The scientific name of the bottle gourd (Calabash) is Lagenaria siceraria and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It was first domesticated in Asia, and Central America at least ten thousand years ago and in Africa and about four thousand years ago, now widely distributed throughout the world. Bottle gourd was one of the world’s first cultivated plants that were not grown primarily for food but for use as containers.
Bottle gourd is also known as a calabash. Bottle gourd is yellowish green in color, It has a thick vine with white flowers that only open at night. The fruit has large varieties of shapes, they can be huge and rounded and small and bottle shapes, selected for by their human users. The bottle gourd has a woody hollow vessel that’s why its uses range from food and medicine to musical instruments, for fishing float, and is suitable for floating containing water and food.
Nutrients
Bottle gourds (Calabash) contain rich amounts of vitamins and minerals that are most beneficial for human health and fight against harmful free radicals. Let’s discuss its nutrient, which is good for your health.100 grams of bottle gourd contains the following nutrients.
- Calories: 15
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Potassium: 170mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Total carbohydrate: 3.7g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Vitamin C: 14%
- Iron: 1%
- Calcium: 2%
- Magnesium: 2%
| How to grow bottle gourd (Calabash) from seed? |
Healthy benefits of bottle gourd (Calabash)
The high amount of fiber contained in bottle gourd (Calabash) prevents constipation piles and flatulence. Fats and cholesterol are very low and contain 90% of water. A rich amount of nutrients in bottled gourd such as vitamins B and C assists in antioxidant properties that are very beneficial for human health.
It may reduce stress
Bottle gourds contain antioxidant compounds, which may help in reducing stress. The water content in it has a cooling impact on the body.
It may help in weight loss
If you looking to lose weight bottled gourd juice is good and very useful for this issue. Because it contains iron, vitamins, and potassium, must use its juice on daily consumption it will help you reduce weight loss.
May reduce the heart problems
As we know that bottled gourds contain huge amounts of nutrients, which are extremely beneficial for heart health. People with heart problems should use it in their diet. In the addition, Drinking its juice at least thrice a week will help you to maintain heart health and also keep a check on your blood pressure.
May reduce the sleeping disorder
Some studies show that adding bottle gourd to your diet may also help in treating sleep disorders. In the addition, if you mixed sesame oil with the bottle gourd, you will sleep better.
Helps in digestion
Among the other benefits of bottle gourd, it also helps in digestion. The high amount of fiber and alkali content in bottle gourd may also help in treating acidity.
Benefits the skin
Bottle gourd is packed with nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc that can help in dealing with premature aging. Consumption of its juice may also help to slow down cell aging and prevent wrinkles and blackheads from appearing on the face. Other studies show that bottled gourd juice also acts as a natural cleanser and removes toxicity from the body.
It may control hair fall
Regular intake of bottled gourd may also control hair fall because it contains vitamin B. it may also help reduce discoloration and frizziness of your natural hair.
Reduction in blood sugar level
Bottle gourd is also beneficial for diabetes. It contains a high amount of water content and fiber, which can help maintain blood sugar levels. Some studies show that bottled gourd is one of the healthiest vegetables for diabetes. Consumption of bottled gourd juice will help reduction of blood sugar levels. In the addition, bottle gourd has a huge amount of antioxidant compound that is diuretic in nature, which is also good for diabetes.
Side effects of bottle gourd (Calabash) or its juice
Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar level)
High consumption of bottled gourd or its juice may cause hypoglycemia.
Toxic when bitter
Bottle gourd or its juice is very beneficial for a healthy body and mind. But some research proved that if you used a bitter bottle gourd in your diet it could be highly toxic to your body and it may cause death. In the addition, it may also cause various side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and discomfort feelings.
FAQ
Is bottle gourd good for health?
Yes, it has many health benefits such as reducing stress good for your skin, hair, and heart, and also helping in weight loss.
What does bottle gourd taste like?
Bottle gourds have a mellow flavor with traces of sweetness, Similar to summer squash-related vegetables. Although less juicy, the texture is similar to cucumber flesh.
What is bottle gourd called in India?
The bottle gourd in India is known as a Lauki.
When to harvest bottle gourd?
When the fruits have a soft and smooth surface, you can harvest them. Harvest the fruits after 2-3 months of seed sowing.
