Health Benefits of Snake Gourd

Also Read: Lauki (Bottle Gourd): Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

-Snake Gourd Benefits for Heart

The heart is known as the muscular pump of the body that works continuously to supply blood to all the other organs. However, this pump also needs good fuel and nutrition to work properly. Being a low-cholesterol vegetable, snake gourd benefits heart health. It is extremely healthy for people with heart-related issues; you can make boiled snake gourd sabji or add it anyway to your diet.

-Snake Gourd Benefits for Digestive System

Gut health is the secret to a healthy body. Snake gourd contains fibre, which is great for digestive health. The fibre has laxative properties that relieve issues like constipation. Moreover, including it in your diet can keep other problems like gas, indigestion, bloating and stomach cramps at bay.

Also Read: Simple Ways to Improve Your Digestion

-Snake Gourd Benefits for Kidneys

Drinking snake gourd juice benefits in removing toxins and harmful body wastes. Regular consumption of snake gourd, whether in liquid form or as a vegetable, can help cleanse your kidneys. This ultimately reduces the chance of kidney stones or other kidney-related issues.

-Snake Gourd Benefits for PCOS

PCOS is a severe problem that every other female is facing in today’s time. However, it can be dealt with a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. Choosing snake gourd as a staple part of your regular diet can help you relieve PCOS symptoms like unwanted weight gain, inflammation, menstrual cramps, irregular periods and hormonal imbalance.

Also Read: What are Four Types of PCOS? Symptoms and Treatment

-Snake Gourd Benefits for Respiratory Issues

Snake gourd benefits also include strengthening respiratory issues. Its intrinsic expectorant qualities help loosen excess mucus secretions and remove them from the respiratory tract. It improves lung functioning tenfold and prevents respiratory allergies and breathing diseases like asthma.

-Snake Gourd Benefits for Anxiety

A busy lifestyle and less mental rest are increasingly causing issues like anxiety. But following a good lifestyle and including greens in your diet can help you ease some anxiety. Snake gourd is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and organic amines, which improve the nervous system and prevent brain oxidation.

Moreover, it also includes gallic acid, which possesses neuroprotective properties that help with stress, mood swings and nervousness and improve mental health.

If made properly and as per recipes, the snake gourd can taste delicious. Here are some different ways to snake gourd benefits.

-Snake Gourd Fritters

Required Ingredients

• 500 gm sliced Snake Gourd

• 2 cups Gram flour

• 1/8 tablespoon Baking Soda

• 1 tablespoon Salt

• 1/2 tablespoon Cumin powder

• 1 tablespoon Red Chilli powder

• 1 tablespoon Coriander powder

• 1/2 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Green Chilli paste

• 1/8 tablespoon Asafoetida or Hing

• 1 bunch chopped Fenugreek Greens

• 2-3 tbsp chopped Coriander Leaves

• Water as needed for the batter

• Oil for frying as needed

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Combine the gram flour and the other ingredients to make a smooth, semi-thick paste. The paste should be fluffy so that the fritters will be fluffy and crispy. Set the paste aside for 20-25 minutes.

Step 2: After the time is up, heat the oil in a pan to fry the fritters.

Step 3: Thoroughly coat the sliced snake gourd with the prepared paste. Then, fry it in the oil until it turns golden brown.

Step 4: Once done, serve it hot on a plate with sauce and enjoy!

Also Read:** Karela (Bitter Gourd):** Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

-Snake Gourd Sabji

Required Ingredients

• 250 grams snake gourd

• 3 tablespoon besan

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 3 tablespoon oil

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida

• 2 teaspoon red chilli powder

• Salt

**Preparation Steps

Step 1: Heat the oil in a pan. Once heated, add the mustard seed.

Step 2: After the cracks in the mustard seeds, add turmeric powder, asafoetida, and chilli powder to them.

Step 3: Now add the chopped snake gourd to the pan and mix everything.

Step 4: After mixing the ingredients, put the lid on the pan. Let the vegetable cook, but keep stirring it for a few minutes to avoid burning.

Step 5: Once the vegetable cooks, add salt and mix again.

Step 6: Now, add besan in the pan and mix well. Again, put the lid on the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 7: Once the besan is cooked, your snake gourd sabji is ready. You can enjoy it with chapatis or stuffed parathas.

-Can Accumulate Toxins

Nowadays, vegetables are heavily coated with pesticides and chemicals. From the time they reach the market to your home, they have accumulated tons of toxins and chemicals. If not washed and cooked properly, these toxins can enter the body and cause harmful side effects.

-Precaution for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a sensitive time and although snake gourd is beneficial, caution is necessary. While consumed in small amounts, snake gourd does not harm the mother or foetus. However, excessive consumption may lead to issues and harm the foetus. Moreover, even during breastfeeding, mothers should only eat it in moderation.

Also Read: 5 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
-Weight Gain

If you are trying to lose weight, then consuming excessive amounts of snake gourd might not be a great choice for you. It contains high amounts of fat, although it might be a good low-calorie, high-fat option. However, more than appropriate proportions of snake gourd can lead to a higher fat intake. Thus, keep the proportion sizes in mind.

-Allergic Reactions

Some people might have an allergy to snake gourd, which can cause reactions such as rashes, upset stomach, vomiting or nausea. If you experience any of these after consuming snake gourd, immediately visit the doctor.

Snake gourd or Pundalangai benefits for health are notetable. From improving digestion to keeping your heart healthy, it does it all. However, there are certain side effects of the vegetable that you should be aware of before consuming it. If you have any food allergies and consume anything that triggers it, then a doctor’s visit is on the list for you.

As you know, even a doctor’s visit in today’s time of inflation can cost a lot. In such cases, if you suffer from any critical disease, having a medical insurance policy is a must for you. Moreover, if you have ageing parents or elderly at home who need constant medical care or doctor’s visits, the need for health insurance for senior citizens is paramount.

TATA AIG health insurance policy offers financial coverage and medical features that lessen the burden during stressful times. These features include coverage for pre-existing diseases, COVID-19, ambulance expenses, and pre-and post-hospitalisation expenses.

With TATA AIG, a health insurance policy comes with all the necessary medical coverages along with Cashless Hospitalisation services. It means you can get immediate medical attention without worrying about finances.

Is snake gourd hot or cold?

Although it grows in warm climates, the temperature of snake gourd is cold because of its high water content. Moreover, it belongs to the cucumber family in India, which in itself has a cooling effect on body temperature.

Does snake gourd cause gas?

No, consuming snake gourd does not cause gas. In fact, it is beneficial for preventing digestive issues such as gas, constipation and cramps.

Can we drink milk after eating snake gourd?

No, you should never drink milk immediately after consuming snake gourd or any vegetable or spicy food. It can interrupt the normal digestion process and cause digestive issues.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the Health Benefits of Snake Gourd. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. In severe cases, it is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment.