Commonly known as Kantola or kakora in Hindi, Spiny Gourd is one the healthiest vegetable that is rich in protein, iron and is low in calories at the same time. Agricultural societies in ancient India have identified numerous health benefits of this tender fruit. You can fry it, add to a curry, make fritters and eat it as a starter.
Spiny Gourd is a perennial, dioceous, herbaceous, climbing creeper that can reach over 2-3 meters in length. The plant can easily be cultivated on unfertile soil. Stem is slender, branched, furrowed, glabrous and shining. Tendrils are elongated, simple, striate and glabrous. Leaves are simple membranous ,broadly ovate in outline , variable in length 3.8-10 cm and 3.2-8 cm wide, cordate at the base, deeply lobed in 3-5 triangular lobes, punctuated, entire but distantly denticulate , petiole 1.3-4.5 cm. long channeled above ,pubescent and glandular.
# Prevents Hypertension and Supports Heart HealthFresh fruit juice of spine gourd is recommended to people with high blood pressure. It supports blood circulation and helps prevent atherosclerosis due to high antioxidant activity. It consists of antilipid peroxidative properties, therefore protects and heals the artery walls.
# Prevents Seasonal InfectionsMonsoon time is considered as an ideal time for common viral infections in the form of fever, cold and cough. Mother Nature has given enough power to spiny gourd to prevent such infections. So don’t hesitate to eat it.
# Boosts Immune System
Spine gourd possesses anti-allergic, antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports all functions of the immune system such as foraging the microbes, memory function of the immune system, and also killer cells.
# Cures Eczema and Skin ProblemsJuice of the young fruits can be applied on the skin to cure pimples and acne. Roasted seeds of the mature fruits are recommended for eczema and other skin problems.
# Protects LiverSpine gourd is a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids that can scavenge free radicals. It has antilipid peroxidative properties, thus prevents oxidation of fats, hence preventing Fatty Liver in the first place. It is extremely optional to those suffering from Fatty Liver or Liver damage.
# Skin and Pimple CareIt has been renowned that eating seasonal fruits or vegetables helps to maintain your skin moisture. Spiny Gourd consists of approximately 84% water within it. So it is a good choice no doubt. Even if you have a pimple on the face then crush the skin of Spiny Gourd and apply the juice in the infected region. It works fine.
# Prevents and cures Respiratory DisordersSpine gourd fruit powder or infusion has errhine effect (induces mucus discharge) when introduced in the nostrils. It is used in Ayurveda to cure Asthma, Bronchitis, and to treat blocked sinuses.
# Brain FunctionFruit of the plant possesses neuro-protective properties and supports the brain function via the CNS (Central Nervous System). In Ayurveda, it is used to treat mental disorders.
# Good for a Diabetic PatientSpine gourd has hypoglycemic properties. It also protects and regenerates pancreatic ß-cells. Additionally, it improves both insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, helping to manage Diabetes at all levels. To treat Diabetes, it can be consumed as a stir-fried vegetable or juiced along with other greens.
# Supports Digestive SystemThe vegetable is cooling in nature and easy to digest. Pulp and seeds are rich in soluble fiber and carry laxative properties. They support digestive system and recommended for health disorders such as gastric ulcers, piles, and constipation. Also it is used as a cure to biliousness, excessive production of bile juice.
# Weight Management
Spiny Gourd is considered as a low-calorie vegetable (fruit). So add it to your monsoon diet and reduce your extra fat right now.
# Prevents CancerRecent research shows that there are crucial antioxidants in the spiny gourd that can give you protection against cancer. Future research will expose more.
# Peptic Ulcer and PilesSimple light non-spicy boil curry is best for peptic ulcers and piles also. Don’t peel off the skin of the spiny gourd if you are making curry because the skin is most effective in this purpose.
# Treats CoughCoughing is the common problem that is seen in the children and adults due to instant change in climate or due to virus and bacteria. If you are suffering due to coughing, then you can take 3 grams of powdered Spiny Gourd thrice in a day with water to control the non-stop coughing.
# Give relief in breathing problemDue to fog and air pollution, breathing problems are increasing rapidly. One can consume spiny gourd to cure breathing problems. Mix 250-500 milligrams of Spiny Gourd’ s root powder with 1 tsp. ginger juice and 1 tbsp. of honey and consume it to get instant relief in any kind of breathing problem.
# Remove kidney stonesIf any person is suffering from the kidney stones, then he/she can get relief from kidney stones using Spiny Gourd. Add 10 grams of powdered Spiny Gourd in one glass of milk or water and drink it daily to remove kidney stones of kidney and bladder.
# Useful for pregnant women
During the pregnancy, many serious situations can arise. One of the problems is neural tube defects. Fresh green pods of Spiny Gourd are good source of folates (Vitamin B9), which is essential for cell growth and reproduction. If pregnant mothers include fresh green pods of Spiny Gourd in their meals during the pregnancy period, then it decreases the chance of neural tube defects as Spiny Gourd has about 72 mcg/100 g of folates.
# Work as anti-agingSpiny Gourd also has different benefiting flavonoids such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthins that are well-known as protective foragers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species. All these compounds will help you to look younger by working as the anti-aging compound. It helps you to keep your skin healthy.
# Improve eyesightSpiny Gourd also consists of good amount of Vitamin A, which is essential for the good eyesight. In the season of Spiny Gourd, you can include it in your food to improve your eyesight.
# Reduce excess sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
If you are feeling uncomfortable by problem of excess sweating then, you can use Spiny Gourd to get relief from the Hyperhidrosis. Take bath with the powdered spiny gourd. Use it as natural scrub. It will decrease the formation of excess bad odor sweating also it gives you smooth skin.