Bitter Melon, Celery and Apple Juice

Why people make this juice

Bitter melon is one of those foods that splits opinion sharply — but its bitterness is, in a sense, the point. Nourilo explains that among all the common vegetables, bitter melon stands out for the breadth of its traditionally recognised benefits: it is associated with stimulating appetite and digestion, clearing heat, supporting detoxification, and — most significantly for modern health concerns — containing compounds called bitter melon saponins that have attracted research interest for their potential role in supporting healthy blood sugar, cholesterol and hormonal balance. Paired with celery, which is associated with cardiovascular protection and reducing blood pressure, and with apple, which adds gentle sweetness and is linked to supporting digestion and healthy cholesterol, this juice becomes a genuinely pleasant-tasting daily wellness drink. Nourilo’s preference is US-grown Western celery for juicing — it has a slightly milder, more aromatic quality than the Chinese variety.

Method

1. Wash all ingredients thoroughly.
2. Cut into pieces suitable for your juicer or blender.
3. Process in a juicer or blender to produce one large glass of juice.
4. If using a blender, the juice can be strained through a fine sieve if preferred.
5. Drink within 5 minutes of juicing to preserve the maximum nutritional content.

Nourilo’s Tips

Fresh juice oxidises quickly — the 5-minute window really does matter. For those who find the juice irritating to the stomach even with ginger added, straining the pulp through a fine sieve before drinking can help. If you are on prescribed medication for blood pressure or diabetes, do not stop or reduce your medication on the basis of food therapy alone — discuss any changes with your doctor.