55(3):1003-1008. View abstract.

Scientific evidence

Senanayake, G. V., Maruyama, M., Sakono, M., Fukuda, N., Morishita, T., Yukizaki, C., Kawano, M., and Ohta, H. The effects of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extracts on serum and liver lipid parameters in hamsters fed cholesterol-free and cholesterol-enriched diets. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 2004;50(4):253-257. View abstract.