Snake gourd, named thus due to its distinct elongated and coiled appearance with light white stripes, confers a host of health benefits such as easing digestion processes, detoxifying the kidneys, revitalizing skin texture and fostering hair growth. This luscious green vegetable comprises a treasure trove of nutrients and is hence, often utilised in cooking traditional Indian dishes like dal, curries, kootu and sambar. Also Read: Snake Gourd: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses For Skin And Hair, Recipes And Side Effects
Belonging to the cucumber and squash family, snake gourd vegetables display an impressive nutritional profile. Apart from negligible calories and cholesterol coupled with elevated levels of proteins and fibers, snake gourd holds high water content, providing a natural cooling effect to the body. Incorporating snake gourds in the regular diet also ensures that vital vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, B6, E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and iron are supplied to the body in sufficient amounts, to carry out crucial metabolic functions in the system.
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Moreover, the ancient Indian practice of medicine – Ayurveda describes the plethora of intrinsic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components present in snake gourd, which offers valuable curative traits for alleviating illnesses like jaundice, diabetes and fevers. Along with the vegetable, the leaf, gel and juice extracts of snake gourd are also used extensively, as a natural remedy for skin infections and excessive hair loss.
Medicinal Properties of Snake Gourd:
Snake gourd is attributed to have potent medicinal traits that include:
- Strong antioxidant that averts free radical damage
- Anti-inflammatory qualities that may help ease inflammation
- Gastroprotective that shields the stomach
- Anti-diabetic aid in lowering blood sugar level
- Anti-pyretic may help combat fever
- Anti-microbial protection against pathogens
- Anthelmintic may protect against worm infestation
The extract of snake gourd is beneficial to increase appetite and acts as a natural tonic to heal digestive problems.
Snake Gourd Nutrition
Snake gourd vegetables, seeds, leaves and juice extracts are endowed with a wealth of vital dietary elements like carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fibres. It also contains fair amounts of essential micronutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin E and minerals. Aside from these, snake gourd is packed with a host of bioactive plant compounds including phenolics and cucurbitacins that may augment overall physical and mental well-being.
In a nutshell, snake gourd is truly a super veggie, that bestows countless advantages for augmenting overall well-being. Check out this infographic, to learn the marvellous ways in which eating snake gourd uplifts physical and mental wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Snake Gourd?
Snake gourd is highly nutritious and offers a range of health benefits:
Its high water and fiber content help prevent constipation and promote smooth bowel movement.
Low in calories and fat, making it suitable for weight-loss diets.
Known for its cooling effect, snake gourd helps reduce body heat, especially in tropical climates.
With over 90% water, it prevents dehydration and maintains electrolyte balance.
Contains compounds that help in controlling blood glucose levels, beneficial for diabetics.
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
Loaded with potassium content helps regulate blood pressure and maintain cardiovascular health.
What Are The Interesting Facts About Snake Gourds?
Here are some lesser-known facts:
The name “snake gourd” comes from its long, curved, snake-like shape.
It belongs to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae) and is related to bottle gourd and bitter gourd.
In India and Southeast Asia, it’s a traditional Ayurvedic vegetable used for cooling and detoxifying the body.
The young fruits are edible, while the mature ones are often fibrous and used for seed extraction.
Snake gourd flowers open at night and emit a pleasant fragrance to attract moths for pollination.
It grows rapidly, and some varieties can reach up to 150 cm (5 feet) in length!
Is Snake Gourd Good For The Liver?
Yes, snake gourd is considered liver-friendly.
It helps detoxify the liver due to its natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditional medicine suggests that it aids in reducing bilirubin levels, making it beneficial during jaundice or liver inflammation.
Regular consumption in moderate amounts supports better liver function and toxin elimination.
Is Snake Gourd Good For the Eyes?
Yes, snake gourd contributes to eye health. Packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, adding snake gourd to your diet helps in maintaining clear vision and preventing night blindness.
Its antioxidant content helps protect retinal cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Regular inclusion of snake gourd in the diet can support overall eye health and reduce the risk of age-related vision issues.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specialising in tailoring personalised diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasising the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Snake Gourd: A Review of Its Nutritional and Medicinal Efficacy
Atugwu Agatha Ifeoma1*, Nweze Emilia Ifedilichukwu2, Onyia Vincent Nduka1
1 Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
2 Natural Science Unit, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/snake-gourd-a-review-of-its-nutritional-and-medicinal-efficacy
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388483426_Snake_gourd_A_Review_of_its_Nutritional_and_Medicinal_Efficacy
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