Mumbai: Bottle gourd, also known as lauki, offers numerous health benefits and is recognised by various names such as white-flowered gourd, calabash, New Guinea bean, Tasmania bean, and long melon.
Comprising 96.1% water, bottle gourd is light on the stomach and aids in digestion. Its high fibre content, coupled with low fat and cholesterol, makes it effective for weight loss. Additionally, it’s rich in Vitamins A, B, and C, along with essential minerals.
Health benefits of bottle gourd
Here are numerous health benefits of bottle gourd/ lauki:
Reduces fatigue: Consuming bottle gourd, particularly in the summer, can help reduce stress and fatigue due to its high water content, which has a cooling effect on the body.
Diabetes management: Due to its low glycemic index and potential hypoglycemic effects, bottle gourd is beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Regular consumption can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, but diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar levels closely when adding it to their diet.
Prevents premature greying of hair: Regularly drinking bottle gourd juice can help maintain hair texture and prevent premature greying caused by environmental changes and dietary habits.
Relieves urinary infections: Bottle gourd juice, especially when combined with lime juice, can help alleviate the burning sensation associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Combats constipation: The fibre in bottle gourd helps relieve constipation by promoting regular bowel movements.
Prevents electrolyte imbalance: Drinking a glass of bottle gourd juice with a pinch of salt can help prevent excessive sodium loss and maintain electrolyte balance.
Supports heart health: Regular consumption of bottle gourd juice, two to three times a week, can contribute to a healthy heart and help regulate blood pressure.
Aids weight loss: With its high water content and low-calorie count (12 calories per 100 grams), bottle gourd is an excellent choice for weight loss. Drinking bottle gourd juice daily can assist in weight reduction while providing essential iron, vitamins, and potassium.
Daily consumption limit
To ensure safety and maximise health benefits, it’s advisable to limit bottle gourd intake. Drink no more than 1 cup (approximately 250 ml) of fresh bottle gourd juice daily. Overconsumption, especially of bitter bottle gourd, can lead to toxicity. If consumed cooked, limit to about 1-2 cups (200-300 grams) per day.
Side effects of bottle gourd
Toxicity from bitter gourd: Bitter bottle gourd juice can be toxic and cause side effects like diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and general discomfort.
Precautions
Taste test: Always taste a small piece of raw bottle gourd before cooking or juicing. If it tastes bitter, avoid consuming it, as bitterness indicates the presence of toxic compounds known as cucurbitacins, which can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Learn which vitamins bottle gourd (lauki) is rich in, its health benefits for weight loss and heart health, and important precautions, including safe consumption limits and potential side effects. Fitness Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
