Ash Gourd or Chinese watermelon is a type of gourd that grows on a vine. It is spherical in shape and has a fuzzy exterior. It gets its name from its powdery ash-coloured exterior. It is popularly eaten in many South Asian countries and is even used as an active ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. In India, ash gourd is grown in the southernmost states.
Nutritional Profile of Ash Gourd
100 grams of ash gourd has just 13 calories and 0.2 grams of fat. It has no cholesterol and only 3 grams of carbohydrates. Ash gourd is a rich source of vitamin C, has a 2% daily value (DV) of magnesium, 1% calcium, and 2% iron. It also has 11% DV of fibre. It is composed primarily of water but also contains trace elements of B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.
Benefits of Drinking Ash Gourd Juice
Ash gourd juice is prepared by blending fresh ash gourd in a blender till it has a fine consistency. Once blended, add salt, lemon juice, cumin powder, and pepper to taste.
Cools down the body- Indians usually prefer drinking ash gourd juice during the summer because ash gourd is mostly composed of water and can help cool down the body by releasing excess heat.
Promotes weight loss- Nutritionists and dieticians recommend ash gourd juice to people who are trying to lose weight in a healthy manner. This is because ash gourd juice is low in calories, high in dietary fibre, and has high water content. Its high-water content and dietary fibre content satiate hunger for a long time and makes people feel full. It can stop people from giving in to their constant food cravings and reducing their overall caloric intake.
Treats liver disorders- Some studies show that ash gourd has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, drinking it on a regular basis helps reduce the build-up of fat and bile in our body and promotes the healthy secretion of insulin, thereby, treating liver disorders.
Improves digestion- Ash gourd juice, which is made by grinding and crushing the ash gourd, is rich in dietary fibre. Dietary fibre acts as food for the good bacteria in our gut. Therefore, regularly drinking ash gourd juice promotes the growth of good bacteria and this reduces constipation and other digestive issues. Its detoxifying properties also help reduce the symptoms of ulcers, hyperacidity, and dyspepsia,
Promotes better sleep- Ash gourd juice has muscle-relaxing properties. It alleviates muscle pain and calms the muscles down. Ash gourd juice alleviates stress and anxiety since it keeps the gut healthy, which we all know keeps our hormones in balance. All of these things together promote a good night’s sleep.
Increases our energy levels- Ash gourd is a rich source of vitamin B3, a vitamin that is beneficial for people who suffer from fatigue as it increases energy levels.
Detoxifies the Kidneys- Ash gourd juice has high water content. So, drinking this juice regularly not only keeps us hydrated but also detoxifies the stomach by filtering toxins present in the kidneys and eliminating them by urinating.
Facilitates the proper growth and development of foetus during pregnancy- Ash gourd juice contains essential nutrients (such as protein, zinc, and b-vitamins) that benefit the pregnant woman and promotes the proper growth and development of her foetus.
Improves brain function- According to Ayurveda, drinking ash gourd juice on a regular basis is excellent for the health of our brain. This is because it reduces stress and relaxes our bodies. It is also believed that it can sharpen memory and boost cognitive functioning.
Relieves acidity- Ash gourd juice is alkaline in nature. Therefore, it reduces the symptom of GERD and acid build-up in the stomach.
