Bottle gourd also called as lauki, dudhi or sorakai is one of the most commonly as well as abundantly available vegetables in India. Though not many are fond of its taste, there are others who prefer to eat it. Most mothers have almost tried to force their children to eat it but have failed quite a number of times. Perhaps, knowing the benefits of this vegetable migh help you find ways to eat it more regularly.
Cognitive Function
Bottle gourd contains highest levels of choline among vegetables. Choline is a precursor for acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter crucial for retaining and enhancing memory.
Blood Pressure
Bottle gourd juice helps to regulate blood pressure in hypertensive patients due to its high potassium content.
Weight Loss
Bottle gourd helps in weight loss as its high dietary fibre helps to lower fat and cholesterol content.
Anti-oxidant Activity
Bottle gourd increases the free radical scavenging activity, thereby protecting the lining of the cells and cell integrity. It has been shown to be most effective for liver damage.
Diuretic
Bottle gourd helps to increase the volume of urine along with the increased secretion of electrolytes. This will help flush out toxins from your body.
Cholesterol Controlling Activity
Bottle gourd is known to lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein. It also helps to increase the good fat, high density lipoprotein.
The benefits are multifold and can expand to various areas of physiological therapy. However, remember that the bottle gourd consumed must not taste bitter as the bitter vegetable contains toxins harmful to the human body.
Enjoy your bottle gourd juice, raita or kootu with a smile on your face, knowing you are making healthier choices every day
Divya Purushotham
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The writer is founder and chief nutritionist at Sano Holistic Nutrition Clinic