Diet Tip #47- Begin your day with lauki juice

Having this juice first thing in the morning is a great way to detox and feel refreshed at the start of the day.

Lauki or bottle gourd juice has been quite in fame, thanks Baba Ramdev. One reason people rush to the Ayurvedic stalls to get it is because this juice is an excellent weight loss tool. But what many of us are not aware of is that it is a healthy daily tonic and can work wonders for our health. Here are some of its benefits:

• Having this juice first thing in the morning is a great way to detox and feel refreshed at the start of the day.
• Low in calories and fat, and rich in antioxidants, this juice is great for weight loss.
• The fibre in the juice supports healthy digestive system and combats constipation.
• The juice is extremely popular for reducing high blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy [1].
• It helps combat excessive thirst in diabetic patients [2].
• It also helps deal with the symptoms of urinary tract infection like burning sensation while passing urine and pain in the urinary tract [3].
• It can be an excellent remedy for diarrhoea as it will help maintain the electrolyte balance in the body [4].
• In Ayurveda, it is also known to prevent premature greying.
• A glass of lauki juice every day will improve your complexion and help you get a glowing skin.

Your formula:

• For preparing lauki juice, all you need to do is peel the skin of a fresh lauki, cut it into pieces, put it in a blender to blend it.
• Now add some black pepper and salt to taste. Adding a handful of fresh mint leaves can enhance its taste.
• You can also add a whole lemon with rind while juicing. This will make it rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

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You may also like to read:

• 5 healthy juice recipes to lose weight
• Why you should drink lauki juice instead of protein shake post workout

Image source: Getty Images

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References:

[1] Sharma, S. K., Puri, R., Jain, A., Sharma, M. P., Sharma, A., Bohra, S., Katoch, V. M. (2012). Assessment of effects on health due to consumption of bitter bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) juice. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 135(1), 49 55. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.93424

[2] Khatib, K. I., & Borawake, K. S. (2014). Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria Siceraria) Toxicity: A Bitter Diagnostic Dilemma. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR, 8(12), MD05 MD07. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/10826.5324

[3] Prajapati, R. P., Kalariya, M., Parmar, S. K., & Sheth, N. R. (2010). Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Lagenaria sicereria. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 1(4), 266 272. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.74431

[4] Ramalingum, N., & Mahomoodally, M. F. (2014). The Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Foods. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2014, 354264. doi:10.1155/2014/354264