Snake Gourd And Its Seeds: Benefits And Side Effects

Since ancient times, snake gourd has been used in Ayurveda and Siddha. The medicinal and curative properties of the vegetable, as well as the seeds and leaves of snake gourd, are commendable. Snake gourd, naturally high in water content and nutritious seeds, both have a cooling impact on the body. In addition, they have zero cholesterol, which improves heart health. Furthermore, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, which aid in vital metabolic functions in the body.

Table Of contents

1. Snake Gourd And Its Seeds

2.Properties Of Snake Gourd And Its Seeds

3. Nutritional Value Of Snake Gourd And Its Seeds

4. Health Benefits Of Snake Gourd

5. Health Benefits Of Snake Gourd Seeds

6. Side Effects And Precautions

7. Dietitian’s Recommendations

8. The Final Say

9. FAQs

Snake Gourd And Its Seeds

Snake gourd is a vine plant that grows up a tree before spreading its flowers and fruits outward to hang down to the earth. This plant is native to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and other neighbouring nations, as well as areas of Australia and Africa. Though this particular vegetable may not be well-known worldwide, it has been used as an exceptional food by some cultures for hundreds or even thousands of years. The flavour is bitter, but it often vanishes with cooking.

Properties Of Snake Gourd And Its Seeds 

Snake gourd and its seeds have the following properties:

• It is anti-inflammatory, which can help ease the body's reaction to any injury or irritation.
• It is gastroprotective, advantageous to the stomach and can help treat stomach worms.
• It aids in reducing blood glucose levels, which is excellent for people with diabetes.
• Its antipyretic properties can help in fever reduction.
• Finally, it is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial.

Nutritional Value Of Snake Gourd And Its Seeds 

The snake gourd and its seeds have a high nutritional value. The snake gourd nutrition facts for a 100 g serving are as follows:

Macronutrients:

• Calories - 86.2 kcal
• Total Fat - 3.9 g
• Total Carbohydrate - 12.5 g
• Dietary Fibre - 0.6 g
• Protein - 2.0 g
• Sodium - 33.0 mg
• Potassium - 359.1 mg

Micronutrients:

• Vitamin A - 9.8 %
• Vitamin B6 - 11.3 %
• Vitamin C - 30.5 %
• Vitamin E - 1.1 %
• Calcium - 5.1 %
• Magnesium - 6.7%
• Phosphorus - 5.0%
• Zinc - 7.2%
• Iron - 5.7%
• Manganese - 12.5%
• Iodine - 5.9%

Health Benefits Of Snake Gourd 

1. Catalyses Weight Loss

It is low in calories and high in critical nutrients. As a result, it can be consumed daily by people who diligently follow a diet plan to lose weight, particularly those with diabetes. It also contains nutritional fibres that are quickly processed in the stomach, keeping one fuller for longer, lowering cravings, and assisting in fat burning at a faster rate.

2. Improves Heart Function

Because it contains no cholesterol, snake gourd can be safely ingested daily to promote heart health. In addition, the boiling vegetable can be easily added to many traditional homemade Indian cuisines since it increases blood circulation to and from the heart, ensuring proper cardiac muscle performance.

3. Detoxifies Kidney Function

Snake gourd promotes the body's natural removal of wastes and kidney stones through the excretory system. It increases fluid secretion within the kidneys, allowing toxins to be excreted quickly and ensuring optimum hydration of the body's internal organs. Snake gourd juice can help the kidneys and bladder do their daily functions. It is an antioxidant-rich food that fights free radicals in the body.

4. Improves Digestion

Snake gourd contains a high fibre content, which aids in the prevention of constipation, bloating, and stomach cramping after a big meal. Furthermore, its laxative function regulates bowel motions, relieving any discomfort in the gut.

5. Improves Respiratory Processes

Snake gourd has an inherent expectorant property, which means it may easily loosen and eliminate excess phlegm or mucus secretions from the respiratory tract. This dramatically improves lung function and prevents allergies and respiratory problems like asthma.

6. Ketogenic Diet Safe

Non-starchy veggies are a staple of all keto diets. In this aspect, because snake gourd is naturally low in carbohydrates and sugars, it can be a perfect component of a keto diet, which focuses on lowering calorie consumption by reducing carbs. In the ketogenic diet, a simple quick-fix dish of boiling chopped snake gourd vegetables and seasoning with salt and pepper can be introduced daily for lunch.

Health Benefits Of Snake Gourd Seeds

1. Aids Hypertension

The snake gourd seeds are high in potassium, which helps maintain electrolyte equilibrium. They also contain the antioxidant isoflavone. As a result, snake gourd seeds can reduce artery tension, making the blood flow smoother. 

2. Diarrhoea Prevention

It has tremendous antibacterial potential. Snake gourd seeds aid in the fight against infections that infiltrate the gastrointestinal tract. Snake gourd seeds help remove toxins and toxic particles from the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, restoring digestive health.

3. Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes patients may have greater levels of oxidative stress. Snake gourd seeds are high in antioxidants, which help to decrease oxidative damage. High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes generate free radicals in the body, and vitamin C in snake gourd may be helpful.

Side Effects And Precautions  

• You should see a doctor immediately if you experience strange symptoms after eating it.
• Before offering snake gourd to pregnant women, the elderly, or youngsters, use extreme caution and seek medical guidance.

Dietitian’s Recommendations

Snake gourd vegetables, seeds, leaves, and juice extracts, like most gourd families, can be used in different ways in the form of cooked vegetables, juices, stir-fried, in combination with other food groups like cereals and are high in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fibres, as well as essential trace compounds like Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, minerals etc. Being so exclusive in nutrients, snake gourd and its seeds can be a part of your daily meals. However, breastfeeding moms should refer to the mother’s guide on lactation before its consumption.

The Final Say

Snake gourds are incredibly beneficial to physical well-being. They also aid in the overall health of the skin and hair. Furthermore, snake gourds are known to be employed in Ayurveda as a natural cure for various diseases, improving nutritional qualities in humans. They aid in treating various ailments, including asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. They may also aid in weight loss, especially in PCOD women. They are also an excellent keto food option. Overall, eating snake gourds is perfectly safe. However, remember that you should only buy from fresh gourds. The fact remains that snake gourds are safe to eat every day. However, it is critical to keep the quantity in mind.

FAQs

1. What is the medicinal value of a snake gourd?

Vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine, and iron, are abundant in snake gourd. The vegetable has antibacterial properties that are thought to strengthen the immune system. In addition, the juice helps eliminate dandruff when applied to the scalp. Both circulation and blood vessel cleaning are benefits of the juice.

2. Are snake gourd seeds edible?

Yes. Snake gourd seeds are edible and provide several health benefits. In addition, they help in relieving several health problems.

3. How do you use snake gourd seeds?

In 1 teaspoon of oil or ghee, roast nuts and dals till the dals are golden. Curry leaves are added next. Add fresh coconut and snake gourd parts after that. Finally, roast gourd seeds once again.

4. Does snake gourd cause gas?

The only precaution to be taken while consuming the snake gourd is to avoid overconsumption of its seeds. The seeds can cause nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, and gastric discomfort if consumed excessively. 

5. Is snake gourd good for constipation?

Snake gourd treats constipation. It acts as a mild laxative and helps in clearing the stomach. To improve your bowel movement, consume 1 to 2 spoons of snake gourd juice daily. 

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