Ranveer Brar’s Bitter Gourd Peel Kadha Boosts Immunity & Glow

When Ranveer Brar, a celebrity chef known for turning everyday ingredients into kitchen magic, posted a video on Instagram, he didn’t just share another curry – he unveiled a steaming cup of bitter gourd peel kadha that claims to crank up your immunity and leave your face with a natural glow.

The recipe landed on the digital pages of Navbharat Times on March 12, 2024, just as India was bracing for a sudden dip in temperature. Brar says the concoction is perfect for the “weather‑change window” – that brief period when the air feels thin and colds start popping up.

Here’s why you might want to give the bitter skin a second look, how to brew the kadha, and what science says about the humble gourd’s punch.

What’s the Kadha and Why It Matters

Kadha, in Indian kitchen parlance, is a boiled decoction of herbs and spices. Think of it as a broth that’s been stripped down to its medicinal essence. Brar’s version leans on the rough outer skin of the bitter gourd (Karela) – a part most of us toss out because of its sharp bite.

“We throw away the peel, but the peel holds a treasure trove of phytochemicals,” Brar remarks in the clip. The kadha is meant to be sipped warm during the chill, acting like a gentle internal heater that also nudges the immune system into gear.

The Full Recipe and Step‑by‑Step Guide

Below is the exact ingredient list Brar shared in his YouTube short (ID: XhMZT43gRNY) and reiterated on his website.

• ½ cup bitter gourd peel (rough, cleaned)
• 2–3 cups water
• ¼ cup jaggery (golden gur)
• 1 inch fresh ginger, broken in half
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp carom (ajwain) seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp ghee (desi clarified butter)
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Steps:

1. Bring the water to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
2. Add the jaggery and stir until it melts.
3. Drop in the bitter gourd peel, ginger, fennel, and ajwain.
4. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.
5. Let everything simmer for about 10‑12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Stir in the ghee for a silk‑smooth finish.
7. Remove from heat, strain into a cup, and finish with lemon juice.

Serve hot or let it cool and store in the fridge for up to three days – a handy sip when the cold hits unexpectedly.

Science Behind Bitter Gourd’s Health Claims

A study published in the open‑access journal of MDPI highlighted that bitter gourd extracts exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. In simple terms, the plant can help neutralise free radicals and fend off common pathogens.

Researchers isolated compounds called charantin and momordicosides, which have shown blood‑sugar‑moderating effects and a modest boost to white‑blood‑cell activity. Those findings dovetail nicely with Brar’s claim that the kadha works as a “natural blood purifier.”

Furthermore, the bitter compounds stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, meaning you might feel lighter after a cup. That’s why many traditional practitioners recommend it during seasonal transitions.

Reactions from Fans and Nutrition Experts

Instagram comments exploded with “I’ll never toss the peel again!” and “I felt the difference after two days.” Nutritionist Ayesha Mehta (not a primary entity for markup) weighed in, noting, “The ginger and fennel add anti‑inflammatory benefits, while the ghee supplies fat‑soluble vitamins that aid absorption of the bitter compounds.”

However, a few skeptics reminded readers that bitter gourd can be harsh on an empty stomach. “Start with a half‑cup and see how your gut reacts,” Mehta advised.

Potential Benefits and Precautions

Based on the recipe and the cited research, the kadha may offer:

• Enhanced immune response during cold snaps.
• Improved digestion thanks to ginger and ajwain.
• Gentle detoxification of blood‑borne toxins.
• Visible skin glow due to antioxidant activity.

Precautions: The bitterness can aggravate ulcers; people on blood‑sugar medication should monitor levels, as bitter gourd can lower glucose. Pregnant women are advised to consult a doctor before regular consumption.

What’s Next for This Trend?

Brar hinted at a new series of “kitchen pharmacy” videos slated for the upcoming monsoon season, promising to explore turmeric‑infused broths and neem leaf tonics. If the buzz around his bitter gourd peel kadha is any indicator, viewers are ready for a wave of culinary‑cure content.

Meanwhile, grocery aisles across India are seeing a modest uptick in sales of whole bitter gourds, with some vendors even pre‑packaging the peel for eco‑conscious cooks.