Ridge gourd, known as 'Tori' or 'Torai,' is increasingly lauded not just for its culinary versatility but also for its remarkable health benefits. Across the Asian continent, this vegetable has found its place in regional kitchens due to its growing reputation for promoting overall well-being.
Celebrated for its cereboprotective properties, ridge gourd is believed to contribute to brain health, potentially aiding in safeguarding cognitive function. Its anti-inflammatory attributes suggest potential benefits in reducing inflammation within the body, while its antimicrobial and anti-allergy properties hint at its role in boosting immunity and combating allergic reactions.
In Indian cuisine, ridge gourd holds a prominent spot, commonly featuring in various dishes. Its availability in two distinct textures—one with ridges and another smooth-skinned variety—provides versatility in culinary applications. The vibrant green exterior encases a tender, white fleshy interior, offering a mild and subtle taste that easily absorbs flavors during cooking.
Rich in essential nutrients, ridge gourd is a source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to its recognized role in promoting good health. Incorporating this vegetable into culinary creations not only adds depth to flavors but also delivers potential health advantages, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
# Enhances vision1. The large amounts of vitamin A found in ridge gourd, in the form of beta carotene helps in enhancing eyesight even at an older age.
2. The beta carotene is an important antioxidant that rids the optic nerves and visual blood vessels of toxins hence, shielding the eyes from harmful free radicals.
3. Turai helps in preventing partial blindness, macular degeneration, and other eye complaints.
# Controls diabetes1. The low-calorie content and the antioxidant properties of turai make it an ideal option for people suffering from diabetes.
2. Turai being hypoglycaemic, helps in controlling the blood sugar levels.
# Relieves constipationThe high content of water, cellulose, and dietary fibre in ridge gourd offer relief from constipation. It also restores normal bowel movement and digestion.
# Promotes weight loss1. The high dietary fibre content in ridge gourd takes time to be absorbed in the body thus offering a feeling of fullness.
2. Ridge gourd is low in calories and high in water content thus, making it an ideal option for weight loss.
3. Ridge gourd contains negligible amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol.
# Other possible Benefits
Ridge gourd produces several health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces a few more such as helps in reducing inflammation, aids in decreasing heat in the body, prevents premature greying, reduces skin infections, protects liver function, treats anaemia, prevents hair fall, and prevents skin diseases. It can also help in purify blood of toxic wastes and help remove alcohol residues from the body.