The Benefits of Apple Gourd

The gourd is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world! It is one of the most ancient vegetables in existence. It has been cultivated in South Asia and East Africa for at least 8,000 years. In fact, historians believe that the first domesticated crops were the gourds. For many centuries, people in these regions have also used gourds for medicinal, cosmetic and other purposes. So, what is so amazing about the gourd? And, why should you add this amazing healing food to your diet? Here are a few benefits of adding apple gourd to your diet.

What is an Apple Gourd?

An apple gourd is a vegetable that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is also called Indian gourd, Bengal gram, and musk melon. The gourd is a fruit that is shaped like a squash.

The gourds are available all year round. They grow in thin, long, and tapered shapes. In the market, they are rarely sold as fresh gourds.

The gourd is mainly used as a vegetable. It is mainly grown in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean.

Health Benefits of Apple Gourd

apples have been cited for their many health benefits. Here are few of them:

– Boosts Immunity – Apple gourd is packed with Vitamin A, which increases the immunity of the body.

– Improves Blood Pressure – Apple gourd is high in potassium. It helps to bring down the blood pressure by increasing the elimination of sodium from the body.

– Prevents Cancer – The anti-oxidants present in apples help to prevent several types of cancer.

– Weight Loss – Apple gourd is rich in fiber. It is one of the few vegetables that are rich in fiber. Eating fiber can help you to feel full for longer, thereby helping to prevent cravings for other unhealthier snacks and drinks.

– Good for Eyes – Apples are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to keep the eyes young and healthy.

– Good for Gut – Apple gourd is a good source of fiber. Fiber prevents the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. It also prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

Nutritive Value of Apple Gournd

Compared to other vegetables, the apple gourd is a low-calorie vegetable. It is also rich in Vitamins A, C, B6, and B2. It has almost no calories, fat, protein, or carbs.

It has no cholesterol and very less sugar. It has a paltry amount of protein – just about 1% of the daily requirement for a person.

The apple gournd is easy to digest. It is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers.

The minerals present in the gourd are – Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin B6, and B2, and Phosphorus. It has almost no Chloride, Salt, or Sulfur.

Uses of Apple Gourd

The uses of the gourd are many and varied. Here are a few:

– A delicious and nutritious snack – The skin of the gourd is used to make pickles. The seeds are roasted and used as a snack.

– A cosmetic product – The fermented juice of the gourd is used to make face masks.

– A medicine – The gourd is also used as medicine. The seeds are soaked overnight and then used to treat diabetes and high blood pressure.

– A spice – The gourd is used in many curries, pickles, and other recipes.

– A beer – The gourd is mashed, fermented, and then used to make beer.

Side Effects of Apple Gourd

Compared to other vegetables, the apple gourd has very few side effects. Here are a few of them:

– Dry Mouth – You may experience dry mouth after consuming the gourd seeds. If it persists for a long time, consult a doctor.

– Constipation – Apple gourd can cause constipation in some people. So, if you experience this side effect, add more fiber in your diet.

– Diarrhea – Apple gourd is rich in fiber. But, in some people, it can also cause diarrhea. So, if you are prone to this, then you must add less fiber in your diet.

– Headache – The seeds of the gourd have an alkaloid called hydroxycoumarin. It can give you a headache if you consume too much of it.

Summary

The apple gourd is one of the oldest vegetables in existence. It is one of the most ancient fruits as well as vegetables. It has been cultivated in South Asia and East Africa for at least 8,000 years.

For many centuries, people in these regions have used gourds for medicinal, cosmetic, and other purposes.

The gourd is mainly used as a vegetable. It is mainly grown in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean.

The gourd is rich in fiber and has very few side effects. It can be consumed as a snack, pickle, medicine, or spice.