Loaded with more than 96 percent water, lauki is extremely low in calories, fat and carbs
Bottle gourd is among the most nutritious and healthy vegetables, which is also the least liked one, especially by children. Popularly known as lauki, bottle gourd’s mild taste is reminiscent of cucumber, and the fruit’s flesh is a particularly popular addition to various Indian dishes.
Loaded with more than 96 per cent water, lauki is extremely low in calories, fat, protein, and carbs. Yet, it is a powerhouse of fibre, along with small amounts of various other important nutrients like vitamin C, riboflavin, and zinc.
And apart from the popularly believed fact that bottle gourd helps in weight loss, there are many other amazing benefits the vegetable has.
Why should you eat lauki daily?
Bottle gourd is a versatile vegetable and has many health benefits, a few of which include:
Improves digestion
The low calories, high fibre, and extremely high water content in lauki help improve your digestion and promote a healthy body weight. According to experts, soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance in your gut, which helps slow your digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
It is also good for digestion when you have an upset stomach or suffering from ailments like diarrhoea or even constipation.
Fights inflammation
Studies say lauki is one of the best sources of vitamin C and several other essential amino acids. Additionally, it has a lot of thiamine, which lowers inflammation in the body. The body is more prone to inflammation due to frequent temperature changes and dehydration.
Vegetables like bottle gourds help reduce stomach discomfort like inflammation and are a terrific natural strategy to avoid such stomach-related disorders.
Hydrates
Bottle gourd is loaded with water and helps hydrate your body. During summer, experts recommend eating lauki daily as it relieves dehydration by maintaining your body's water balance. Also, since it has cooling qualities, bottle gourd calms your body and reduces discomfort caused by heat.
Is great for your skin and hair
Due to its high water content, packed phenolic compounds, vitamins, and antioxidants – bottle gourd is also a great food for your skin and hair.
It helps purify your hair and remove undesirable particles from the body, working as a natural detoxifier in your body. It helps improve the quality of the hair and makes your skin soft and supple.
Other important benefits
Can prevent ulcers
Research indicates that bottle gourd extracts help prevent the appearance of stomach ulcers.
Protects against type 2 diabetes
According to animal studies, lauki also helps reduce blood sugar, triglyceride, and insulin levels.
Has antimicrobial effects
Experts say bottle gourd extracts also protect against certain bacteria and fungi.
Ways to eat bottle gourd
Bottle gourd is a popular part of Asian cuisine. It can be made into a vegetable fish, added to dal, or even as a popular dessert, a halwa.
Made people also add lauki in soups and stews. It can be baked, fried, candied, or simply peeled and added to salads. Bottle gourd can likewise be used to make candy, jam, ketchup, cakes, and ice cream. According to experts, bottle gourd is best stored in a cool, dry place.
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