HEALTH BENEFITS OF SNAKE GOURD
Health benefits of snake gourd are very numerous. We shall mention some important ones among them in this article.
Some people know as towel gourd.
?Scientifically known as Trichosanthes cucumerina
?In Yoruba is called “Tomato Elejo”
In Asia, it is eaten immature as a vegetable, and in Africa, the reddish pulp of its mature fruit is used as an economical substitute of tomato and the leaves are powerful medicine.
Snake gourd contains significant amounts of protein, carbohydrate and soluble fiber. Vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin can be obtained by consuming this vegetable. Snake gourd also contains high levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, potassium, phosphorus and iodine.
? SNAKE GOURD HEALTH BENEFITS.
? Snake gourd is good for the digestive system.
Juice made from fresh leaves of snake gourd is used as laxative and treating constipation and it is helpful in easing bowel.
? Snake gourd helps in reducing fever
Snake gourd plays an important role in curing fever. A decoction of the vegetable or its leaves is often recommended to treat bilious fever when the decoction is taken along with wild honey and chiretta.
See this video on health benefits of snake gourd below:
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? Snake gourd detoxifies the body
It helps in eliminating toxins and harmful substances from the body. It also dehydrates the body and increases the production of bodily fluids, which helps in the proper functioning of the kidneys and bladder.
? Snake gourd boosts your immune health
snake gourd has the ability to strengthen the immune system. Not only does this vegetable possess antibiotic properties, it also has high levels of vitamin C and carotene, all of which work together to improve your overall health and protect your body against diseases.
? Snake gourd as a remedy for respiratory problem
Snake gourd has expectorant properties, which helps in loosening mucous and phlegm in the respiratory tracts and sinuses. This prevents the blockage of respiratory tracts and offers relief from stuffed nose and breathing difficulties.
? Snake gourd good diabetic food
Snake gourd helps in lowering blood sugar levels by increasing insulin efficiency. Some Chinese medicines have been using extract of roots in anti-diabetic medicines. It is highly nutritious and low calorie vegetable is an ideal food for people with diabetes. It is considered beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, especially those suffering from type-2 diabetes, as it not only helps in reducing weight but also provides adequate nourishment to the patients.
? Snake gourd and heart health
Snake gourd is considered to be one of the best remedies for heart problems. The extract obtained from this vegetable is beneficial for disorders like palpitation and stress on the heart. It also helps in improving blood circulation and in ensuring normal functioning of the heart. Snake gourd helps in lowering high blood pressure.
? Snake gourd improves health of the hair.
Just massage the juice of this vegetable onto your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it off. Repeat this procedure once twice week to get soft, shiny and dandruff-free hair.
? Snake gourd can prevent worm infestations
Snake gourd is found to have anthelmintic property, which helps in destroying and eliminating parasitic worms from the human intestines.
? Snake gourd provides relief from arthritis.
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of snake gourd makes it very effective in providing relief from the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Also see HEALTH BENEFITS OF MORINGA/ MALUNGGAY LEAF
As a vegetable with medicinal properties, the uses and benefits of snake gourd are plenty but I’ll stop here for today.
NATURE IS GREAT