Bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria, is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is also called Calabash Gourd, Trumpet Gourd, and Long Squash. The immature fruit of these species is consumed as vegetables. It is pear-shaped with a light green coloration. The immature fruit has white spongy flesh. The Bottle gourd may grow as 1 meter in length. Native to Tropical Africa, it is widely grown for the foods. The bottle gourd requires a warm climate and well-drained soil to grow. The two varieties of Bottle gourd are Pusa Summer Prolific Long and Arka Bahar.
Lagenaria leucantha var. microcarpa (Naudin) Nakai
Lagenaria microcarpa Naudin
Lagenaria siceraria var. microcarpa (Naudin) H. Hara
Lagenaria vulgaris Ser.
Lagenaria vulgaris subsp. afrikana Kobjakova
Lagenaria vulgaris var. microcarpa Hort. ex Matsum. & Nakai
Pepo lagenarius Moench
Rounder varieties are called calabash gourds, which can grow in a variety of shapes: huge and rounded, small and bottle shaped, or slim and serpentine. L. siceraria is an important member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a warm-season fruit or vegetable and is cultivated throughout Pakistan and India. L. siceraria is an excellent fruit in nature, consisting of all the essential constituents that are necessary for the normal and good health of human beings. There are two varieties of this vegetable, namely sweet variety and bitter variety. Both varieties belong to the Lagenaria genus. Generally, the sweet variety is used for vegetable purposes, while the wild bitter variety is preferably used in medicines.
Nowadays, bottle gourds are grown by direct sowing of seeds or transplanting 15- to 20-day-old seedlings. The plant prefers well-drained, moist, rich soil. It requires plenty of moisture in the growing season and a warm sunny position sheltered from the wind. In rural areas, many houses with thatched roofs are found covered with gourd vines. Bottle gourds grow very rapidly and their stems can reach a length of 9 m in the summer, so they need solid support to climb via pole or trellis. The plant produces white flowers. The male flowers have long peduncles and the females have short peduncles with an ovary that is the shape of the fruit. Female flowers have a thick style with three bilobed stigmata.
History
Bottle gourds were plants that were used by humans as long as 8,000 to 10,000 years ago in the form of musical instruments, containers, and fishing floats. Firstly, it was cultivated in Africa, then Asia, and finally reached America.
Plant
The Bottle gourd plant is an annual, vigorous, monoecious, climbing herb often cultivated in warm climates. It grows as a vine with alternate, broad, deep green leaves that are 400 mm long and 400 mm broad. The stem is often thick, angular, ribbed, brittle, and hairy which is about 5 m long. The plant yields flower during summer which is monoecious, white, obovate; 15 cm across, and 10–15 mm long. The pear-shaped smooth light green fruit has white and spongy flesh. The fruit is 1 meter long. It contains brownish seeds which are oblong, and 2 cm long.
Nutritional Value
The serving size of 116 grams contains 16 calories and provides 13% of Vitamin C and 7.36% of zinc. The same amount of Bottle gourd provides 174 mg of Potassium, 13 mg of Magnesium, 15 mg of Phosphorus and 2 mg of Sodium. Bottle gourds possess various amounts of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, lipids, and amino acids.
Nutritional value of Bottle gourd raw
Serving Size: 1 Cup, 116 g
Calories 16 Kcal.Calories from Fat 0.18 Kcal.
Proximity
Amount
% DV
Water
110.83 g
N/D
Energy
16 Kcal
N/D
Energy
68 kJ
N/D
Protein
0.72 g
1.44%
Total Fat (lipid)
0.02 g
0.06%
Ash
0.5 g
N/D
Carbohydrate
3.93 g
3.02%
Total dietary Fiber
0.6 g
1.58%
Minerals
Amount
% DV
Calcium, Ca
30 mg
3.00%
Iron, Fe
0.23 mg
2.88%
Magnesium, Mg
13 mg
3.10%
Phosphorus, P
15 mg
2.14%
Potassium, K
174 mg
3.70%
Sodium, Na
2 mg
0.13%
Zinc, Zn
0.81 mg
7.36%
Copper, Cu
0.03 mg
3.33%
Manganese, Mn
0.077 mg
3.35%
Selenium, Se
0.2 µg
0.36%
Vitamins
Amount
% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
0.034 mg
2.83%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
0.026 mg
2.00%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
0.371 mg
2.32%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
0.176 mg
3.52%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
0.046 mg
3.54%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
7 µg
1.75%
Folic Acid
0 µg
N/D
Folate, food
7 µg
N/D
Folate, DEF
7 µg
N/D
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
11.7 mg
13.00%
Fat-soluble Vitamins (Retinoids and Carotenoids)
Vitamin A, IU
19 IU
N/D
Lipids
Amount
% DV
Fatty acids, total saturated
0.002 g
N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid)
0.001 g
N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated
0.005 g
N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid)
0.005 g
N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated
0.01 g
N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)
0.01 g
N/D
Amino Acids
Amount
% DV
Tryptophan
0.003 g
0.68%
Threonine
0.021 g
1.19%
Isoleucine
0.038 g
2.27%
Leucine
0.042 g
1.14%
Lysine
0.024 g
0.72%
Methionine
0.005 g
N/D
Phenylalanine
0.017 g
N/D
Valine
0.031 g
1.47%
Arginine
0.016 g
N/D
Histidine
0.005 g
0.41%
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source:
Phytochemicals extracted from the fruit of Lagenaria siceraria revealed that it contains 0.2% of protein, 0.1% of fat, 2.9% of carbohydrates, 96.3% of moisture, 0.5% of mineral matter, <0.01% of phosphorus, and 0.02% of calcium. Earlier studies reported that a number of mineral elements are present: iron 0.7 mg, sodium 11.0 mg, potassium 86.0 mg, and iodine 0.45 μg per 100 g. Fructose and glucose have also been found. The amino acid composition of the fruit is phenylalanine 0.9 mg, leucine 0.8 mg, valine 0.3 mg, tyrosine 0.4 mg, alanine 0.5 mg, glutamic acid 0.3 mg, serine 0.6 mg, aspartic acid 1.9 mg, cystine 0.6 mg, cysteine 0.3 mg, arginine 0.4 mg, proline 0.3 mg, and threonine 0.2 mg per gram of the fruit. Bitter fruits also contain bitter principles in the form of aglycones. These principles include cucurbitacins B, D, and E.
Seeds
Reports show that saponins are present in the seeds. The analysis of the seed kernels showed the following values: 30.72% of protein, 8.3% of carbohydrates, 2.47% of moisture, 52.54% of oil, 4.43% of ash, 1.58% of fiber, 2.46% of P2O3, and 0.11% of CaO. The color of the oil obtained from the seed kernels is clear and pale yellow in appearance. Ripe seed kernels gave 45% of the oil. This oil has the following features: iodine value 126.6, saponification equivalent 301.7, 0.55% of free fatty acids, and 0.68% of unsaponified matter. Free fatty acid components were found to be 18.3% of oleic, 64.1% of linoleic, and 17.9% of saturated fatty acids (CSIR, 2004). Reports show that the seeds also contain lignin.
The roots contain cucurbitacins B, D, and E and triterpene bryonolic acid.
Health Benefits of Bottle gourd
Bottle gourd possesses a high amount of fiber which prevents constipation, piles, and flatulence. The cholesterol and fat in Bottle gourd is very low. The richness in Vitamin B and C assists in anti-oxidant properties. It consists of 92% water. The juiced or cooked Bottle gourd possesses anti-bilious and sedative properties.
Acts as an antioxidant
It is a well-established fact that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in more than 100 diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, arteriosclerosis, malaria, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, and cancer. It is, therefore, important for researchers to seek natural sources of antioxidants. Such effects are generally credited to antioxidant components including plant phenolics such as phenylpropanoids and flavonoids Gallic acid was used as a reference antioxidant compound. The samples showed an appreciably high DPPH radical scavenging effect at all concentrations. However, the ethyl acetate extract of fresh fruits was more active than the rest of the samples. The ethanol extract of fruits of L. siceraria was also evaluated for antioxidant activity. The results obtained in this study also indicated that fruits are a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Antihyperglycemic activity
The antihyperglycemic activity of methanol extract of L. siceraria was evaluated in hyperglycemic rats. The extract was given at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg per os (p.o.) to streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats for a period of 14 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured on days 0, 4, 8, and 15 after treatment. There occurred significant reduction (P < 0.001) in FBG levels; other biochemical tests (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total cholesterol, triglycerides), antioxidant assay (lipid peroxide, catalase, and glutathione), and histological study of the liver, the liver, kidney, and pancreas tissue, supported the conclusion. The research showed the potent antihyperglycemic activity of L. siceraria, which is probably attributable to its rich flavonoid content.
Helpful for allergies
The anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic activity of the aqueous extract of leaf of L. siceraria (LSA) was evaluated in different animal models. The histamine and acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction model in guinea pigs, the compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation model in rats, and the paw edema model in mice were used. The results of the study revealed significant bronchodilator activity by LSA at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg. Anti inflammatory activity was observed at doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection) against compound 48/80 induced paw edema in rats. These results support the traditional claim of the drug as a treatment for asthmatic disorders. It was also reported that the triterpene bryonolic acid, an anti-allergic compound, was isolated from the callus culture of the roots of L. siceraria.
Acts as Antihyperlipidemic
Traditionally the fruit of L. siceraria had been used in the management of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, as it had been thought to possess cardioprotective and cardiotonic potential. The effects of methanol extract of L. siceraria were investigated in experimentally-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Methanol extract of L. siceraria fruits (LSFE) at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg p.o. was given to the high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats for 1 month to evaluate its antihyperlipidemic potential. Oral administration of the extracts dose-dependently inhibited the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins level, and significantly increased the level of the high-density lipoprotein. The results of the study showed that the methanol extract from the fruits of L. siceraria has a definite antihyperlipidemic potential. In the study, petroleum ether, chloroform, alcoholic, and aqueous extracts of L. siceraria were evaluated for antihyperlipidemic activity. Out of the four different extracts, only the petroleum ether extract did not show antihyperlipidemic activity, while the other extracts showed good antihyperlipidemic activity.
Cardiovascular health
L. siceraria fruit is traditionally used for its cardioprotective effect. The cardioprotective activity of L. siceraria fruit was investigated using a doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity model of Wistar rats. Group I of the Wistar rats (250–300 g) was the control group, and it received 2% gum acacia; group II was the doxorubicin treated group, and it received doxorubicin 10 mg/kg, and group III was the doxorubicin with L. siceraria treated group, and it received L. siceraria fruit powder 200 mg/kg for a period of 18 days. The results of the study showed that after administration of L. siceraria there was a significant decrease in QT (p < 0.01) and in ST (p < 0.05), whereas there was a non-significant increase in heart rate, and a significant decrease in serum creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (a marker used to assist diagnoses of an acute myocardial infarction), aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001), and lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05) compared with the doxorubicin group. The cardioprotective efficacy of L. siceraria fruit in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction was also investigated in albino rat models. The results of this study showed that L. siceraria fruits possess cardioprotective activity on experimentally induced cardiotoxic myocardial infarcted rats.
6. Immunomodulatory activity
The immunomodulatory effects of n-butanol soluble and ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the successive methanol extract of L. siceraria have been evaluated. The fractions were administered through the oral route at doses of 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg. There was a significant inhibition in the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in rats. The method of Doherty was used to induce delayed-type hypersensitivity response in rats. A dose-dependent increase in both primary and secondary antibody titer was observed. Fractions also significantly increased both white blood cell and lymphocyte count.
Antibacterial, Anthelmintic, and Antifungal activity
Hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of L. siceraria were evaluated for anthelmintic activity against Hymenolepis nana (tapeworm) and Pheretima Posthuma (earthworm) by using the method of Mali. In Ethiopian traditional medicine, L. siceraria is widely used for the treatment of skin disorders. Goji et al. evaluated the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts of the leaves, seeds, and fruit flesh of L. siceraria using the agar well diffusion method. Results revealed the extract to show activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes, but not against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thus L. siceraria can be used to treat various skin disorders. The extracts also exhibited moderate antifungal action against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The standard drugs used for comparison were ciprofloxacin for bacterial strains and griseofulvin for fungal strains.
Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Bottle Gourd, Leaves, Seeds
Bottle gourd is a fruiting vegetable that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and other regions of the world. It is loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc, and provides numerous health and beauty benefits.
Long melon, Quezon melon, and Tasmania bean are some other names given to bottle gourd.
Once dried, bottle gourd can also be used as bottles, pipes, and utensils.
(1) Aids In Weight Loss
The low calorific value of bottle gourd makes it very beneficial for individuals who are on a weight loss regime and would like to get rid of some extra pounds.
One can enjoy bottle gourd without the guilt of excessive calorie load as 100 grams of bottle gourd only provides 14 calories of energy.
Dietary fibers in bottle gourd provide satiety to the stomach and thus control overeating which is a major cause of obesity.
Around 92 percent of bottle gourd is water that improves metabolism, aids digestion, and controls weight gain, and further helps the weight loss program.
(2) Keep Our Digestive System Healthy
Consuming bottle gourd improves our digestive health and is beneficial for our stomach.
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in bottle gourd improve bowel movement and ensure smooth elimination of stool from the system. This relieves constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
High water content (around 92 percent) in the bottle gourd also improves digestive health as it promotes digestion and smooth bowel movement. Vitamin C and other antioxidants compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimize the risk of several cancers like abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
(3) Provides Cooling Effect
Consuming bottle gourd keeps us well hydrated and also provides a cooling effect because of its high water content (around 92 percent).
Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as it is needed for various biological and cellular functions like providing moisturization to joints and tissues, improving metabolism, preventing dehydration, assisting digestion, maintaining the health of vital organs like liver and kidneys, etc. Our water is made up of around 60 percent water, and for organs like lungs and kidneys, it is even higher than 80 percent.
(4) Helps In Treating Urinary Tract Infection
The diuretic properties of the bottle gourd help in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections.
Because of its diuretic properties, it increases the frequency and flow of urine and thus helps in the removal of toxins, pollutants, excess fluids, excess salts, and other unwanted substances from the body. This improves our renal health and reduces the risk of urinary tract infection. Diuretic properties of bottle gourd are even more beneficial for individuals who find it difficult to pass urine efficiently. Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect the vital organs like the liver and kidneys from free radical damage. Dietary fibers also help with detoxification and further improve our renal health.
(5) Reduces The Risk Of Insomnia
Sleep plays an important role in our well-being as our body and brain perform various functions even during the sleep stage. Quality of sleep is more important than quantity of sleep, and not getting enough sleep or quality sleep can give rise to various health problems like increased risk of cardiovascular problems, increased risk of hypertension, increased risk of diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, etc. The rich nutritious profile of, bottle gourd helps in getting quality sleep and reduces the risk of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Vitamin B complex in the bottle gourd provides relief from stress and anxiety and allows us to enjoy quality sleep. Other nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the bottle gourd also improve sleep quality. Drinking a fresh bottle of gourd juice added with a few drops of sesame oil is beneficial against insomnia.
(6) Keeps Us Hydrated
Consuming bottle gourd keeps us hydrated because of its high water content ( around 92 percent). Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as it is required for various biological and cellular functions. Bottle gourd helps control extreme thirst and replenish the lost water in the body. It also improves the functionality of vital organs like living and kidneys that contains more than 75 percent water. Suggested Read 6 Major Side Effects of Eating Too Many Bottle Gourds\
(7) Aids In Controlling Hypertension Or High Blood Pressure
Potassium, a vital mineral present in the bottle gourd is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is a state of elevated blood pressure that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease. It is a silent killer and doesn’t have noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Low sodium content in the bottle gourd also plays a significant role in providing relief from hypertension. If you are already taking medication to regulate blood pressure then consult your doctor about the inclusion of bottle gourd in your diet to ensure that there won’t be any food-drug intolerance.
(8) Manages Cholesterol Levels
The dietary fibers in the bottle gourd reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol in the body and thus help in managing cholesterol levels. The reduction of LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits within the arterial walls. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems.
(9) Improves Cardiovascular Health
The abundance of essential nutrients in the bottle gourd keeps our heart healthy and improves our cardiovascular health. Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage. Dietary fibers in bottle gourd reduce LDL cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems.
Potassium, a natural vasodilator in the bottle gourd provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure that give rise to various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease, and as well as other health problems. Iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B complex, etc in the bottle gourd also improves our cardiovascular health. Suggested Read 13 Amazing Health Benefits Of Jackfruit (Kathal)
(10) Keeps Our Liver Healthy
The liver is a vital organ that removes toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body, and also performs other functions like production of bile juice, production of cholesterol, hormones and bilirubin, enzyme activation, storage of glycogen, metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, etc. Regular consumption of bottle gourd or bottle gourd juice aids in maintaining our liver health
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the bottle gourd reduces liver inflammation. Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds such as phytonutrients and polyphenols in bottle gourd also protect the liver from free radical damage and thus contribute to better liver health. Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, etc also contribute to better liver health.
(11) Reduces The Risk Of Several Types Of Cancer(S)
The antioxidants present in the bottle gourd fight with the free radicals of our body, stabilize them and thus prevent them from causing oxidative damage to our cells and reduce the risk of various cancers. Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidnatal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the bottle gourd protects our cells and tissues from the free radical damage and thus reduce the risk of several types of cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, etc. Free radicals are formed during the oxidation process. These are unstabilized ions that obtain stabilization by stealing electrons from neighboring molecules and while doing so, it causes oxidative damage to them.
(12) Good For Diabetic Patients
With a low glycemic index of 15, bottle gourd slows down the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream, prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus helps in managing diabetes. Additionally, dietary fibers in bottle gourd reduce sugar absorption into the bloodstream and thus regulates blood sugar level.
Excessive intake of bottle gourd should be avoided as otherwise, it may drop blood sugar to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, moodiness and fast heartbeat, etc. If you are already on diabetic medication, then consult your doctor before adding bottle gourd to your diet to ensure there’s no food-drug intolerance.
(13) Provides Relief From Inflammation
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the bottle gourd provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by anti-inflammatory compounds like joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
(14) Aids In Detoxification
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in bottle gourd eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body. Removal of excess toxins reduces the burden of detoxification from the liver and kidneys to some extent, allowing them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in bottle gourd protect vital organs like the liver and kidneys from free radical damage and further improve detoxification. Suggested Read 16 Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Eggplant (Brinjal)
(15) Strengthens Immune System
Consuming bottle gourd strengthens our immune system, the sophisticated defense mechanism of the body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, injuries, and diseases, etc. Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in the bottle gourd protects our immune cells aka white blood cells from the free radical damage, and thus strengthens our immunity.
Vitamin C also enhances the production of white blood cells and further strengthens immunity. When our immune system is stronger, we are less likely to be suffering from cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc. Zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B complex, etc also play a significant role in making our immune system stronger.
(16) Eating Bottle Gourd During Pregnancy
The rich nutritious profile of bottle gourd makes it very beneficial during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, a woman needs to ensure that she is enjoying healthy meals loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, etc. What she eats not only determines her health but also the health and wellness of the fetus developing in her womb. Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in bottle gourd protect the uterus and the fetus growing in the womb from free radical damage.
The low glycemic index of bottle gourd reduces blood sugar level, and thus minimizes the risk of gestational diabetes. Dietary fibers it manage cholesterol levels and also regulate blood sugar levels. Folic acid in the bottle gourd helps in the growth and development of the bones and minimizes the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida etc. Iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium, etc in the bottle gourd also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
(17) Make Our Bones Stronger
Consuming bottle gourd strengthens our bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis due to the presence of bone-strengthening minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, etc. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder in which our bones become weak and fragile, and are prone to damage and fracture. Suggested Read 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Cheese
Beauty Benefits Of Bottle Gourd For Skin
Some of the major beauty benefits of bottle gourd for skin or as follows
(1) Reduces The Risk Of Premature Ageing
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the bottle gourd protects our skin cells and tissues from free radical damage and thus reduce the risk of various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc
Other nutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamin B complex, etc also help in maintaining healthy skin.
(2) Maintains Skin Health
Vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds present in the bottle gourd make our skin soft, supple, and radiant and thus maintain our skin health. Antioxidant compounds of bottle gourd protect the skin from free radical damage and thus minimize various signs of premature aging.
Dietary fibers in the bottle gourd remove toxins and other impurities from the skin pores and thus contributes to better skin health. A high level of water (around 92 percent) in the bottle gourd keeps our skin well moisturized and hydrated, and thus makes it soft and supple. Antioxidants in bottle gourd enhance the production of collagen and maintain skin elasticity. Other nutrients like zinc, copper, selenium, etc in the bottle gourd helps in bringing out the natural glow of the skin and are thus beneficial for skin health.
(3) Aids In The Treatment Of Acne
Consuming bottle gourd or the bottle gourd juice and as well topical application of the same minimizes the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples. Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is primarily caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substances from the skin pores. The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in bottle gourd eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our body.
When there are fewer toxins in our system, they don’t accumulate in our skin pores, and thus minimize the risk of acne and pimples. Also, the dietary fibers in the bottle gourd control the secession of excess oil from skin glands and thus prevent the acne from worsening.
(4) Increases Collagen Production
Vitamin C, an antioxidant compound present in the bottle gourd increases the production of collagen in our system. Collagen is an important amino acid that maintains our skin elasticity and is mainly found in the connective tissues like joints, tendons, bones, and cartilages, etc. Collagen provides shape and elasticity to the skin, tightens skin, and makes our skin wrinkle-free. Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A also protect our skin cells from free radical damage and keep various signs of premature aging at bay.
(5) Protects Our Skin From UV Rays Of Sun
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc present in the bottle gourd protects our skin cells from harmful UV rays of the sun, and also reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays to the sun can give rise to problems like wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, solar elastosis, and eye problems.
(6) Good For Skin Detoxification
The dietary fibers in the bottle gourd are a natural detoxifier that eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our skin pores, and improves our skin health. This reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C in the bottle gourd not only protect our skin cells from free radical damage but also help in the elimination of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body. The abundance of water ( around 92 percent) in the bottle gourd also helps with skin detoxification.
(7) Heals Skin Blemishes
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other relevant compounds in the bottle gourd protect the skin cells from free radical damage and diminish skin blemishes like acne, scars, pimples, and other skin marks. It helps in bringing out the natural glow of the skin. Dietary fibers help with skin detoxification and contribute to skin health. Vitamin E, an essential nutrient for our skin provides nourishment to the skin and makes it healthy.
Beauty Benefits Of Bottle Gourd For Hair
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Bottle gourd promotes hair growth due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc in them. Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and minimize signs of premature aging like greying of hair, splitting of hair, dry hair, split ends, etc.
Potassium in the bottle gourd improves blood circulation in the scalp and thus provides nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp. By nourishing our hair follicles, they make them strong and lustrous, and a healthy scalp promotes the growth of new hairs. Other nutrients like zinc, copper, Iron, etc. also play a significant role in promoting hair growth.
(2) Make Our Hair Strong And Lustrous
Consuming bottle gourd or bottle gourd juice and as well as topical application of the same improves our scalp health and make our hair strong and lustrous due to the abundance of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in them. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the bottle gourd protects our hair follicles and scalp from the free radical damage.
This improves scalp health, improves blood circulation in the scalp, and nourishes our hair follicles and scalp efficiently. Other nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin E, zinc, iron, etc. also play a major role in making our hair strong and lustrous.
(3) Reduces The Risk Of Scalp Acne
Acne is a common skin problem mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores. It can also breakout on the scalp, and is known as scalp acne. Dietary fibers in the bottle eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our body and thus prevent the accumulation of toxins in our skin and scalp pores. This minimizes the risk of acne and scalp acne. Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E also contribute to detoxification. Dietary fibers also regulate the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent scalp acne from worsening.
(4) Controls Hair Fall
Nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers in the bottle gourd promote scalp health and strengthen our hair follicles. Antioxidants and other relevant compounds in the bottle gourd protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, strengthen them, and keep various signs of premature aging like greying of hair, hair fall, dry hair, and split ends, etc at bay. Potassium improves blood circulation in the scalp, provides nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp.
This strengthens our hair follicles, and thus controls hair fall, dry hair, and split ends. Zinc, iron, and selenium, etc also contribute to better scalp health. These compounds make our hair strong and lustrous and prevent them from being dry and flaky.
BENEFITS OF BOTTLE GOURD JUICE
Bottle gourd juice is beneficial for a lot of reasons. This veggie is high in many vitamins and minerals. This is why it can help you stay healthy. If you drink the juice of bottle gourd every day, you are sure to get high nutritional benefits as it possesses vitamin C and K. You will be able to get other benefits by eating bottle gourd or drinking its juice as well. Given below are some benefits of the juice of this veggie.(1)
1. Digestive System Improvement
Bottle gourd is impressive for the digestive system. Those who are suffering from digestive system-related problems will be able to get benefits from this veggie. Two qualities help in getting the digestive system right. First, this veggie is high on the water level. Second, it possesses soluble fiber. This is why when you eat lauki or drink the juice made from it, you get fantastic health benefits that improve your digestive system and help you live freely without worrying about stomach-related problems. Thus, make sure to drink bottled of gourd juice for a better digestive system.
2. Solution To Constipation
Constipation can be a significant problem for some people. It leads to many other health hazards. If you are suffering from this problem, you probably need to drink bottled gourd juice. The veggie is terrific when it comes to treating the digestive system. It possesses fiber and water. Thus, when you drink its juice or eat this veggie, your digestive system heals. You get the right solution to constipation that way. This is why – to treat constipation, adhere to lauki juice. However, don’t drink bitter juice as it may lead to vomiting problems.
3. It Cools You
In the summer, when keeping the internal system becomes a problem, you can turn to a bottle of gourd juice for support. The high water level of the veggie will keep you cool throughout the summer. Lauki juice has the properties to keep your body healthy. It is also beneficial for skin in the summer. If you suffer from a skin-related problem during this season, you can turn to lauki juice. Drinking it will cool you down.
4. Cures Insomnia
Insomnia is a problem for many. If you are suffering from it, try lauki juice. However, you will have to add sesame oil to this juice before consuming it. The liquid is terrific for people who struggle to fall asleep.
5. Treats Urine Related Problem
Lauki juice can be mixed with lemon juice to treat problems related to urine. This juice is impressive when it comes to treating your urinary issues. If you regularly consume this juice, you will notice positive changes soon enough.
6. It Controls Blood Pressure
Those who are suffering from blood pressure-related problems may turn to lauki juice. Drinking the juice every day helps in keeping blood pressure under control.
7. Controls Hair Graying
If you drink lauki juice in the morning every day, you will see that the hair graying has come under control. The vitamin and nutrients present in lauki prevent premature hair graying. Thus, this is a fantastic way to control hair graying.
8. Smooth Skin
Lauki possesses amazing properties that can help in keeping skin smooth and healthy. If you drink the juice every day, you are sure to enjoy smooth and glowing skin within a short while.
9. Great Hair Mask
If you want healthy hair, you can turn to a lauki juice hair mask. You have to mix the juice with amla powder and olive oil to make a paste. This mask is fantastic for hair.
10. Treats Dandruff
To treat dandruff, you can use this juice. All you have to do is – mix amla juice with a bottle gourd juice and massage your scalp with this mixture. It will treat your scalp and wash off dandruff.
11. Face Mask
You can make a fantastic face mask from lauki juice. Mix the juice with cucumber juice, yogurt, and basan to make the pack. It will nourish your face and will treat a pimple.
12. Astringent
Bottle gourd has a fantastic property to make homemade astringent. You can mix the juice of lauki with tomato and cucumber juice. Once it is made, you can apply the mixture to your face with cotton. This is an excellent treatment for oily skin that suffers from pimple-related problems. The mixture will wash off the excess oil and leave your skin fresh and healthy. Try this homemade astringent to have significant and healthy skin.
13. Treats Suntan
Lauki possesses anti-inflammatory properties. This is why applying lauki juice on suntan helps. To remove the dark patches, you need to use the liquid to the affected areas at least three times a day. Regular application of this juice will make the skin smooth and treat the sun-affected areas. However, it would be best if you used this juice every day to get its benefits.
14. Prevents Depression
Yes, this is true. Drinking lauki juice can prevent depression. Bottle gourd juice has an ample amount of possesses Choline. Possesses Choline helps in brain function properly. This is why when you drink this juice, you get to chase away depression and stress.
15. Lowers Blood Sugar
If you are suffering from blood sugar-related problems, you need to drink this juice. It helps in controlling blood sugar-related problems and gets the level of sugar down. This is why lauki juice should be consumed every day for at least 90 days to get the best result.
16. Replaces Protein Shake
Your lauki juice can replace the protein shake you use. This one is especially beneficial when drank after a workout session. The liquid works wonder in replacing the lost sugar, carb, and glycogen. Try this juice after a workout and find out its benefits yourself. Lauki juice is excellent when taken every day right after workout sessions.
17. Treats Various Diseases
This juice is highly beneficial for people who suffer from epilepsy and insanity. Regular consumption also treats acidity. In case you are suffering from an ulcer, this juice will help your condition.
18. Great For Jaundice
People who are suffering from jaundice will get benefits from drinking lauki juice. Sometimes this juice gets suggested when someone has jaundice.
19. Liver Function
Bottle gourd juice is excellent for keeping liver function properly. If you drink this juice every day, you will notice its benefits within a brief period. This is the best use of lauki in health care. However, you need to drink juice every day for the best result.
20. Weight Loss
Yes, you read it right. Bottle gourd contains high water. This is why making juice of this veggie becomes easier. Because it possesses iron, vitamins, and potassium, it is excellent for health. The veggie and its juice can promote weight loss. However, not many people talk about it.
In the family of weight loss foods, lauki or bottle gourd is the most ignored one. Yet, when you drink the juice of this veggie, you get a fantastic health boost that promotes quick weight loss. If you explore its nutrients chart, you will find that bottle gourd is totally calorie-less. This veggie juice can also be incorporated for weight loss. You can make juice from this veggie along with using it for cooking dishes. The health benefits will remain the same.
Traditional uses
Fruits are used as cardioprotective, general tonic, cardiotonic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, antidote to poisons and stings.
The juice of Bottle gourd is used to treat cardiovascular disorder, indigestion, stomach acidity, and ulcers.
It is used to treat allergic and inflammatory disorders such as rhinitis, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, and diabetes.
A decoction of Bottle gourd is used to treat ascites, anasarca, and beriberi.
In India, the seeds are taken internally to cure headaches.
In Indian medicine, leaves are used as a purgative, and soup of young shoots is used against constipation.
In Benin, a decoction of leaves is used for icterus.
In India and Nigeria, a decoction made from a leaf is used to treat jaundice.
In Madagascar, a decoction made from the root is used as an enema.
Toxicity
Like other members of the Cucurbitaceae family, gourds contain cucurbitacins that are known to be cytotoxic at a high concentration. The tetracyclic triterpenoid cucurbitacins present in fruits and vegetables of the cucumber family are responsible for the bitter taste and could cause ulcers in the stomach. In extreme cases, people have died from drinking the juice of gourds. The toxic cases are usually due to the gourd being used to make juice, which the drinkers attested to being unusually bitter. Moreover, the victims in the three lethal cases were all diabetics in their 50 s and 60 s. However, the plant is not normally toxic when eaten and is safe to consume. The excessively bitter (and toxic) gourds are due to improper storage (temperature swings or high temperature) and over-ripening.
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