Just when we think of a vegetable which is green in colour and looks not so tempting, we tend to void it without thinking of its health benefits. From bottle gourd to bitter gourd, there are some vegetables that are packed with ample health benefits, but we don’t do it by their benefits but by the taste. We know it is not fair!!
One such vegetable that needs your attention is a spine gourd. This oval-shaped, light green coloured vegetable with soft spines is assumed to be bitter like bitter gourd because of its appearance but this is not true. Also known as kantola or kakora is a vegetable that comes with essential nutrients. Definitely not bitter in taste, this vegetable grows mostly in monsoon. It is rich in fibre and protein and extremely low in calories. It carries a good amount of vitamin C along with flavonoids, iron, zinc, potassium, amino acids and many others. We may just not eat it because of its appearance but it is rightly said that one should never judge a book by its cover. Spine gourd is highly valued in our ancient Ayurveda system and even balances the three doshas. This vegetable is considered quite beneficial in curing respiratory disorders, urinary disorders as well inflammation and fevers. Let us have a close look at its health benefits.
Helps in Boosting Immune System
Spine gourd has ample analgesic, antiallergic, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Because of such health benefits, it is often consumed during monsoon and helps in preventing seasonal colds, fevers, allergies etc.
Improves Eyesight
Packed with vitamin A, this vegetable can give miraculous results when it comes to improving eyesight. Because of having carotenoids like lutein, this vegetable keeps eye diseases at bay.
Helps in Controlling Diabetes
Because of having hypoglycaemic properties, this vegetable helps in stimulating insulin secretion and reducing insulin sensitivity. For diabetics, this vegetable can help when it comes to maintaining sugar levels. One can juice it or have it like a normal sabji.
Good for Skin
Apart from being a perfect solution for seasonal colds and fevers, this spiny vegetable is also good for maintaining skin health. It contains flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein which help in keeping the skin young and happy.
Improves Digestion
Many of us deal with digestion problems but this vegetable is the solution we were looking for. Because of having a high content of soluble fibre, spine gourd promotes good digestion and makes our lives easier.
I think all these health benefits are enough for us to get a reality check that appearance doesn’t matter and what matters is the look. Let us opt for eating healthy rather than just judging!!