Snake gourd, scientifically known as Trichosanthes Cucumerina is one of the most nutritious vegetables available on the planet. This green-coloured veggie from the squash family has been adored in Ayurvedic texts since times immemorial. Loaded with immense health benefits, snake gourd comprises of antioxidants like organic amines, flavonoids and an array of nutritional content that can augment overall health, alleviate skin, kidney, stomach, and liver problems and keep the immune system stronger. Presently, it is widely used in many cuisines and even consumed as a potential detox drink.
The edible green vegetable derives its name snake gourd due to its coiled shape with whitish snake-like stripes and is acknowledged for its curative properties to cure fever, jaundice, gastrointestinal troubles, and diabetes. Snake gourd abundantly grows in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, and China as well as in parts of Australia. This gourd is also known to soothe hair and scalp disorders, dandruff, and bald patches besides helping to fight the skin from many chronic problems.
Health Benefits Of Snake Gourd
Here are some fabulous health benefits that this gourd offers:
Accelerates Weight Loss
Snake gourd has an extremely low-calorie count but is very high in essential nutrients. Therefore, this veggie is considered one of the best for people who are aiming for weight loss and do not want to go low on their nutritional intake. Besides, it also provides dietary fibres that help reduce cravings and aid in burning body fat at a faster pace.
Augments Heart Function
Snake gourd is a safe veggie when it comes to promoting heart health because this vegetable is low in cholesterol content as well. When used with less oil, it improves the circulation of blood thus ensuring optimal functioning of the cardiac muscles.
Detoxifies The Kidneys
Snake gourd stimulates the natural elimination of body wastes by increasing the secretion of fluids within the kidneys, which helps to get rid of accumulated toxins from the body. The gourd also supports the kidneys and bladder functions in optimal and smooth ways.
Enhances Digestive System
Snake gourd is considered laxative in nature which helps to regulate bowel movements, thereby easing any discomfort experienced in the gut. Besides its laxative quality, it has a significant amount of fiber. This helps to prevent instances of constipation and sudden or chronic bloating of the stomach.
Augments Respiratory Processes
Not many know about the intrinsic expectorant quality, snake gourd possesses. This property of this nutrient-dense veggie helps to loosen thick phlegm or mucous secretions from the body and relieves it from the respiratory tract besides preventing any allergies and breathing difficulties occurring in the respiratory system.
Cures Acid Reflux
Being high in water content and with almost zero cholesterol, snake gourd works wonders to relieve digestive disorders such as gastrointestinal ailment, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease also called GERD. Consuming snake gourd juice once a day also provides relief from gastritis, and peptic ulcers and soothes the burning sensation in the heart.
Conclusion
Snake gourd is highly beneficial green nutrient dense green veggie that helps to promote physical wellness and appearance of skin and hair. Besides enhancing the fitness traits in individuals, snake gourd is also acknowledged in Ayurveda, as an effective home remedy for curing various mild to severe ailments. Generally, it is safe to take snake gourd as a vegetable or in form of juice extract, it is advised to purchase a fresh stock of this vegetable.
