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Time of India
03-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can drinking Jamun-Karela Juice reverse diabetes? How to make it at home
Jamun (Indian blackberry) and karela (bitter gourd) are two traditional ingredients widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for managing blood sugar levels. When combined as a juice, they form a powerful drink believed to help control diabetes. Both are rich in bioactive compounds that target blood glucose regulation, but can they actually reverse diabetes? How Jamun Helps in Diabetes Control Jamun contains jamboline and jambosine, alkaloids that help regulate the conversion of starch into sugar and improve insulin activity. A 2010 study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine highlighted the anti-diabetic potential of Jamun seeds in lowering blood glucose and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Its low glycemic index and natural astringent quality further support its traditional use in managing type 2 diabetes. Bitter Gourd's Blood Sugar Benefits Karela is a proven natural hypoglycemic agent. It contains compounds like charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, which mimic insulin and help lower blood sugar levels. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed karela's effectiveness in reducing fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. The juice of karela is often consumed to support insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose absorption in the intestines. Can This Juice Reverse Diabetes? While Jamun-Karela juice can significantly help manage blood sugar levels, there is no conclusive evidence that it can reverse diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Reversal requires a comprehensive lifestyle change—diet, exercise, weight management, and sometimes medication. This juice can be a valuable addition to such a regimen but not a standalone cure. Studies support improvement in glycemic control, not complete reversal. Clinical Support and Cautions Clinical trials are ongoing, but available evidence supports the juice as a complementary therapy. A small 2018 study in Ayurveda Journal of Health showed reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels after 3 months of daily Jamun-Karela juice intake. However, patients must be cautious. Overconsumption can lead to hypoglycemia, especially when combined with diabetic medications. Jamun's slightly sour taste makes it a cooling choice during the rains. It helps digestion, cuts down acidity, and soothes mild bloating. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, its antioxidants and bioactive compounds calm the gut and support overall metabolic balance. How to make this juice To make Karela Jamun juice at home, wash and chop 2 medium-sized bitter gourds (karela), removing the seeds, and soak the pieces in salted water for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Wash and deseed about 10–12 fresh jamuns or use 2 tablespoons of jamun pulp or powder. Blend the karela and jamun with 1 to 1½ cups of water until smooth, then strain the juice using a fine sieve. Optionally, add a pinch of black salt and a few drops of lemon juice for taste. Drink fresh on an empty stomach in the morning, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why should you avoid paring these foods with milk
Milk is a powerhouse of nutrients, but how it's paired with other foods can affect your digestion, metabolism, and overall health. Certain food combinations with milk can create heaviness, fermentation in the gut, and even lead to toxin accumulation, especially according to Ayurveda. Modern studies also show that some pairings may impact nutrient absorption or gut health. Here's a look at foods you should avoid mixing with milk — and why. Milk and Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain high levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which can curdle milk upon contact. This curdling not only makes digestion harder but may also reduce protein availability. A study in the Journal of Food Science (2016) noted that acidic conditions significantly affect milk protein stability, potentially leading to indigestion and discomfort. Milk and Fish Ayurveda strongly advises against combining milk and fish due to their opposing energies — milk is cooling, while fish is heating. This clash can disturb digestion and lead to skin conditions like rashes or pigmentation. Though modern research is limited, a study published in Ayurveda Journal of Health (2020) supports the traditional belief that this combination may aggravate toxin (ama) production in the body. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brass Krishna Idols For Prosperity & Protection In Life Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Milk and Bananas Bananas and milk are a popular smoothie combo, but this pairing is considered heavy and mucus-forming. Ayurveda suggests it can disturb digestion and cause sluggishness. Research in the International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research (2018) indicates that such combinations can increase Kapha dosha, leading to sluggish metabolism and sinus-related issues in sensitive individuals. Milk and Sour Foods (Pickles, Curd) Sour or fermented foods like yogurt, curd, pickles, or tamarind can curdle milk in the stomach, disrupting digestion. The acidity alters milk's natural sweetness and protein structure. A study in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology (2017) highlighted that improper food combinations can lead to dyspepsia and gut inflammation when practiced over time. Milk and Meat/Eggs Both milk and animal proteins like meat and eggs are heavy, protein-rich foods. Consuming them together can burden the digestive system, causing incomplete digestion. A 2015 study in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition notes that combining complex proteins can delay gastric emptying and hinder nutrient absorption, particularly iron and calcium. Milk and Salty or Spicy Foods Combining milk with salty snacks (like namkeen, chips) or spicy items can neutralize milk's cooling effect and disturb digestion. Ayurveda warns this combination can promote ama (toxins) and skin issues. While direct clinical studies are scarce, anecdotal evidence and traditional texts caution against this pairing for skin and gut health. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
