Pointed gourd benefits uses recipe and cultivation

Pointed gourd benefits is a popular vegetable, called parwal in india. It is a green vegetable grown on the vine which comes in the category of bottle gourd and bitter gourd. Its shape is long and pointed, which can be about 5 to 15 centimeters in length. The color of the parwal is green and light white stripes are visible in it. Its taste is mild and soft, so it is easily cooked with a variety of vegetables, bhujia, stuffed parwal and pulses.

According to ayurveda, pointed gourd is considered very healthy. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and fiber. It is helpful in strengthening the digestive system, relieving constipation and increasing the immunity of the body. Consumption of parwal purifies the blood and helps in maintaining the glow of the skin.

In India, parwal is cultivated mainly in Uttar pradesh, bihar, jharkhand and west bengal. Its yield is highest during the rainy season. It is a vegetable with a cooling effect, so eating it in summers keeps the body refreshed. Parwal ki sabzi made with mild spices is beneficial for both taste and health. This is the reason why pointed gourd is considered an important part of the Indian kitchen.

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What is pointed gourd or parwal

Pointed Gourd benefits is a popular vegetable found mainly in india, nepal and bangladesh. It is called parwal or patal in Hindi. Its shape is long and pointed, with a green and smooth surface. Pointed Gourd is considered a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, iron and magnesium.

It is light to digest and provides coolness to the body in summer season. Vegetables made from pointed gourd are delicious and nutritious. It is made by roasting, stuffing or in the form of curry. Regular consumption strengthens the digestive system and gives energy to the body.

Nutrients

Pointed gourd is a green vegetable which is rich in nutrients. It provides energy to the body as well as helps in protecting from many diseases. It is very low in calories, so it is also an excellent option for those who want to lose weight.

Let’s know main nutrients of pointed gourd (approximately in 100 grams).

• Calories – 20–25 kcl
• Carbohydrates – 3.5 to 4 grams
• Protein – 2 grams
• Fiber – 2.5 to 3 grams
• Vitamin A – Beneficial for eyesight
• Vitamin C – Increases immunity
• Calcium – Strengthens bones and teeth
• Iron – Removes anemia
• Magnesium and potassium – Essential for heart and muscles

Pointed gourd benefits

Pointed gourd is a nutrient-rich vegetable that contains vitamins A, C, fiber, iron and antioxidants. It strengthens the digestive system, purifies the blood and helps in controlling weight. This veg is beneficial for diabetic patients and helps in increasing the immunity of the body. Let’s know 20 pointed gourd benefits.

Strengthens the digestive power

The fiber element present in pointed gourd helps in cleaning the intestines and provides relief from constipation. Its consumption keeps the stomach light and prevents problems like gas and indigestion. Regular consumption of parwal helps in absorbing the nutrients from food properly by making the digestive system healthy.

Beneficial for controlling weight

Low calorie and high fiber pointed gourd is a good option for those who want to lose weight. It keeps the stomach full for a long time, which reduces unnecessary hunger. It prevents fat from accumulating in the body and proves beneficial in controlling obesity. It helps in staying slim and fit by becoming a part of a healthy diet.

Beneficial for diabetic patients

Consumption of pointed gourd benefits is considered helpful in controlling sugar level. It contains elements that work to control glucose in the blood. If diabetic patients include parwal in their diet, they can get relief from fluctuations in blood sugar. It is a useful vegetable for controlling diabetes in a natural way.

Boost immunity

The vitamins and minerals present in pointed gourd help in increasing the immunity of the body. Its regular consumption is helpful in preventing colds, infections and seasonal diseases. Parwal is rich in antioxidant properties which provide the ability to fight diseases by strengthening the body’s immunity.

Makes the skin healthy and glowing

The antioxidants and vitamins found in pointed gourd nourish the skin. It is helpful in reducing wrinkles, blemishes and signs of premature aging. Consuming it gives a natural glow to the skin and it remains soft, supple and shiny for a long time.

Purifying the blood

Consumption of pointed gourd benefits helps in purifying the blood. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties present in it remove harmful toxins from the body. When the blood is clean, skin diseases like pimples, acne and blemishes start going away. It acts as a natural blood purifier.

Keep the heart healthy

This vegetable contains less fat and more nutrients which are helpful in keeping the heart healthy. It helps in controlling cholesterol levels and keeps the heartbeat normal. Regular consumption can prevent problems like heart disease, blood pressure and stroke.

Beneficial for the liver

It is helpful in improving the functioning of the liver. The nutrients present in it work to keep the liver clean and increase its efficiency. It helps in removing toxic elements from the body, which improves digestion and metabolism process. Consumption of it considered useful to keep the liver healthy.

Relief from constipation and gas

Fiber-rich pointed gourd removes the problem of constipation by activating the digestive system. Consuming it provides relief from problems like gas, burning sensation and indigestion in the stomach. By eating it regularly, the process of bowel movement remains smooth. And the stomach always feels light and healthy.

Helpful in removing blood deficiency

A good amount of iron is found in it which increases the level of hemoglobin in the body. Its consumption is beneficial for people suffering from anemia. It is very useful to include in the diet to remove blood deficiency and get relief from fatigue and weakness.

Helpful in keeping hair healthy

The nutrients of it help in making the hair strong and shiny. The vitamins and minerals present in it nourish the roots, which reduces hair fall. Regular consumption makes the hair healthy naturally and prevents the problem of premature graying.

Provides coolness to the body

Consumption of pointed gourd benefits is helpful in cooling the body from inside. Its consumption in summers calms the Pitta dosha and provides coolness to the body. It provides relief from dehydration, headache and fatigue caused by heat.

Improving eyesight

It contains vitamin A and carotenoids which help in improving eyesight. Its consumption prevents cataract and other eye diseases. And useful in maintaining eye health for both children and adults. It helps in keeping the eyes healthy for a long time.

Removes toxic elements from the body

The antioxidants present in this vegetable work to remove harmful toxins from the body. It activates the detoxification process and keeps the body light and energetic. When the body remains pure and clean, the risk of diseases is reduced and health remains better.

Strengthens bones

It contains calcium, phosphorus and other minerals which are essential for strengthening bones. Its consumption prevents problems like bone weakness, joint pain and osteoporosis. Its consumption is especially beneficial for children and the elderly.

Relief from stress and fatigue

Consumption of this vegetable helps in calming the body and mind. The nutrients present in it remove fatigue and weakness. The light and digestible pointed gourd provides energy to the body. And also helps in reducing mental stress. It removes fatigue throughout the day.

Beneficial for controlling blood pressure

Consumption of pointed gourd is considered beneficial for high blood pressure patients. The potassium element present in it helps in balancing blood pressure. It keeps the blood flow smooth by making the arteries flexible. Regular consumption can reduce the risk of heart related diseases.

Protects against cold and cough

The vitamin C present in it strengthens the immune power and protects against problems like cold and cough. It protects the body from infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Consuming it during seasonal changes is helpful in maintaining better health and preventing frequent colds.

Helps in wound healing

The medicinal properties of it speed up the process of injury and wound healing. The elements found in it help in regenerating the cells of the body. Consuming pointed gourd helps the body recover quickly and reduces the risk of infection in the wound. It acts as a natural healing agent.

Helps in maintaining body energy

The nutrients present in this vegetable gives instant energy to the body. Its consumption removes fatigue, weakness and laziness. It is light as well as nutritious, making it easy to digest and an energy-giving food. Pointed gourd keeps the body active throughout the day.

Pointed gourd uses

As a vegetable:- Pointed gourd benefits is most commonly used as a vegetable. It is mixed with potatoes, tomatoes or spices to make a dry or juicy curry. Which is light and easily digestible.

Stuffed dish:- pointed gourd is cut from the middle. And stuffed with spicy stuffing (spices, paneer or gram flour) to make a delicious stuffed vegetable.

Bhujia and fry:- Bhujia or fried dish is prepared by making thin long slices of it with spices. Which is served with chapati and dal-bhaat.

Mixed vegetable:- Mixed with other vegetables (such as ladyfinger, gourd, brinjal, potato) to make mixed veg. Which increases both taste and nutrition.

Add in sweet:- Parwal ki mithai is also made in some states, in which it is boiled and sweet dish is prepared by filling it with khoya and nuts.

For improving digestion:- In Ayurveda, parwal is considered to improve the digestive system. Its regular consumption gives relief from constipation and indigestion.

In controlling weight:- Pointed gourd benefits is low in calories and high in fiber. So including it in the diet helps in controlling weight.

In blood purification:- The vitamin C and antioxidant elements present in it help in purifying the blood and improving the skin.

For energy:- Pointed gourd is traditionally used as a light vegetable in fever or mild infection. So that the body gets energy and digestion is easy.

Home medicinal uses:- Both its leaves and fruits are also useful in Ayurvedic prescriptions. Such as it is considered helpful in problems related to anemia, sugar and liver.

Stuffed pointed gourd masala recipe

Let’s know a unique and delicious recipe of pointed gourd, which you can easily make at home.

Ingredients:-

• Pointed gourd– 8-10 (medium size)
• Gram flour – 3 tbsp
• Ground peanuts – 2 tbsp
• Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric – ½ tsp
• Coriander powder – 1 tsp
• Mango powder – ½ tsp
• Garam masala – ½ tsp
• Salt – as per taste
• Oil – 3-4 tbsp
• Coriander leaves – for garnishing

Method of preparation:-

1. Preparation of pointed gourd– Wash and peel the parwal. Cut both the sides lightly and remove the seeds by making a small cut lengthwise from the middle.
2. Preparing the filling – Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add onion and fry till light golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 1 minute.
3. Now add gram flour, ground peanuts, red chilli, turmeric, coriander powder, dry mango powder and salt and fry for 3-4 minutes. Let the mixture cool down.
4. Filling the pointed gourd– When the prepared masala cools down, fill it in the parwal.
5. Cooking the pointed gourd– Heat 2-3 tablespoons oil in a wide pan. Cook the filled parwal by turning it lightly and covering it on low flame. When the parwal becomes soft and the masala is well wrapped around it, turn off the gas.
6. Garnish by adding garam masala and green coriander on top.

Cultivation of pointed gourd

Pointed gourd benefits, scientifically known as Trichosanthes dioica. It is a vine vegetable that grows easily in the tropical climate of India. Fertile, loamy or sandy-loamy soil is suitable for its cultivation. It is considered more beneficial to prepare plants from rhizomes instead of seeds, as it gives quick and uniform germination. March–April or the beginning of the rainy season is the best time to plant the saplings.

In farming, ridges or trenches should be made at a distance of 1.5–2 meters and a net or scaffolding (trellis) should be arranged for the vines to climb. Production increases by adding irrigation, weed control, organic manure and rotten cow dung from time to time. It is important to pay attention to light irrigation and pest-disease management when flowers appear. Generally, the fruits become ready for harvesting in 5–6 months.

Pointed gourd benefits for skin

Parwal (Pointed Guard) is considered extremely beneficial for the skin. The vitamin A, C and antioxidant elements present in it nourish the skin from within. It maintains the moisture of the skin, helps in reducing wrinkles and blemishes. With regular consumption, the skin starts looking clean, soft and naturally glowing. Let’s know 5 pointed gourd benefits for skin.

Provides natural moisture to the skin

The vitamins A, C and minerals present in pointed gourd (parwal). That maintain the natural moisture of the skin. Regular consumption or its use as a face pack protects the skin from dryness. This makes the skin look soft, supple and shiny.

Reduces blemishes and wrinkles

Pointed gourd contains antioxidant elements in abundance, which protect the skin cells from free radicals. It helps in reducing blemishes, freckles and wrinkles on the skin. Its use keeps the skin young and healthy.

Provides coolness and relief to the skin

Pointed gourd is considered to be cold in nature. Eating it or applying it as a paste provides relief from skin irritation, sunburn and itching. It soothes the inflammation of the skin and provides freshness to it, due to which the face looks fresh and clean.

Prevents acne and pimples

The antibacterial and antifungal properties present in pointed guard. They reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin. Its regular consumption and use keeps the skin pores clean. This reduces the problem of acne and pimples and makes the face look clean and glowing.

Improves skin complexion

Vitamin-C and minerals in pointed gourd help in improving the complexion of the skin. It reduces the dullness of the skin and increases blood circulation. Its face pack or consumption gives a natural glow to the skin and keeps the complexion fair and healthy.

Special and intresting information about pointed gourd

Let’s know some unique and interesting information about pointed gourd.

Scientific name:- The scientific name of pointed gourd is Trichosanthes dioica. It is a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. Which also includes vegetables like gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber.

Origin:- pointed gourd is considered to be a native plant of hot and humid areas of India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. It has been cultivated in the Gangetic plains of India since ancient times.

Perennial vine:- It is a perennial vine, which means that once planted, it continues to bear fruit for many years.

Nutrition:- Nutrients like vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron are found in parwal. It is a light, easily digestible and low-calorie vegetable.

Medicinal importance:- In Ayurveda, parwal is said to be useful for fever, digestive problems, skin diseases and blood purification. The decoction of its leaves is also considered healthy.

Varities:- There are many local varieties of parwal such as Kolkata parwal, Patna parwal, and Varanasi parwal. There are slight differences in their texture, size and taste.

Environmental role:- Pointed gourd vines reduce soil erosion by covering the soil and its greenery helps in keeping the environment cool and moist.

Side effects of pointed gourd

Pointed gourd is a nutritious and medicinal vegetable. But its excessive consumption can also be harmful for some people. Parwal has a high fiber content, which can cause problems like bloating, gas or indigestion if eaten in excess. People who have allergies may experience itching, rashes or mild allergic reactions after eating parwal.

Diabetic patients should also eat it in controlled quantities as it can affect blood sugar levels. Pregnant or lactating women should also consult a doctor before consuming it in large quantities. Overall, parwal is beneficial for health but it should be consumed in balanced quantities and keeping in mind the nature of the body.

Pointed gourd related FAQs