As soon as monsoon sets in, we look forward to enjoy spiny gourd, locally known as teasle gourd, Kantola, kantoli or kakrol. Spiny gourd is often considered to be bitter because, for many, it resembles a bitter gourd. But that is not true at all! Spiny gourd has spines all over the body and are comparatively smaller in shape, resembling big, green lemons with spines. In mountain regions of Maharashtra, Spiny gourd is one of the healthy vegetables, that grow wildly on creepers all throughout the mountain areas or shrubby areas during monsoon. They are made available to us in the markets by the local tribes. Though many farmers are known to cultivate this vegetable nowadays for its health benefits and popular demand. Once spiny gourd seeds are sown in the field, the vines of the vegetable sprout at the onset of monsoon every year. Spiny gourd can be prepared in very little oil and tastes lovely. Few scrape the spiny gourd off its spines before cooking while few cook them just the way they are. It cooks quickly and can be prepared into a simple sabji with onions and green chilies. Apart from the taste, spiny gourd are also beneficial for health.
Health Benefits of Spiny Gourd
1. Being a rich source of Vitamin C, spiny gourd can help fight cancer.
2. Spiny gourd has large proportions of falvonoids including lutein, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and zeaxanthin. These flavonoids work as anti-ageing components and help us look younger.
3. Spiny gourd are rich in Vitamin A, which is necessary for good eye sight.
4. The tender vines of spiny gourd if boiled for a couple of minutes and then the water strained and mixed with honey to prepare a mixture, which when drank can help fight viral fever.
5. To reduce sweating and to beat body odour, powdered spiny gourd can be added to warm water before bath. It also ensures smooth skin.
6. Adding a tablespoon of powdered spiny gourd to glass of water and drinking regularly can help remove kidney stones.
7. Spiny gourd contains large amount of fibre and regularly including this vegetable in our daily diet helps fight constipation.
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