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Giloy, scientifically known as Tinospora Cordifolia, is a herb known for its unique medicinal properties. It makes our immune system strong, manages our respiratory system, treats chronic diseases, supports our digestive health and much more. It provides us with numerous benefits as it is rich in nutritional elements. In this blog, we will tell you about some such benefits of Giloy, along with how to consume Giloy, its medicinal properties, its side effects and precautions to take while consuming it. So, let’s dive into this blog and learn everything about Giloy.
What is Giloy?
Giloy is a climber who grows continuously. It is a vine that belongs to the Menispermaceae family. Giloy originated in India and mainly grows in the tropical and subtropical regions. It has heart-shaped leaves and aerial roots, which means its roots are above the ground. Giloy has many nutritional properties, making it a natural remedy that provides various health benefits.
Nutritional Value of Giloy
To better understand the benefits of giloy, let’s learn about the nutritional value it provides. Giloy contains many nutrients, contributing to its overall health benefits and making it a valuable addition to your diet. They are:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | Explanation |
| Calories | 20 kcal | Giloy is low in calories, which makes it suitable for calorie-conscious individuals. |
| Protein | 3.9 g | Giloy contains protein, which helps in repairing your body tissues and growth. |
| Carbohydrates | 3.6 g | Giloy contains significantly fewer carbohydrates. Thus, it can be easily consumed by individuals on a low-carbohydrate diet. |
| Dietary Fibre | 2.1 g | Giloy contains dietary fibres which support your digestive system. |
| Fat | 0.4 g | Giloy has almost zero fats, which makes it healthy for your heart. |
| Vitamin C | 16.9 mg | Giloy contains vitamin C, which increases your immunity and supports the production of collagen, which helps in improving your skin health. |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | Giloy provides iron, essential for forming red blood cells and transporting oxygen in the body. |
| Calcium | 77 mg | Calcium found in Giloy helps in improving your bone and teeth health. |
| Potassium | 45 mg | Potassium helps regulate your blood pressure and supports the proper functioning of your muscles and nerves. |
Active Compounds present in Giloy
The following compounds are present in Giloy:
| Active Compound | Explanation |
| Berberine | It is an alkaloid (special chemicals found in plants that positively affect our health) found in Giloy, which contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in fighting infection and reduces inflammation (swelling). |
| Tinosporin | Tinosporin is another alkaloid with immunity-boosting and anti-allergic properties, making it effective against various allergies. |
| Giloinin | Giloinin helps maintain blood sugar levels and benefits individuals with diabetes. |
| Phytosterols | Phytosterols help in reducing harmful cholesterol levels and promote heart health. |
| Polysaccharides | Polysaccharides help improve your immune system’s performance, which provides better protection from infections and boosts your immunity. |
Medicinal Properties & Benefits of Giloy
Giloy contains many medicinal properties, making it one of the most demanded herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Here are some of the benefits of Giloy:
1. Immunity-Booster
Giloy is a well-known immunity booster. It encourages the production of white blood cells that help in fighting infections. Thus, giloy is an excellent source of increasing your immunity. It was even widely used during the COVID-19 period for its amazing immunity-boosting properties.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Giloy is rich in antioxidants that help in fighting oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance in the production and collection of oxygen-reactive species in cells and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these reactive products. This helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases (a disease that lasts more than a year and requires continuous medical attention or limits your life activities, or both.)
3. Anti-Inflammatory
Giloy has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it effective in managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout, which is the swelling of one or more joints.
4. Fever Reducer
Giloy is a natural antipyretic. It means it has essential properties that reduce and prevent fever. Whether you have dengue, malaria, hay fever, any viral infections, or even regular fever, do try Giloy. It also supports in increasing your blood platelet count, which is very likely to decrease during a fever, especially during dengue and viral infections.
5. Detoxification
Giloy also helps in detoxifying your liver and improving its functioning. It helps remove any toxic substance inside your body, reduce acidity, improve digestion and support your overall digestive health.
6. Diabetes Management
Giloy also helps in regulating the blood sugar level. Giloy promotes the production of insulin (a hormone which regulates the blood sugar levels). Thus, it is beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
7. Fights Respiratory Issues
Giloy effectively prevents and fights any problem related to your respiratory system. Thus, it effectively manages issues like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.
8. Wound healing
While Giloy does not heal your wounds directly, it does indirect wound healing by strengthening your body and increasing immunity. It provides sufficient power to your body, which allows it to heal quickly.
9. Prevention from Free Radicals
Free Radicals are unstable molecules in the body that harm our body as they damage the cells, proteins, and DNA. Giloy contains antioxidants that help in stabilizing them and prevent them from causing damage.
10. Reduce mental stress and anxiety
Giloy contains adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and reduce its harmful effects. Many individuals use it for effective stress management.
11. Promotes Anti-Ageing
Since the antioxidants present in Giloy helps in reducing oxidative stress, which is an essential factor in the ageing process, it helps slow down certain aspects of ageing.
Also Read DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS: UNRAVELLING THE BENEFITS OF BLACK RICE
How to prepare Giloy Juice?
Making Giloy Juice is very simple. Here’s a complete guide on how to prepare it.
Ingredients you need
- Fresh Giloy stems or Giloy powder
- Water
- A pinch of black pepper (optional)
- Honey (optional)
Procedure
- Wash and clean the Giloy stems thoroughly.
- Cut the stem into small pieces.
- Blend the Giloy pieces with water and create a smooth paste.
- Strain the mixture you have made and extract all the juice.
- You may add a pinch of black pepper and honey for flavour and additional health benefits.
- Your super healthy Giloy Juice is ready to be consumed.
How often should you consume Giloy Juice?
It would be best if you drank Giloy Juice daily in the morning to attain the maximum benefits of giloy. But avoid taking it at night. It is advisable to have Giloy juice on an empty stomach every morning.
Side Effects of Giloy
Giloy offers us plenty of benefits. It’s generally safe, but it is still essential to be aware of the possible side effects it can cause. Some of them are:
1. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia is a condition where your blood sugar or glucose level is lower than the standard range. Giloy can further decrease the sugar level in your blood and cause dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Thus, individuals with low blood sugar levels should consume Giloy with caution.
2. Digestive Issues
In some cases, Giloy can cause mild digestive discomforts such as stomach aches, diarrhoea, or irregular bowel movements. If you also experience any such problems, reduce the dosage of Giloy juice, or you may also discontinue it for some time.
3. Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious while consuming Giloy. This is because there is minimal scientific data on its safety during these stages. Thus, it’s advisable for pregnant women and those expecting pregnancy to avoid Giloy. Or you may also consult a healthcare provider before consuming it.
4. Interaction with Medications
Giloy may interact with certain medicines. Individuals taking prescribed medicines for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disease (where your immune system starts attacking the healthy cells in your body) should consult their healthcare provider before consuming Giloy. This will help you make necessary medication adjustments to avoid possible side effects.
Precautions to take while consuming Giloy
To ensure safe and effective use of Giloy, it is essential to follow these precautions:
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before adding Giloy to your daily routine, especially if you take some medication, as Giloy could react with it. Consulting a professional will help you get personalized guidance, and you can avoid possible damage.
2. Manage your dosage
Stick to the dosage your healthcare provider recommends or mentioned on the product label. Overconsumption of Giloy can lead to harmful effects, so moderation is key.
3. Quality check
Always make sure that you are using Giloy of good quality. Ensure that you get high-quality Giloy products from reputed and trusted suppliers and are using safe and effective products.
4. Avoid Self-Medication
Giloy is a supplement to traditional medical treatments, but it’s not a replacement. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.
5. Check for Allergic Reactions
While it’s rare, some individuals could be allergic to Giloy. If, after consuming Giloy, you experience symptoms like skin rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing, discontinue its use immediately and seek medical attention.
6. Keep Children Away
Keep Giloy products out of children’s reach. This is because an adult’s dosages differ from that of a child. If you want to give Giloy to your child, consult a pediatrician before that.
7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Giloy works best when combined with a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Ensure you maintain a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and hydrate your body to extract its maximum benefits.
Take these precautions while consuming Giloy to prevent any possible harm.
Conclusion
Giloy, the “root of immortality”, is truly a magnificent gem in the world of natural medicine. The benefits of Giloy, from boosting immunity to treating chronic diseases, offer a complete package of health and well-being. However, following proper precautionary measures before consuming it is essential and don’t forget to take professional guidance. By doing so, you can make use of its full potential while minimizing any possible risks.
FAQs
Q1. What are the benefits of Giloy Juice?
Ans. Giloy juice boosts your immunity, provides antioxidant protection, helps manage your respiratory system, and supports your digestive health.
Q2. Are the benefits of giloy in leaves or stems?
Ans. Both the leaves and stems of Giloy contain active compounds with medicinal properties. However, the stem is often preferred more as it includes the higher proportions of the benefits of giloy and is more effective.
Q3. Is it good to take giloy daily?
Ans. Yes, it would be best if you consumed giloy daily. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Q4. Can I grow giloy at home?
Ans. Yes, giloy can be grown at home. It’s a low-maintenance plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions.
