It is believed that bottle gourd (also known as lauki or dudhi in different parts of the country) originated in Africa but for some reason, it has been a part of Indian cuisine and culture for ages. Most mothers will attest to the fact that it isn’t the easiest vegetable to feed to the kids. It is slightly bitter in taste and this puts a lot of children (and some adults too!) off bottle gourd. But the truth is that despite its off putting taste, bottle gourd is an extremely nutritious vegetable that carries a large number of health benefits. The wonderful nutrition of bottle gourd which can help you stay clear of a number of diseases.
It is helpful in keeping the heart healthy
The modern lifestyle takes a big toll on our hearts. We eat highly processed foods filled with preservatives, we have bad habits and we breathe in a lot of pollution in cities. All these and many more causes are behind the burst of heart related diseases.
But one simple addition to your diet can make a huge difference. Bottle gourd is one of the best foods that can help you lower your cholesterol, keep your arteries clean and unblocked, prevent them from thickening and improve the overall health of your heart. It does so due to the presence of useful anti-oxidants and also vitamin C. Moreover, bottle gourd is extremely low on calories and high on dietary fiber, both of which improve cardiovascular health.
It keeps the digestive system in good shape
Bottle gourd is a great addition to your diet if you constantly suffer from digestion problems. Due to the high amount of fiber present in it, bottle gourd helps the food to move freely through the digestive tract, preventing constipation. Moreover, it is recommended in Ayurvedic texts for alleviating stomach acidity due to its alkaline nature. It can also help in treating ulcers and indigestion. Overall, bottle gourd is incredibly beneficial for your digestive system.
It can help people to lose weight
For people looking to shed some extra kilos, bottle gourd can be of great help. As we’ve mentioned, it is quite rich in dietary fiber. This means that when you consume it, you feel much more full and don’t end up overeating, thereby checking your weight gain. It is also completely free of fats and has an extremely low calorie count, making it an ideal food for those who want to lose some weight.
It can help against urinary tract disorders
Several urinary disorders can be treated by consuming bottle gourd. If you’re experiencing a burning sensation while urinating, its cause may be the high levels of acid in the urine. Being naturally alkaline in nature, bottle gourd can help in treating the burning sensation and removing it completely.
It supports the liver
The liver is one of the most important organs and a daily dose of bottle gourd will help to improve its functionality. Bottle gourd can also be used to assist in the treatment of jaundice which also afflicts the liver.
It cools your body down and relieves stress
Bottle gourd has an overall cooling effect on the body, which can help relieve the tension and stress that we experience in our daily lives. It also has mildly sedative and diuretic properties, both of which contribute to its stress busting abilities.
Bottle gourd may not be the most glamorous of vegetables, nor is it the most popular but it definitely is one of the healthiest. So shed your inhibitions and experience the richness of its nutrients and minerals in a hassle free way!
Be Healthy………
Keep Smiling……..
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