Pointed gourd, also known as Parwal, is a highly nutritious vegetable.
It is scientifically known as Trichosanthes Dioica, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.
Pointed gourd boasts several medicinal uses. And, it has traditionally been used in Ayurveda for its diuretic, laxative, and antiulcer properties (1).
In India, people use it to make soup, stew, curry, etc (2).
In this article, we will look at the nutritional health benefits of pointed gourd.
Nutrition Facts:
Pointed gourd is exceptionally high in vitamin A, protein, and fiber. It also contains a significant amount of potassium, calcium, and iron.
100 grams of pointed gourd provides the following nutrients (3):
- Water: 92%
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4.2 grams
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Iron: 1.7 mg
- Magnesium: 9 mg
- Potassium: 83 mg
- Vitamin A: 255 IU
- Vitamin C: 29 mg
Health Benefits Of Pointed Gourd:
1. Promotes gut health
Pointed gourd has a massive amount of fiber. Fiber improves your digestion and helps in bowel movements.
Therefore, pointed gourd is an ideal medication for people who have difficulties in passing stools.
Moreover, research says that pointed gourd can help treat gastric ulcers that will prevent your hospital visits (4).
2. Good for diabetes
Long term medications for diabetes may increase the risk of liver diseases.
Hence, it is good if we could use natural remedies to normalize fluctuated blood sugar levels.
The fiber in pointed gourd can increase insulin production, eventually slowing down the glucose absorption in the blood.
Also, studies in diabetic rats revealed that pointed gourd leaves and its seeds have a significant effect on lowering blood glucose levels (5, 6).
3. Boosts your immune system
Pointed gourd is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Both of them are important for keeping our body’s natural defenses up.
Vitamin A also supports maintaining mucous barriers in the eyes, gut, lungs, and genitals. This is crucial for trapping bacteria and blocking infectious agents from harming our bodies.
Vitamin A plays a vital role in white blood cell production that leads to keep bacteria and pathogens away from our bloodstream (7).
Also, a study on methanolic extract of pointed gourd on rats showed great potential in healing wounds (8).
Therefore, if you consume pointed gourd regularly, there won’t be a vitamin A deficiency. It will boost your immune system and provide speedy recovery from illnesses.
4. Treats skin disorders
A study showed that polyherbal formulation including pointed gourd is beneficial for treating skin disorders (9).
50 cases of skin diseases were found to be successfully treated with a decoction of pointed gourd and other herbal drugs.
Therefore, eating pointed gourd may improve your skin health and prevent skin diseases.
5. Improves your heart health
Pointed gourd contains a considerable amount of potassium, which helps reduce blood pressure.
Also, a study indicates that pointed gourd is beneficial for losing weight and lowering blood cholesterol levels (10).
In another study (11), an extract of pointed gourd managed to lower blood sugar and total cholesterol levels.
Moreover, it increased HDL cholesterol levels (Good) and reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
6. Rich in antioxidants
Pointed gourd is a powerhouse of antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids (12).
Research shows the antioxidants in pointed gourd reduces oxidative stress in the brain and prevents cell damage (13).
Harmful chemicals in cancer treatment may damage the heart, which is called cardiac toxicity.
A study has found that pointed gourd possesses remarkable alleviate effects against cardiac toxicity (14).
Conclusion
Pointed gourd is low on carbs and calories. Therefore, it is keto-friendly and may assist in weight loss. Also, it is incredibly high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Hence, pointed gourd is an invaluable vegetable you should include more in your diet to live a happy, and healthy life.