28 Amazing Benefits of Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd is a fruiting vegetable that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and other regions of the world. It is loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc, and provides numerous health and beauty benefits.
Long melon, suzzon melon, and Tasmania bean are some other names given to bottle gourd.
Once dried, bottle gourd can also be used as bottles, pipes, and utensils.
Health Benefits of Bottle Gourd
Some of the major health benefits of bottle gourd are as follows.
(1) Aids In Weight Loss
The low calorific value of bottle gourd makes it very beneficial for individuals who are on a weight loss regime and would like to get rid of some extra pounds.
One can enjoy bottle gourd without the guilt of excessive calorie load as 100 grams of bottle gourd only provides 14 calories of energy.
Dietary fibers in bottle gourd provide satiety to the stomach and thus controls overeating which is a major cause of obesity.
Around 92 percent of bottle gourd is water that improves metabolism, aids digestion, and controls weight gain, and further helps the weight loss program.
(2) Keep Our Digestive System Healthy
Consuming bottle gourd improves our digestive health and is beneficial for our stomach.
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in bottle gourd improves bowel movement and ensures smooth elimination of stool from the system. This relieves constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
High water content (around 92 percent) in the bottle gourd also improves digestive health as it promotes digestion and smooth bowel movement.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
(3) Provides Cooling Effect
Consuming bottle gourd keeps us well hydrated and also provides a cooling effect because of its high water content (around 92 percent).
Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as it is needed for various biological and cellular functions like providing moisturization to joints and tissues, improving metabolism, preventing dehydration, assisting digestion, maintaining the health of vital organs like liver and kidneys, etc.
Our water is made up of around 60 percent water, and for organs like lungs and kidneys, it is even higher than 80 percent.
(4) Helps In Treating Urinary Tract Infection
The diuretic properties of the bottle gourd help in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections.
Because of its diuretic properties, it increases the frequency and flow of urine and thus helps in the removal of toxins, pollutants, excess fluids, excess salts, and other unwanted substances from the body. This improves our renal health and reduces the risk of urinary tract infection.
Diuretic properties of bottle gourd are even more beneficial for individuals who find it difficult to pass urine efficiently.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect the vital organs like the liver and kidneys from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers also help with detoxification and further improves our renal health.
(5) Reduces The Risk Of Insomnia
Sleep plays an important role in our well-being as our body and brain perform various functions even during the sleep stage.
Quality of sleep is more important than quantity of sleep, and not getting enough sleep or quality sleep can give rise to various health problems like increased risk of cardiovascular problem, increased risk of hypertension, increased risk of diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, etc.
The rich nutritious profile of, bottle gourd helps in getting quality sleep and reduces the risk of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Vitamin B complex in the bottle gourd provides relief from stress and anxiety and allows us to enjoy quality sleep.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron and magnesium, etc in the bottle gourd also improve sleep quality.
Drinking a fresh bottle of gourd juice added with few drops of sesame oil is beneficial against insomnia.
(6) Keeps Us Hydrated
Consuming bottle gourd keeps us hydrated because of its high water content ( around 92 percent).
Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as it is required for various biological and cellular functions.
Bottle gourd helps control extreme thirst and replenish the lost water in the body.
It also improves the functionality of vital organs like living and kidneys that contains more than 75 percent water.
(7) Aids In Controlling Hypertension Or High Blood Pressure
Potassium, a vital mineral present in the bottle gourd is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.
Hypertension is a state of elevated blood pressure that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease. It is a silent killer and doesn’t have noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Low sodium content in the bottle gourd also plays a significant role in providing relief from hypertension.
If you are already taking medication to regulate blood pressure then consult your doctor about the inclusion of bottle gourd in your diet to ensure that there won’t be any food-drug intolerance.
(8) Manages Cholesterol Levels
The dietary fibers in the bottle gourd reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol in the body and thus helps in managing cholesterol levels.
The reduction of LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits within the arterial walls.
Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems.
(9) Improves Cardiovascular Health
The abundance of essential nutrients in the bottle gourd keeps our heart healthy and improves our cardiovascular health.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in bottle gourd reduce LDL cholesterol and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems.
Potassium, a natural vasodilator in the bottle gourd provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure that give rise to various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease, and as well as other health problems.
Iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B complex, etc in the bottle gourd also improves our cardiovascular health.
(10) Keeps Our Liver Healthy
The liver is a vital organ that removes toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body, and also performs other functions like production of bile juice, production of cholesterol, hormones and bilirubin, enzyme activation, storage of glycogen, metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, etc.
Regular consumption of bottle gourd or bottle gourd juice aids in maintaining our liver health
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the bottle gourd reduces liver inflammation.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds such as phytonutrients and polyphenols in bottle gourd also protect the liver from free radical damage and thus contribute to better liver health.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, etc also contribute to better liver health.
(11) Reduces The Risk Of Several Types Of Cancer(S)
The antioxidants present in the bottle gourd fight with the free radicals of our body, stabilize them, and thus prevents them from causing oxidative damage to our cells and reduces the risk of various cancers.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidnatal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the bottle gourd protects our cells and tissues from the free radical damage and thus reduces the risk of several types of cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, etc.
Free radicals are formed during the oxidation process. These are unstabilized ions that obtain stabilization by stealing electrons from neighboring molecules and while doing so, it causes oxidative damage to them.
(12) Good For Diabetic Patients
With a low glycemic index of 15, bottle gourd slows down the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream, prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus helps in managing diabetes.
Additionally, dietary fibers in bottle gourd reduce sugar absorption into the bloodstream and thus regulates blood sugar level.
Excessive intake of bottle gourd should be avoided as otherwise, it may drop blood sugar to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, moodiness and fast heartbeat, etc.
If you are already on diabetic medication, then consult your doctor before adding bottle gourd to your diet to ensure there’s no food-drug intolerance.
(13) Provides Relief From Inflammation
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the bottle gourd provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by anti-inflammatory compounds like joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
(14) Aids In Detoxification
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in bottle gourd eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body.
Removal of excess toxins reduces the burden of detoxification from the liver and kidneys to some extent, allowing them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in bottle gourd protect vital organs like the liver and kidneys from free radical damage and further improves detoxification.
(15) Strengthens Immune System
Consuming bottle gourd strengthens our immune system, the sophisticated defense mechanism of the body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, injuries, and diseases, etc.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in the bottle gourd protects our immune cells aka white blood cells from the free radical damage, and thus strengthens our immunity.
Vitamin C also enhances the production of white blood cells and further strengthens immunity.
When our immune system is stronger, we are less likely to be suffering from cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
Zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B complex, etc also play a significant role in making our immune system stronger.
(16) Eating Bottle Gourd During Pregnancy
The rich nutritious profile of bottle gourd makes it very beneficial during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, a woman needs to ensure that she is enjoying healthy meals loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, etc. What she eats not only determines her health but also the health and wellness of the fetus developing in her womb.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in bottle gourd protect the uterus and the fetus growing in the womb from free radical damage.
The low glycemic index of bottle gourd reduces blood sugar level, and thus minimizes the risk of gestational diabetes.
Dietary fibers in it manage cholesterol levels and also regulates blood sugar levels.
Folic acid in the bottle gourd helps in the growth and development of the bones and minimizes the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida etc.
Iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium, etc in the bottle gourd also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
(17) Make Our Bones Stronger
Consuming bottle gourd strengthens our bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis due to the presence of bone-strengthening minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, etc
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder in which our bones become weak and fragile, and are prone to damage and fracture.
Beauty Benefits Of Bottle Gourd For Skin
Some of the major beauty benefits of bottle gourd for skin or as follows
(1) Reduces The Risk Of Premature Ageing
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the bottle gourd protects our skin cells and tissues from free radical damage and thus reduces the risk of various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc
Other nutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamin B complex, etc also helps in maintaining healthy skin.
(2) Maintains Skin Health
Vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds present in the bottle gourd make our skin soft, supple, and radiant, and thus maintains our skin health.
Antioxidantal compounds of bottle gourd protect the skin from free radical damage, and thus minimizes various signs of premature aging.
Dietary fibers in the bottle gourd remove toxins and other impurities from the skin pores and thus contributes to better skin health.
A high level of water (around 92 percent) in the bottle gourd keeps our skin well moisturized and hydrated, and thus makes it soft and supple.
Antioxidants in bottle gourd enhance the production of collagen and maintain skin elasticity.
Other nutrients like zinc, copper, selenium, etc in the bottle gourd helps in bringing out the natural glow of the skin and are thus beneficial for skin health.
(3) Aids In The Treatment Of Acne
Consuming bottle gourd or the bottle gourd juice and as well topical application of the same minimizes the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is primarily caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substances from the skin pores.
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in bottle gourd eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our body.
When there are fewer toxins in our system, they don’t accumulate in our skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
Also, the dietary fibers in the bottle gourd control the secession of excess oil from skin glands, and thus prevents the acne from worsening.
(4) Increases Collagen Production
Vitamin C, an antioxidantal compound present in the bottle gourd increases the production of collagen in our system.
Collagen is an important amino acid that maintains our skin elasticity and is mainly found in the connective tissues like joints, tendons, bones, and cartilages, etc.
Collagen provides shape and elasticity to the skin, tightens skin, and makes our skin wrinkle-free.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A also protect our skin cells from free radical damage and keep various signs of premature aging at bay.
(5) Protects Our Skin From UV Rays Of Sun
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc present in the bottle gourd protects our skin cells from harmful UV rays of the sun, and also reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays to the sun can give rise to problems like wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, solar elastosis, and eye problems.
(6) Good For Skin Detoxification
The dietary fibers in the bottle gourd is a natural detoxifier that eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our skin pores, and improves our skin health. This reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C in the bottle gourd not only protect our skin cells from free radical damage but also helps in the elimination of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body.
The abundance of water ( around 92 percent) in the bottle gourd also helps with skin detoxification.
(7) Heals Skin Blemishes
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other relevant compounds in the bottle gourd protect the skin cells from free radical damage and diminishes skin blemishes like acne, scars, pimples, and other skin marks. It helps in bringing out the natural glow of the skin.
Dietary fibers help with skin detoxification and contribute to skin health.
Vitamin E, an essential nutrient for our skin provides nourishment to the skin and makes it healthy.
Beauty Benefits Of Bottle Gourd For Hair
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Bottle gourd promotes hair growth due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc in them.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the bottle gourd protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and minimizes signs of premature aging like greying of hair, splitting of hair, dry hair, split ends, etc.
Potassium in the bottle gourd improves blood circulation in the scalp and thus provides nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp.
By nourishing our hair follicles, they make them strong and lustrous, and a healthy scalp promotes the growth of new hairs.
Other nutrients like zinc, copper, Iron, etc. also play a significant role in promoting hair growth.
(2) Make Our Hair Strong And Lustrous
Consuming bottle gourd or bottle gourd juice and as well as topical application of the same improves our scalp health and make our hair strong and lustrous due to the abundance of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in them.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the bottle gourd protects our hair follicles and scalp from the free radical damage.
This improves scalp health, improves blood circulation in the scalp, and nourishes our hair follicles and scalp efficiently.
Other nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin E, zinc, iron, etc. also play a major role in making our hair strong and lustrous.
(3) Reduces The Risk Of Scalp Acne
Acne is a common skin problem mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores. It can also breakout on the scalp, and is known as scalp acne.
Dietary fibers in the bottle eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our body and thus prevents the accumulation of toxins in our skin and scalp pores. This minimizes the risk of acne and scalp acne.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E also contribute to detoxification.
Dietary fibers also regulate the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent scalp acne from worsening.
(4) Controls Hair Fall
Nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers in the bottle gourd promote scalp health and strengthen our hair follicles.
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds in the bottle gourd protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, strengthens them, and keep various signs of premature aging like greying of hair, hair fall, dry hair, and split ends, etc at bay.
Potassium improves blood circulation in the scalp, provides nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp.
This strengthens our hair follicles, and thus controls hair fall, dry hair, and split ends.
Zinc, iron, and selenium, etc also contribute to better scalp health.
These compounds make our hair strong and lustrous and prevent them from being dry and flaky.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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