Bottle gourd juice benefits and recipe for healthy life

Many people make a strange face on hearing the name of gourd. But everyone will be surprised to know about its benefits. Yes, gourd makes our body healthy not only from inside but also from outside. If you do not like gourd vegetable, then try its juice. Because gourd juice is full of about 96% water and nutrients, maintains the necessary moisture in the body. Today, know here how and what bottle gourd juice benefits provides to the body.

Perhaps you do not know that there is nothing better than gourd juice for weight loss. Fat not only ruins the clothes in your cupboard, but it can also be the starting point of many diseases. Many people do many things to lose their weight, which takes a lot of time as well as money. But in Ayurveda, there is a very easy and cheap way to lose weight. Which has been tried in India for centuries.

In Ayurveda, bottle gourd is considered helpful in healthy weight loss. Bottle gourd juice is considered a great tonic for health. Bottle gourd juice is considered very good for heart health. It reduces harmful cholesterol levels (LDLs) and increases good cholesterol levels or lipoproteins (HDLs).

Bottle gourd juice benefits and nutrients

Bottle gourd is beneficial for the body in every season. The reason for this is the numerous properties found in it. You can also know here what special properties are present in bottle gourd.

• Vitamin C, B, K and calcium are found in abundance in bottle gourd.
• Bottle gourd contains up to 96 percent water. With its use, the skin does not become dry due to lack of moisture even in summers.
• Zinc, magnesium and dietary fiber are also found in abundance in bottle gourd.
• Bottle gourd contains very little fat and cholesterol.
• The amount of sodium and potassium in bottle gourd is also very good.

Bottle gourd juice benefits

Eating vegetables is very beneficial for health. Some vegetables are the best gift of nature, consuming which provides countless benefits to the body. We consume vegetables in the form of salad, soup, cooked and in the form of juice. The vegetables we consume in the form of salad include carrot, radish, tomato, cucumber, kachori, broccoli, beetroot and cabbage. Eating all these vegetables keeps the weight under control and also provides essential nutrients to the body. With bottle gourd juice benefits.

Beneficial for weight loss

If you are worried about your increasing weight, then you should pay special attention to diet along with exercise. For this, after regular exercise, you should drink 100 grams of bottle gourd juice every day. Drinking bottle gourd juice keeps the stomach full for hours, which also reduces your obesity. Very few people know that bottle gourd juice helps in reducing obesity very quickly. Bottle gourd reduces weight faster than other things. Also boiling bottle gourd and taking it with salt reduces weight in a few days.

Bottle gourd juice is full of vitamins, potassium, iron, water and fiber. The nutrients present in bottle gourd juice increase the metabolic rate of the body. And help the digestive system to function smoothly. It has a high fiber content, which does not make one feel hungry and makes the stomach feel full. If bottle gourd juice is consumed regularly every morning on an empty stomach . Then it can prove to be very beneficial in weight loss.

Reduce high blood pressure

If you drink just one small glass of bottle gourd juice regularly, you can reduce the problem of high BP to a great extent. High blood pressure is a major cause of various types of heart problems such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat, etc. Drinking 200 ml. of bottle gourd juice daily reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood and provides relief from the problem of high blood pressure.

This benefit of bottle gourd juice is due to the high amount of potassium present in bottle gourd. Potassium is an important mineral that acts as a natural vasodilator. Vasodilators help in the dilation of small blood vessels.

Beneficial in heart disease

Nowadays people do not pay attention to their food habits. Due to this, about 70 percent of people are at risk of heart disease. In some people it is genetic and in some people it is due to lifestyle and improper diet. To keep your heart healthy, you can drink bottle gourd juice like other fruits and vegetables. Bottle gourd contains water, vitamin C, vitamin K and calcium in abundance. It is beneficial in keeping the heart healthy by reducing the level of cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol in it is zero and bottle gourd full of vitamin C and anti-oxidants is a very good vegetable for your heart. According to a research, drinking 200 ml. of fresh bottle gourd juice on an empty stomach in the morning for 90 days reduces cholesterol.

Treat burning in urine (bottle gourd juice benefits)

Bottle gourd provides coolness to the body. Its juice contains a lot of water which keeps the body cool. That is why it is mostly consumed in the summer season. In the summer season, sweating occurs a lot. By consuming it, there is no shortage of water in the body. If you feel burning or pain during urination, then you should drink bottle gourd juice every morning. Because this happens when the amount of acid in the urine increases and the coolness obtained from bottle gourd juice reduces the effect of acid. Urine infection is caused by bacteria. Bottle gourd is a natural diuretic due to which it removes toxins from the body.

Reduce anxiety and depression

In today’s time, everyone from children to the elderly is suffering from stress. If you do not take a diet beneficial for health, then the situation can become worse. Due to the high amount of water in bottle gourd, the body remains cool, which provides relief from stress. Its diuretic, sedative and anti-bilious properties help in making your body feel better and keep it stress free. The neurotransmitter choline is found in high quantity in bottle gourd juice, which relaxes the brain. Bottle gourd juice helps the brain cells to function properly, which does not put pressure on the brain and helps in conditions like depression and stress.

Improve digestion (bottle gourd juice benefits)

In today’s time, constipation and digestive problems have become a common problem that can happen to any person. Make it a habit to drink bottle gourd juice every morning. The fiber present in it improves our digestive system. It also contains electrolytes that maintain its balance in the body, which prevents loose motion problems. Consuming bottle gourd juice regularly and in the right amount is considered very beneficial for the stomach. It helps in keeping our digestive system healthy. This benefit of bottle gourd juice is mainly due to the fiber present in the bottle gourd. The fiber present in the bottle gourd acts as a natural laxative. It helps in removing stool from our body by improving bowel movement.

For glowing your skin with bottle gourd juice benefits

If you want to enhance the beauty of your face from inside and outside in less time. Then for this you should consume bottle gourd regularly. It makes the face clean, beautiful and attractive. Bottle gourd juice cleans the inside of the stomach. It helps in getting rid of pimples and blemishes caused by sun and pollution and the skin starts looking beautiful and gorgeous. If you want to avoid suntan then apply bottle gourd juice on the tanned area 3-4 times a day. The natural bleaching elements of bottle gourd lighten the tanned skin.

Cure your constipation

In high water and fiber content, bottle gourd juice helps maintain a healthy digestive system. It soothes the stomach lining, reduces acidity, and supports bowel movement, making it useful for individuals suffering from constipation or indigestion. Its cooling nature also provides relief from ulcers and inflammation in the gut.

Beneficial in diabetes

Bottle gourd has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in diabetes to increase blood sugar levels. Drinking the juice regularly can help in managing blood sugar levels more effectively. However, it’s important for diabetics to consult their doctor before adding it to their routine, especially if they’re on medication.

Boost immunity

Bottle gourd juice is rich in vitamins A, C, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium which are crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. The antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

By consuming bottle gourd juice regularly, you can reduce your chances of falling sick frequently and strengthen your body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Improve sleep quality

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The calming effect of bottle gourd juice on the nervous system makes it beneficial for those suffering from stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It has mild sedative properties that help calm the mind and promote better sleep.

Mixing bottle gourd juice with a teaspoon of sesame oil before bedtime is a known Ayurvedic remedy for improving sleep quality. Regular intake helps balance mood, improve mental clarity, and reduce symptoms of fatigue.

Supports a healthy liver

Bottle gourd juice plays a protective role in maintaining liver health. It helps in reducing liver inflammation, supports bile secretion, and aids in fat metabolism. Individuals with liver-related disorders like fatty liver or jaundice may find relief by incorporating this juice into their diet. Its alkaline nature also helps neutralize excessive bile acids in the gallbladder, supporting better digestion and gallbladder health.

How to make bottle gourd juice

Bottle gourd juice is a refreshing and healthy drink known for its cooling and detoxifying properties. It’s especially popular during the summer for its ability to hydrate and aid digestion. Making bottle gourd juice at home is simple and takes only a few minutes.

Ingredients-

• 1 small fresh bottle gourd (around 300-400 grams)
• A few mint leaves (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• A pinch of black salt
• A small piece of ginger (optional)
• Water as needed

Method- First, choose a tender and fresh bottle gourd. Wash it thoroughly under running water. Peel the skin and cut the gourd into small pieces. Before proceeding, taste a small piece to ensure it is not bitter, as bitter bottle gourd can be harmful.

Put the bottle gourd pieces into a blender. Add a few mint leaves and a small piece of ginger if you like extra flavor. Blend everything well, adding a little water if needed to make a smooth juice. After blending, strain the juice using a fine sieve or a muslin cloth to remove the pulp.

Pour the juice into a glass. Add lemon juice and a pinch of black salt to enhance the taste. Stir well. You can chill it for a few minutes or add ice cubes if you prefer it cold.

How to drink bottle gourd juice

Drinking bottle gourd juice (also called lauki juice) is simple, but there are a few important tips to do it safely and effectively:

Here’s how you should eat/drink it :-

1. Make it fresh- Always drink fresh bottle gourd juice. Don’t store it for hours, as it can turn toxic.
2. Check the taste- Before drinking, taste a few drops. If it tastes bitter, do not drink it. Because it can cause serious stomach issues.
3. Drink on an Empty Stomach- It’s best to have it early in the morning on an empty stomach for maximum benefits.
4. How Much to Drink- Start with half a glass (around 100–150 ml). Gradually increase if your body handles it well.
5. Optional Flavors- You can mix it with a little lemon juice, mint, or a pinch of black salt if the plain taste is too bland.
6. Don’t Mix with Other Juices- Drink it alone, not mixed with other vegetable or fruit juices.
7. Drink slowly- Sip it slowly, don’t gulp it down.

Bottle gourd recipe (Lauki curry)

Ingredients-

• 1 medium bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies (optional), chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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Method-

1- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

2- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.

4- Add tomatoes and cook until soft and oil starts separating.

5- Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

6- Add the chopped bottle gourd. Mix everything together.

7- Cover and cook on low flame for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bottle gourd becomes soft.

8- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

9- Serve hot with roti, paratha, or rice.

How to grow bottle gourd plant

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a fast-growing, warm-season vine that produces unique, bottle-shaped fruits. To grow it successfully, start by choosing a sunny spot in your garden, as the plant needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Bottle gourd thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in compost or well-rotted manure.

Sow seeds directly into the ground once the danger of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently warm (above 20°C or 68°F). Soak the seeds overnight in water to encourage quicker germination. Plant them about 1 inch deep and space them 2–3 feet apart. You can also start seeds indoors a few weeks earlier and transplant them once they have a few true leaves.

Water the plants regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Since bottle gourd is a vigorous climber, provide a strong trellis or support early on. Training the vine vertically saves space and promotes better air circulation, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Side effects of bottle gourd juice

Consuming bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) juice has been reported to cause severe vomiting and gastrointestinal bleeding and poisoning in some people. This report describes a case study of a 54 years old woman who required emergency medical attention with hematemesis (vomiting of blood). And shock after consuming bottle gourd juice.

In the study, the team of researchers found that bottle gourd belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family which may contain toxic tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds. These are called cucurbitacins which are responsible for bitter taste and toxicity.

However, such cases of poisoning are extremely rare and very few have been reported. However, considering its risks, raw bottle gourd juice cannot be considered beneficial for health. Bottle gourd should always be consumed cooked.