Health Benefits of SNAKE GOURD

The scientific name of Snake Gourd is "Trichosanthes cucumerina". Snake gourd (also known as potlakaya, chichinda, padwal and serpent gourd in Indian languages) is so-called because it looks like a snake, and can grow anywhere from a foot to six feet in length. It belongs to cucumber family and it is of extremely rapid growth and of climbing habit. This vegetable is long and curved that appears like a snake hanging. It is more popular vegetable in South Asian cuisines and is used in curries, pickles, raitha, soups etc. It tastes good only when it is cooked. Snake gourd consists of substantial amount of moisture and little protein, fibre, fat and carbohydrates. It is used in some of the Ayurvedic medicines due to its medicinal properties and also advantageous through the health perspectives.

A few of the health benefits shown below:

• Snake gourd is very high in water content and has a cooling effect on the body, hence it helps in handling the summer heat.
• Snake gourd is low in calories, fat-free, and good to include in weight-loss diets.
• Even diabetics can include safely to reduce weight by getting enough nutrition.
• It is rich in fiber to keep your digestive system healthy, wards off constipation with ease.
• Fresh leaves juice are strongly laxative in effect to treat children who are suffering from constipation.
• Snake gourd is good in source of minerals and vitamin contents like calcium, iron, phosphorus and substantial amount of carotene, traces of riboflavin, thiamine and niacin.
• Fresh leaves juice are useful in treating heart disorders like irregular heartbeat and heartpain.
• Snake gourd leaves juice is very effective in treating dandruff and alopecia (- a hair fall problem that could lead to partial or complete baldness). The juice should be massaged into the scalp. This is an easy home remedy for dandruff.

SIDE EFFECTS:

1. Excess consumption of snake gourd seeds can cause nausea, upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, and gastric discomfort.
2. The ripe fruit and its seeds should not be consumed because they are laxative and may cause indigestion.