Snake Gourd health benefits includes preventing respiratory problems, relieving acidity, fighting free radicals, treating liver problems, eliminating toxins, treating arterial disorders and treating diabetes. Other benefits includes preventing scalp disorders, treating high fever, supplying the body with low calorie nutrients and enhancing the skin.
Snake Gourd isn’t the most popular vegetable in the world, but the cultures that know about it make the most of snake gourd as it is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. The fiber found in the vegetable is extremely beneficial for your stomach and it is known to combat various digestion problems.
What is Snake Gourd?
It is called snake gourd due to its unusual shape which is 40 and 120 cm long. It belongs to the cucumber and squash family. Snake gourd has brindle-colored skin. You won’t believe the number of nutrients it contains, along with the fact that it has plenty of water content. The vegetable has all the vitamins that are required to enhance the condition of your skin and your overall health.
Nutrition Value of Snake Gourd
Here is a chart showing the nutritional value of snake gourd (raw) per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 18 kcal |
| Water | 94.00 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Total Fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.05 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 1.5 g |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg (6% DV) |
| Vitamin A | 150 IU (3% DV) |
| Vitamin E | 0.17 mg (1% DV) |
| Folate | 9 µg (2% DV) |
| Potassium | 76 mg (2% DV) |
| Calcium | 26 mg (3% DV) |
| Iron | 0.3 mg (2% DV) |
| Magnesium | 12 mg (3% DV) |
| Phosphorus | 23 mg (3% DV) |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
- Note: Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
This chart highlights that snake gourd is a low-calorie vegetable with a high water content. It provides small amounts of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, and dietary fiber.
11 Impressive Health Benefits of Snake Gourd
1. It Prevents Respiratory Problems
Not just in coughs, but snake gourd functions as an expectorant that relieves severe phlegm and pus found in respiratory tracts and sinuses. It relieves chest infections and soothes irritation caused by continued coughs. The healing properties found in the vegetable work as a shield against factors that cause a stuffy nose and breathing problems.
2. Snake Gourd Relieves Acidity
There are a number of factors that cause acidity. Consuming snake gourd minimizes the production of unnecessary acids. Moreover, the vegetable also helps treat various conditions, for example, peptic ulcers, gastritis, and duodenal ulcers. The healing components in the vegetable are also helpful for people suffering from chronic heartburn.
3. It Fights Free Radicals
Being enriched with antioxidants, it impedes damages that free radicals cause to your body. It not just prevents your body from producing free radical cells, but effectively neutralizes them so that they won’t cause further damage to your vital organs. These free radicals are extremely dangerous as they cause cancer by influencing the healthy cells in your body. Therefore, adding snake gourd to your daily diet combats such hazardous cells, steering you clear of symptoms associated with cancer.
4. Treats Liver Problems
According to a recent study, this vegetable is loaded with hepato-protective components that are said to treat problems associated with the liver, for example, jaundice and hepatitis. These illnesses are dangerous and might damage your liver if not treated at the right time.
5. Snake Gourd Eliminates Toxins
You can use the juice of snake gourd to remove toxins from your body as there are various toxins that can lead to a slew of health disorders. Snake gourd juice will also help enhance your metabolism and keep your gut fresh and germ-free. Moreover, it also helps maintain a bowel movement and can also help you curb constipation.
Experts recommend consuming 1-2 tablespoon of its juice early in the morning to get the maximum health benefits. Moreover, snake gourd promotes urination, which also helps in removing unwanted fluids and toxins. The high water content in the vegetable prevents dehydration and dryness on the skin. It also normalizes your bladder and kidney function.
6. It Treats Arterial Disorders
You can consume snake gourd to maintain your cardiovascular health. Moreover, the vegetable also helps keeps your arteries LDL-free (bad cholesterol). Furthermore, consuming the vegetable on a daily basis can also help you keep daily stress at bay, keeping the mind fresh. And the vegetable is also good for keeping your heart palpitations in check.
People suffering from heart problems can take its extract regularly. Although these natural remedies do not contain any harmful effects, it is advised that you first consult your physician before doing anything.
7. It Treats Diabetes
Diabetes is a dangerous disease that requires extra care when it comes to diet. Doctors strongly recommend that people suffering with diabetes incorporated as much as leafy greens and other vegetables in their diet as they possibly ca. And adding snake gourd can do wonders to their health. Since it is a low-calorie vegetable, it will keep your body weight under control. It is specifically recommended to people who are dealing with Type-2 diabetes. It is noteworthy here that in Chinese herbal therapy, it is widely used to treat diabetes.
8. Snake Gourd Prevents Scalp Disorders
Scalp disorders can reach up to dangerous levels if not treated adequately and on time. This condition may result in partial or in most cases complete hair loss. There are various reasons that cause scalp disorders and to your surprise, snake gourd can help in this regard. If you are dealing with alopecia, you can treat it by applying freshly extracted juice of snake gourd to the affected area. Moreover, people struggling with extreme dandruff can also utilize it. Apply a decent amount of snake gourd juice to the scalp and cover it with a shower cap. Leave it on the scalp for an hour at least to get the satisfying results then wash it off as you normally would. Practicing it regularly will improve the condition of your scalp and hair.
9. It is Low in Calories
The best fact associated with this magical vegetable is that it contains fewer calories and is loaded with an immense amount of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. When you consume all these components, your body functions better than before and keeps you super energized. Being a low-calorie vegetable, it can do wonders for obese.
10. Snake Gourd for High Fever
High fever causes severe weakness that could be dangerous for you. Consuming snake gourd is said to lower bilious fever. You can also prepare a tonic by combining honey and snake gourd juice, consuming it is an instant way to treat fever and eliminate weakness.
11. For Healthy Skin
Getting a healthy skin isn’t difficult with snake gourd. This vegetable is packed multivitamins that restore skin tissues and cells making it youthful again. Along with helping to slow down the aging process, snake gourd can also help with your complexion, making your skin clear and radiant. The water content found in the vegetable will keep your skin hydrated. Since it belongs to a cucumber family, it has cooling and healing properties that soothe skin irritation and allergies.
Conclusion
The health benefits associated with the snake gourd are surely impressive. You can treat coughs to dandruff just by consuming it daily. So don’t forget to buy it on your next grocery shopping trip.
See Also
11 Amazing Health Benefits Of Pomegranates
13 Amazing Benefits of Cilantro or Coriander
13 Surprising Health Benefits of Cashews
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
