Bottle gourd, beetroot and bitter gourd juices advised to help keep cholesterol in check

Concern is being raised that illnesses that once appeared after the age of 60 are now being seen in young people. It is said that changing lifestyles, heavier work pressure, mental stress, nutrient deficiencies, heavy consumption of junk food and lack of sleep show their effect on the body early. The changes taking place in the body should therefore never be ignored.

Cholesterol levels can begin to rise at any age, from small children to adults, and rising cholesterol harms the heart. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, coronary artery disease and triple vessel disease have been linked to rising cholesterol.

It is claimed that unwanted fat deposited in the blood vessels damages heart health and can cause a heart attack at any time. Bad cholesterol accumulated in the arteries obstructs blood flow, leading to problems such as breathlessness, constant sweating and shortness of breath. It is therefore advised that, along with tablets and medicines, including these juices in the diet will help keep the heart healthy and bring cholesterol down.

The first is bottle gourd (lauki) juice. Bottle gourd is said to be very beneficial for the body. In almost every home it is cooked as a vegetable once a week, in some places as sambar and in others as a sweet halwa. To keep cholesterol in check, a glass of bottle gourd juice is advised on an empty stomach on waking up. It is claimed that drinking it daily for a month will make a good difference.

The second is beetroot juice. Including beetroot in the daily diet is recommended. Beetroot juice is said to help reduce bad cholesterol that has built up in the blood. It contains vitamin B, vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, and the antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the body.

The third is bitter gourd (karela) juice. Many people dislike bitter gourd because of its bitterness and make a face at the mere mention of its name. Even so, it is claimed that drinking bitter gourd juice once or twice a week clears impurities accumulated in the blood and cleanses the body. Bitter gourd is said to contain vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K and fibre.

It has also been stated that this information is for general awareness only and makes no claim of treating any illness. Readers are advised to consult their doctor before trying any remedy.