Ash Gourd, which is scientifically termed as Benincasa hispida, goes by the various vernacular names like Petha, Boodida Gummadi in Telugu. This gourd plant is an annual trailing vine. It has also been well-regarded for its potential medicinal values, and since ancient times, it has been widely documented in the Ayurvedic texts. Nowadays, it continues to be heralded for its immense health benefits, and it is widely incorporated in famous local cuisine across India as well as in alleviating illnesses of the liver, skin, and stomach. In this blog, we will find out more about Ash gourd juice benefits on overall health.
Basic Characteristics of Ash Gourd
The Ash Gourd plant is also known as Benincasa hispida, which belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae. However, it has a unique melon-like fruit that is often consumed for its medicinal and functional properties. However, the Ash gourd plant grows in humid tropical climates, and it is cultivated in countries of South East Asia, which include Japan, India, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Also, this Ash gourd fruit got its name from the colour of the skin, which is ash, and it is known as wax gourd due to the waxy shine on the skin. However, it is mainly grown in the rainy season, so people also know it as Kushmanda, that was thought to have medicinal properties. Even the most famous Agra ka Petha is also prepared by using the ripened ash gourd fruit, which is soaked in sugar syrup.
Potential Health Benefits of Ash Gourd Juice
1. It accelerates weight loss
One of the Ash Gourd benefits for health is that it is low in calories and high in essential nutrients, will be taken regularly by those people who are strictly following a diet regimen to lose weight, especially in the case of those with diabetes. Also, it provides dietary fibers that will be processed easily in the stomach. Moreover, it helps in balancing the weight. It also helps in burning fat at a quicker pace.
2. Helps in treating Insomnia
The prominent vitamin B6 helps in treating insomnia, is crucial for maintaining brain function, allowing the unobstructed condition of nerve pulses. However, adding one glass of ash gourd juice each day will promote better sleep and reduce the activity of neurotransmitters.
3. Improves Heart function
By having negligible cholesterol content, ash gourd can be safely consumed in the diet regularly for promoting heart health. This boiled vegetable will be effortlessly added to many standard homemade Indian dishes, as it will improve the circulation of blood to and from the heart, which ensures optimal functioning of cardiac muscles.
4. Detoxifies The Kidneys
Ash Gourd helps in boosting the secretion of fluids within the kidneys, promptly getting rid of accumulated toxins at the same time, guaranteeing proper hydration of internal organs in the body. Moreover, it supports the routine tasks of the kidneys and bladder.
5. Enhances Digestive System
Ash Gourd has a fiber content that helps in preventing instances of bloating, cramping due to the indigestion of heavy meals. However, the laxative nature of Ash gourd eases any discomfort experienced in the gut. There are some easy ash gourd juice recipes too which you can add in your daily routine that will not just improve your digestive system but also improves your overall health.
6. Strengthens Respiratory Processes
Ash Gourd has an intrinsic expectorant quality that implies that it can readily loosen any excess phlegm or mucus secretions and remove them from the respiratory tract. However, this immensely benefits lung function and also prevents any allergies and breathing issues.
7. Complements Ketogenic Diet
In keto diets non-starchy vegetables are a constant addition. However, in this regard, ash gourd, which is naturally low in sugars and carbohydrates, can be an ideal component of the Keto diet that focuses on lowering calorie consumption by cutting down on carbs. A simple, quick-fix recipe of boiling cut ash gourd vegetable and seasoning with salt and pepper that will be incorporated on a regular basis for lunch in the ketogenic diet.
8. Naturally Moisturizes Skin
Ash Gourd has an innate content of smoothening or emollient vitamin E that also has antioxidant properties. The gel extract from this vegetable, when applied to sunburn rashes, pacifies the aggravated and dried-up regions of the skin, leaving it soft and completely moisturized.
9. Promotes Hair Growth
Ash Gourd has a multitude of minerals and vitamins that will provide vigour to the hair strands. However, when it is applied as a gel, it penetrates deep into the layers of the scalp and protects follicles, thereby maintaining the thickness and stability of hair.
10. Combats Skin Infections
Ash Gourd has a multitude of vitamins and minerals that will provide the vigour of the hair strands and nourishment to the scalp. It also promotes the thickness and stability of hair. However, Ash Gourd is an ideal option if you are looking to gain long and strong hair.
11. Tackles Excessive Dandruff
Ash Gourd has potent chemicals that will reduce the intensity of flakiness and dandruff on the scalp of hair. However, it will also shelter the roots of the hair strands, which are well-known as follicles, from the dirt and fungus particles that will trigger dandruff. When applied routinely to the peeling scalp and dry hair, it can significantly revamp the appearance of dull hair.
Side Effects of Ash Gourd Juice
- Always buy fresh ash gourd from the market or store, as older stock may contain infectious agents or pesticide residues.
- Ash Gourd has many vital trace minerals. Hence, excessive amounts are harmful as they will result in toxic levels of these metallic elements accumulating in the system.
- Patients with severe fever and high fluctuations in body temperature should avoid consuming ash gourd juice due to its further cooling effect on the body, which can slow down the healing processes.
Wrapping It Up
Ash Gourd has detailed botany, health benefits that have been elaborated upon, so it is crucial to understand all these aspects to gain insights about the nutritional values. However, it is beneficial for promoting physical wellness and the appearance of hair and skin.
