Ivy Gourd – Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Ivy gourd is a common vegetable in many parts of Asia and Africa. This rapidly-growing climbing vegetable looks like a watermelon. It has several culinary applications. Kovakkai has several useful properties, and its various parts can be applied topically as a paste or taken internally as a tonic.

Raw ivy gourd leaves are most beneficial. The ivy gourd plant has been used for centuries because of its purported ability to boost metabolism, lower blood sugar, and protect against diseases like diabetes. The heart and nervous system also benefit greatly from consuming ivy gourd. Some research suggests it may also be useful for treating kidney stones. When properly cleaned, boiled, or cooked, ivy gourd has no negative side effects.

What is ivy gourd?

The botanical name for ivy gourd is "Coccinia Grandis." Another name for it is scarlet gourd. West Bengal and the northeastern states of Assam are known for their love of this particular vegetable. It is also grown in a variety of Southeast Asian countries. Ivy gourd is known by several other names, including , tendli, kovakkai, kundru, and dondakaya.

In certain parts of the world, the entire ivy gourd vegetable is eaten, whereas in others, only the young shoots are favoured. Several countries in Asia and Africa grow the vegetable known as Coccinia Grandi. This climber's seeds or pieces are utilised to grow the vegetable. Vegetable ivy gourds develop at a rate of roughly 4 inches per day. It blooms with pretty flowers. But, the most crucial benefit of coccinia Grandis is to one's health.

Origin and cultivation of ivy gourd:

Although ivy gourd is generally safe for human consumption, it may cause unwanted reactions in certain people. Medicines are made from the plant's leaves, fruit, and even stem. Ivy gourd might cause skin irritation in certain people.

The symptoms of the plant allergy will first show up externally. When a person eats can affect how quickly they react. Doctors have no trouble alleviating the allergic symptoms. If any skin reactions appear, prompt medical attention is required.

Nutritional profile of ivy gourd:

Many disorders and infections can be efficiently treated with traditional medicines made from ivy gourd fruit. The antihistamine and mast cell stabilising characteristics of this climber's leaves are used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including fever, bronchitis, jaundice, and osteoarthritis.

Because of its high beta-carotene content, ivy gourd helps keep your heart healthy and beating strong. This fruit, which is also known as baby watermelon, has a sweet flavour and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other healthy components.

Ivy gourd has 1.6 mg of dietary fibre, 0.07 mg of vitamins B1 and B2, 40 mg of calcium, and 1.4 mg of iron. Like watermelons, this fruit is mostly water.

Health benefits of ivy gourd:

Ivy Gourd Strengthens Nervous System

Ivy gourd, like watermelon, is a good source of B2 and other water-soluble vitamins. This vitamin is crucial for keeping your stamina up. Kundru's mineral content, dietary nutrients, and antioxidants all contribute to a more robust neural system.

Diseases including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's are better managed with the use of ivy gourd. Kundru's anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin B6 synergy make it an ideal treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Ivy gourd improves metabolic rate

Thiamine is an essential vitamin that regulates metabolism and keeps energy levels high by converting carbs into glucose. Thiamine, which is found in ivy gourd, is absorbed into the blood plasma and helps the body produce more energy. This vitamin is essential in making RBCs (red blood cells). Ivy gourd is a vegetable that not only provides more energy but also treats certain hereditary disorders.

Ivy Gourd stimulates digestion

The ivy gourd aids in the digestive process. Because of the fibre content, it makes digestion easier. As a result, this vegetable improves bowel regularity by adding roughage to the stool. Constipation, ulcers, and illness are just some of the gastrointestinal issues that can be remedied with the help of Ivy Gourd.

Ivy gourd prevents kidney stone

Calcium and other minerals can crystallise and deposit in the urinary tract, forming what are known as kidney stones. Kidney stones can form if the salt intake is too high. The kidney stones can be treated by combining the calcium in this ivy gourd with the calcium in other vegetables, such as spinach.

Ivy gourd boosts Immunity 

There are numerous bioactive compounds in ivy gourd, including saponin, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, and glycosides. These vitamins and minerals shield the body from anaphylactic shock and other allergic reactions.

 Ivy Gourd cures infection

Scabies and leprosy can be alleviated with a paste prepared from the Ivy gourd's root, fruit, and leaf. While there are many pharmaceutical options, ivy gourd is among the most potent all-natural cures. It has antibacterial properties and is effective in treating bacterial infections.

Ivy gourd regulates blood sugar

Ivy gourd is used to cure diabetes in Ayurveda medicine. This climber's leaves and stems can be eaten, cooked or added to stews and soups. Improved glucose tolerance has been observed after consuming raw kundru (ivy gourd) leaves. Blood sugar levels can be greatly regulated if the kundru vegetable is included in the diet on a regular basis.

Ivy Gourd prevents obesity 

According to studies, ivy gourd can help fight obesity. What it does is stop the precursor cells from maturing into full-fledged adipocytes. Ivy Gourd has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and speed up the body's metabolic rate. As a result, you'll find it in lots of traditional Indian dishes.

Ivy Gourd keeps energy level up

Iron is a crucial mineral for healthy living. The best way to keep energy levels up is to eat foods high in iron. Iron deficiency is a common contributor to anaemia. The iron content of ivy gourd is 1.4mg, making it a good food choice. You may rely on this vegetable to maintain your vitality, health, and fitness. Several health problems, including anaemia, can be prevented or treated by eating this vegetable.

Ivy Gourd prevents cancer

Ivy gourd's rich beta-carotene and anti-oxidant content make it an effective cancer preventative. These nutrients help halt cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting the growth of tumour cells. If you want to lower your risk of cancer, eating ivy is one way to do it.

Ivy gourd is good for heart

Potassium can be found in abundance in ivy gourd. This mineral controls blood flow and prevents heart disease, both of which are crucial to the heart's overall health.

Uses of Ivy gourd:

The ivy gourd is beneficial to health in many ways. Children who wet the bed are treated with a paste made from the ground-up root. Ivy gourd is a useful plant for healing mouth sores. Wrapping wounds in the leaves might help minimise swelling.

You can also drink a tonic made from the juice of ivy gourd leaves. The juice is effective in the treatment of diabetes, jaundice, and the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. When dealing with skin conditions like ringworm or eczema, ivy gourd paste can be administered topically. The plant's fruit is a vegetable in and of itself.

Culinary uses of ivory gourd:

1. Ivy gourd soup can be made with rice and noodles or eaten on its own.
2. You can make it into a pickle and eat it at home.
3. It goes well with other veggies in sambar.
4. You can eat it deep-fried, stuffed with masala, and cooked in a curry sauce.

Side effects of Ivy gourd:

Although ivy gourd is generally safe for human consumption, it may cause unwanted reactions in certain people. Medicines are made from the plant's leaves, fruit, and even stem. Ivy gourd might cause skin irritation in certain people.

The symptoms of the plant allergy will first show up externally. When a person eats can affect how quickly they react. Doctors have no trouble alleviating the allergic symptoms. If any skin reactions appear, prompt medical attention is required