Health benefits of lauki juice, plus why you shouldn't eat bitter bottle gourd

Health benefits of bottle gourd: Lauki is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and it is low in calories, which explains its reputation as a weight-loss ally (Image: Canva)

• Bitter bottle gourd juice can be highly toxic and fatal
• Lauki offers health benefits but must be consumed with caution
• Avoid very bitter lauki juice; get help if symptoms arise.

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Bottle gourd or lauki is known for its health-giving properties. The green gourd has long been hailed by traditional healers for helping with diabetes, hypertension, liver woes, and even aiding weight loss. However, over the past few years, alarming reports of toxicity linked to extremely bitter bottle gourd juice have surfaced.

The Department of Health Research under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up an expert committee back in 2010 to investigate, uncovering both risks and recommendations for safe consumption.

The committee’s findings revealed that three elderly men with long-standing diabetes died after consuming very bitter bottle gourd juice, while dozens more were hospitalised with symptoms ranging from nausea and diarrhoea to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Also read | Bottle gourd: From weight loss to hydration, here are all the health benefits of this green veggie

Fortunately, medical intervention saved lives in all non-fatal cases. The culprit seems to be a group of compounds called cucurbitacins, responsible for the gourd’s bitter taste and potentially dangerous when ingested in excess. Scientists are now exploring chemical studies on bitter versus normal bottle gourd, animal toxicity tests, and possible interactions with medications to prevent future health scares.

Nevertheless, you cannot ignore the many health benefits of bottle gourd. From aiding digestion to supporting heart and liver health, lauki remains a valuable addition to the diet when chosen wisely and consumed carefully.

Health benefits of bottle gourd

Here are some health perks and precautions of lauki.

It is rich in nutrients

Lauki is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making it excellent for overall health and aiding digestion. It’s low in calories, which explains its reputation as a weight-loss ally.

It helps keep heart and liver healthy

Regular consumption in moderation may help manage blood pressureand support liver function, thanks to its hydrating and detoxifying properties.

Also read | Weight loss diet: Burn belly fat with these 5 healthiest vegetables

Bottle gourd is diabetes-friendly

Traditionally, lauki juice is recommended to help regulate blood sugar levels, particularly in those with long-term diabetes, when consumed safely.

It boosts hydration

With over 90 per cent water content, it keeps the body hydrated, especially during sweltering Indian summers.

Why you should be careful

Experts warn that you should never drink extremely bitter bottle gourd juice. Any unusual taste is a red flag. Immediate medical attention is crucial if nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain follows.

No antidote, only supportive care

In cases of toxicity, doctors provide IV fluids, monitor blood pressure, manage gastrointestinal bleeding, and ensure electrolytes are balanced, treatment is symptomatic, not curative. Remember that bitter is better left uneaten.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.