In the world of health and nutrition, some foods often go unnoticed despite having wonderful health benefits. One such lesser known food is kantola, spine gourd also known as teasel gourd. This veggie comes with several health benefits making it a valuable addition to your diet.
Low in calories, kantola makes an excellent choice for people looking to lose weight. It is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, along with minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Notably, kantola is rich in deity fibre which can aid in digestion and gives a feeling of fullness.
According to a study published in ScienceDirect, “Bioactive compounds present in Spine gourd exhibit many therapeutic utilities, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer, obesity, diabetes, anti-cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases and neuroprotective activities.”
Let’s dive into some of the amazing health benefits on this vegetable.
Boosts Immunity
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, spine gourds help in boosting immunity and making our body more resilient to infections and illness. The content of vitamin C is known for boosting the immune system and kantola has it in abundance.
Enhances Digestion
The content of dietary fibre in spine gourd aids in digestion and helps in preventing constipation. It also promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for overall digestive health.
Promotes Heart Health
The potassium content in the spine gourd helps regulate blood pressure and maintain heart health. Additionally, the antioxidants in this vegetable may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Aids in Weight Loss
Due to its low-calorie and high-fibre content, spine gourd can be a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. It can help you feel full for longer periods, reducing the urge to overeat.
Promotes Skin Health
The vitamins and antioxidants in the spine gourd can help improve skin health, reducing the signs of ageing and promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Some studies suggest that spine gourd may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Spine gourd is rich in antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to an anti-aging diet.
Incorporating Spine Gourd into Your Diet
There are several ways to incorporate spine gourd into your diet. It can be added to stir-fries, curries, soups, and stews. It can also be stuffed, pickled, or used in salads. However you choose to enjoy it, adding spine gourd to your diet can provide a range of health benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spine gourd is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that offers a wide range of health benefits. From boosting immunity to supporting heart health and promoting skin health, spine gourd is a valuable addition to any diet. So, next time you're at the market, consider picking up some spine gourd and reap the benefits of this unsung hero of health.