What is Ash Gourd (Winter Melon)?
Ash gourd, known as winter melon or petha in India, is a large fruit with pale green, smooth skin and an elongated shape. In India, ash gourd is commonly used in various culinary preparations, particularly in North Indian cuisine.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy ash gourd in India is by making a sweet delicacy called “petha.” Additionally, with its high water content and low-calorie count, ash gourd is a popular choice for those seeking to maintain a healthy diet. Furthermore, its seeds are often used in traditional medicine to promote digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and support health. It is also used in savoury dishes like curries, soups, and stir-fries across various Indian cuisines.
Keep reading to know more about ash gourd or petha, its nutritional value, and health benefits, whip up easy recipes using ash gourd and much more.
Ash Gourd Juice Nutrition Values and Facts
Ash gourd, or petha, is mainly composed of 90% water and is very low in calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), and riboflavin (B2). Additionally, ash gourd is rich in various micronutrients and macro minerals such as iron, sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iodine, and manganese. Here is the nutritional value of 100 g of petha or ash gourd:
- Calories 86.2 kcal
- Total Fat 3.9 g
- Saturated Fat 0.5 g
- Total Carbohydrate 12.5 g
- Protein 2.0 g
- Dietary Fiber 0.6 g
- Cholesterol 0.0 mg
- Potassium 359.1 mg
- Sodium 33.0 mg
- Vitamin A 9.8 %
- Vitamin C 30.5 %
- Vitamin E 1.1 %
- Vitamin B6 11.3 %
- Calcium 5.1 %
- Zinc 7.2 %
- Iron 5.7 %
- Magnesium 6.7 %
- Phosphorus 5.0 %
- Manganese 12.5 %
- Iodine 5.9 %
Properties of Ash Gourd Juice
Ash gourd juice is beneficial in managing kidney diseases and jaundice, and supporting liver and kidney health. Here are the other medicinal properties of ash gourd or petha that make it a valuable fruit:
- Antioxidant activity: Ash gourd juice exhibits antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory analgesic activity: It possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, aiding in alleviating inflammation and discomfort.
- Antimicrobial activity: Ash gourd juice has antimicrobial properties, which may help fight against various pathogens.
- Antipyretic: It acts as a fever-reducer, helping to lower elevated body temperature during febrile conditions.
- Anti-convulsion activity: It exhibits anti-convulsant properties, potentially assisting in managing seizures.
- Antiulcer activity: Ash gourd juice displays antiulcer properties, preventing and healing gastric ulcers.
- Antidepressant activity: It may possess antidepressant effects, aiding in the management of depressive symptoms.
- Anorectic activity: Ash gourd juice may act as an appetite suppressant, assisting in weight management.
- Histamine activity: It may help regulate histamine levels in the body, potentially reducing allergic reactions.
- Indigestion: It aids in relieving indigestion and promoting digestive health.
- Menstrual disorders: Ash gourd juice may help regulate and alleviate menstrual cycles.
- Dysuria: Both the seeds and leaves of ash gourd assist in treating dysuria, a condition characterised by painful urination.
- Kidney stones: It is useful in breaking down kidney stones, facilitating their elimination from the body.
- Laxative nature: The seeds of ash gourd possess a laxative effect, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation, stomach cramping, and other digestive disorders.
Uses and Benefits of Ash Gourd Juice By Experts
Ash gourd juice benefits those looking for weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, relief of constipation and stomach ulcers and detoxification of their body. Here are the main ash gourd juice benefits:
1) Loaded With Nutrients
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in ash gourd are essential for our health. Its nutrient density makes it a valuable addition to a balanced diet, supporting various bodily functions and promoting optimal health.
2) Helps in Weight Loss
With its low calorie and high water content, ash gourd aids in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. Additionally, its fibre content supports healthy digestion and metabolism, further facilitating weight management efforts.
3) Provides Energy
Ash gourd is a natural source of carbohydrates and electrolytes, providing a sustainable energy boost. Its hydrating properties help replenish fluids lost during physical activity, making it an excellent choice for maintaining energy levels and promoting hydration.
4) Enhances Gut Health
Fibre and water in ash gourd promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and supporting gut health. Additionally, its natural anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, further enhancing gut health.
5) Uses for Ulcers
Ash gourd has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of gastric ulcers due to its soothing and cooling properties. Its mucilaginous texture forms a protective layer over the stomach lining, reducing irritation and promoting the healing of ulcers. Regular consumption of ash gourd juice or cooked ash gourd may help relieve ulcer symptoms.
5) Uses For Skin
Ash gourd benefits skin health due to its hydrating and cooling properties. Applying ash gourd juice or pulp topically can help hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. Additionally, its antioxidant content helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.
6) Improves Lung Health
Ash gourd is believed to have beneficial effects on lung health due to its expectorant properties. By promoting clearer airways and improved lung function, ash gourd juice or decoction may relieve respiratory symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
7) Treats Diabetes
Ash gourd is considered beneficial for individuals with diabetes due to its low glycemic index and potential hypoglycemic effects. Consuming ash gourd regularly may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, supporting overall diabetes management. However, individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when incorporating ash gourd into their diet.
How to Use Ash Gourd Juice?
To prepare ash gourd juice, start by washing and peeling the ash gourd. Chop the flesh into small pieces after removing the seeds. Blend the pieces with water until smooth, then strain the juice to remove any pulp. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice, rock salt or a dash of honey for flavour. Drink the juice fresh on an empty stomach in the morning for maximum benefits. Alternatively, use ash gourd juice as a smoothie base or mix it with other vegetable or fruit juices to kick-start your morning.
Combining ash gourd with coconut milk, lime juice, and amla juice also benefits. For stomach worms, drink a mixture of coconut milk and ash gourd juice to get relief.
Side Effects of Ash Gourd Juice
While ash gourd juice offers various health benefits, excessive consumption or certain individuals may experience side effects:
- Respiratory problems: Drinking excessive ash gourd juice or consuming it over a prolonged period may lead to increased phlegm production due to its waxy nature, posing risks, particularly for individuals with asthma or bronchitis.
- Kidney stones: Their high mineral content can potentially result in a toxic buildup of metallic substances in the body over time. Consuming ash gourd in large amounts may also elevate the risk of calcium deposition, potentially leading to the formation of kidney stones.
- Hindered nutrient absorption: Ash gourd also contains anti-nutritional factors such as phytates and oxalates, which could hinder calcium absorption.
Considering both ash gourd juice benefits and side effects, it is advisable to consume it in moderation.
Safety Measures for Consuming Ash Gourd Juice
When consuming ash gourd juice, follow these safety precautions:
- Begin with small servings to assess tolerance.
- Those with kidney stones should consume it in moderation.
- If you have stomach issues, avoid excessive consumption, especially on an empty stomach.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Takeaway
Drinking ash gourd juice in the morning is an excellent detoxifier, effectively eliminating toxins, germs, and contaminants accumulated in the body. Rich in essential nutrients like calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin C, it aids in flushing waste from the system. It is a great drink for diabetics, weight loss, kidney health and stomach ulcers due to its cooling effect.
You can also explore more about healthy foods and diet tips for diabetes, kidney stones, stomach ulcers and medicines to treat these conditions at Truemeds online pharmacy. To prepare the juice, it’s important to remove the seeds from the ash gourd vegetable. This soothing juice is particularly beneficial for those experiencing constipation as it helps to soothe the digestive tract, promoting better bowel movements and overall gut health.
FAQs
Ash gourd may benefit kidney health due to its hydrating properties and potential to promote urine production, helping flush out toxins and support kidney function. However, individuals with kidney stones should take it in moderation.
Individuals with kidney problems or those prone to hypoglycemia should avoid drinking ash gourd juice, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Additionally, individuals with allergies to ash gourd or similar fruits should refrain from consuming the juice.
Ash gourd is not known to increase uric acid levels. In fact, its hydrating properties and potential diuretic effect may help promote urine production and excretion of uric acid, potentially benefiting individuals with gout or high uric acid levels.
You can store ash gourd juice in the fridge for 2-3 days in a clean, airtight container. However, it is best to consume it fresh for maximum nutritional benefits and to avoid any loss of flavour or potency.
Ash gourd juice may contribute to clearer skin due to its hydrating and antioxidant properties, which can help moisturise the skin and protect against damage from free radicals. However, individual results may vary, and maintaining overall skincare habits is essential for achieving optimal skin health.
Yes, you can drink ash gourd juice on an empty stomach. However, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort. If you have existing digestive issues, you can start with small amounts and monitor your body’s response.