Snake gourd supports digestion, aids in weight management, improves skin health, boosts energy, and balances hormones, especially in PCOS.
Snake gourd derives its name from its curled shape and light white stripes that resemble a snake. Widely used in Indian cuisine, it’s a common ingredient in dishes like kootu, curry, sabzi, and dal. The plant is valued not only for its culinary use but also for its extensive healing benefits, with its seeds, leaves, roots, and juice used for skin and hair care.
Traditionally recognized for its therapeutic properties, snake gourd is well-documented in Ayurvedic texts for treating various ailments, including issues related to the stomach, liver, and skin. Native to warm regions in southern Australia and South-East Asia, it is commonly found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, China, Nepal, and Indonesia.
(Snake Gourd Poriyal)
100 grams of Snake Gourd serving provides:
Keeps Your Weight in Check
Snake gourd can be particularly beneficial for individuals on a calorie-restricted diet, such as those with diabetes, due to its low calorie content and high nutrient density. The dietary fibers in snake gourd are easily absorbed by the digestive system, helping to promote a feeling of fullness for an extended period. This can reduce cravings and support faster fat metabolism.
Good for Your Heart Health
Snake gourd is virtually free of cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice to include in your daily diet. Its ability to improve blood circulation to and from the heart makes this boiled vegetable an excellent addition to various traditional homemade Indian dishes.
Helps Eliminate Toxins and Boost Kidney Function
Snake gourd supports the body's excretory system by helping to naturally remove waste products and kidney stones. It promotes increased fluid secretion by the kidneys, which accelerates the elimination of accumulated toxins and ensures proper hydration of internal organs. Regular intake of snake gourd juice is beneficial for both the kidneys and the bladder.
Aids in Digestion
Snake gourd's high fiber content helps prevent digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and cramps, especially after heavy meals. Its natural laxative properties also regulate bowel movements, providing relief from stomach discomfort.
Promotes Clearer Breathing and Lung Health
Snake gourd's natural expectorant properties help loosen and expel mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. This aids in preventing allergies and respiratory conditions such as asthma, thereby promoting better lung health.
Helps Combat Nervousness and Enhance Emotional Well-being
The organic amines and flavonoids present in snake gourd collaborate to shield brain and nerve cells from oxidative stress while enhancing nervous system function. Additionally, this green vegetable is rich in gallic acid, a bioactive compound known for its neuroprotective and psychostimulant properties. Gallic acid contributes to improved mental health by alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Provides Effective Relief from Heartburn Symptoms
Due to its high water content, low lipid levels, and lack of cholesterol, snake gourd is highly beneficial in combating various gastrointestinal issues. Conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD occur when stomach acid and undigested food flow back into the digestive tract, causing discomfort and nausea. Drinking snake gourd juice on an empty stomach once a day has been found to effectively alleviate symptoms of GERD, including heartburn, peptic ulcers, and the associated burning sensation.
Helps Balance Hormones and Reduce PCOS Symptoms
Due to its ability to aid in weight management, snake gourd is an ideal low-calorie food for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), helping them maintain a healthy body weight. Rich in B vitamins and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, snake gourd supports healthy energy metabolism, digestion, and hormone balance. It also helps alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate periods, making it a beneficial addition to the diet of women managing PCOS.
Snake Gourd Kootu
To make snake gourd kootu, start by washing and chopping the snake gourds, then cook them with moong dal and water in a pressure cooker for two whistles. Blend grated coconut with cumin seeds and water to make a paste. In a pan, heat sesame oil, add mustard seeds, red chilies, and hing, and sauté for a few minutes. Add the cooked dal and snake gourd mixture with some water, then boil for a few minutes. Stir in the coconut paste, sambar powder, turmeric, and salt, cooking for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve the kootu with warm rice for a delicious meal.
Snake Gourd Thayir Pachadi
This snake gourd curd pachadi is a simple and flavorful dish. Begin by boiling 2 cups of cut snake gourd pieces in water until soft. In a pan, heat 1 tsp of sesame oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and urad dal. Sauté for two minutes, then add curry leaves and slit green chillies. Remove from heat and mix in the boiled snake gourd. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then stir in 2 cups of curd or yoghurt and salt to taste. This dish is a perfect accompaniment to chapatis, rice, or sandwiches.
Snake gourd offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, weight management, and hormone balance, especially for women with PCOS. Its anti-inflammatory properties promote overall well-being. Incorporating snake gourd into flavorful recipes like curries, salads, and pachadi can enhance your diet while reaping its nutritional advantages for better health.
