Health Benefits of Ash Gourd (पेठा)

Ash gourd Also known as Winter-melon, or Kohala in Marathi and Petha in Hindi,  Ash Gourd is a round or oblong melon, native to South Asia. It grows on a vine and is very similar in size and colour to a watermelon. When ripe, the ash gourd’s exterior transforms from its fuzzy surface into a waxy, ash-coloured exterior, which also lends the gourd its name.Ash Gourd’s Nutrition Profile

Ash gourd is rich in fibre but low in calories. It has a negligible amount of fat and carbs but scores high in micronutrients and vitamins. It is rich in Vitamin C, Roboflavin—which helps the body to synthesise macronutrients (proteins, carbs, fats) to generate energy. It also contains flavonoids and carotenes—powerful antioxidants act protect the body from free radical damage,

Ash Gourd Health Benefits

Fights diabetes

Its low calorie-high-fibre combination slows the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby bringing down blood sugar levels (BSL). It also increases safety, reduces cravings, helping in weight loss diets.

Ash gourd’s anti-oxidant elements improve immunity and protect the body from the ravages of free radicals. This, along with its high water content helps indirectly improving the functioning of the excretory system, and visceral organs, like the kidneys.

2. Protects Against Kidney damage

Ash gourd juice has a catalytic effect on the excretory system. Its water content and enzymes help increase the removal of fluids in the kidneys. This helps the body get rid of accumulated toxins while having a hydrating effect on internal organs.

Protects from High Thyroid Hormone Levels

The thyroid is a very important gland. This tiny gland produces two thyroid hormones known as T3 & T4. These hormones affect the entire body at a cellular level. They regulate calorie-burn rate, slow down/speed up heart rate, raise/lower body temperature and control muscular contraction.

Too high a concentration of thyroid hormone can be dangerous. The high iodine content in Ash Gourd prevents this by reducing elevated thyroid hormone levels. Ash gourd also has Zinc present in it which regulates enzyme function to optimize thyroid concentration.

4. Speeds up Weight Loss

Ash gourd is low in calories but high in fibre and water. These are essential ingredients for healthy weight loss. The high fibre content induces a feeling of satiety and reduces food cravings, which improves weight loss.

Preparation and Consumption of Ash Gourd

• Ash gourdcan be had in a variety of ways. The most common of which is as a vegetable dish or curry.
• It is also commonly used to make sweets and candies—calledpetha in India
• The leaves and seeds are rich in micro-nutrients and anti-oxidants and are extensively used in treating a variety of health problems, as described above.

Preparation as a gel

• Peel the gourd and slice it into wedges.
• De-seed the wedges and cut out the soft flesh; discard the rinds and seeds.
• Blend the flesh into an even paste.
• Do not add water.
• You will get a gel-like paste that can be used topically to soothe irritated calf, remove dandruff and improve hair health.

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