Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis): Health Benefits Numerous health benefits can be derived of the fruits, leaves and stem of this plant. ◾They are rich in fiber which helps in the digestion of food and allow easy bowel movement. ◾Leaves and roots of this plant have many compounds that help in regulating sugars in diabetic patients. ◾For attaining healthy skin, juice of this plant can be very useful. ◾Ivy Gourds have plenty of antioxidants which minimize the free radicals in the body, keeping it healthy. ◾Research has shown the prominence of glucose-6-phosphatase in these plants that can regulate sugars in the body of diabetic patients. ◾Immunity can also be achieved by regularly taking these vegetables. ◾Beta-carotene, an essential nutrient for preventing a number of serious ailments is stuffed in the plants, which helps in maintaining good health. ◾It keeps the endocrine glands healthy which reduces problems arising out of its malfunctioning. Ivy Gourd Uses The plant has long been used as an important ingredient of traditional medicine including Thai and ayurvedic systems. Medicinal Uses: ◾The leaves are highly effective in treating diabetes and keeping the sugars in check. ◾It is an excellent cure for an array of skin infections like leprosy, psoriasis and scabies. ◾They have also been used for treating tongue sores, diarrhea and jaundice. Flowers are mainly useful in healing jaundice. ◾Roots of this plant have been used in Chinese medicine as they have a number of medicinal properties. ◾A tonic made out of the leaves is a noted Thai medicine for treating patients. ◾Their essence has been blended into a number of medicinal formulations that are available as tablets and tinctures. ◾Some other ailments like respiratory mucosae and bronchial inflammations can also be healed by it. ◾Leaves, fruits and stems have the power to stabilize high blood pressure. Ivy Gourd Edibility Leaves and fruits of this plant are eaten as vegetables. There are a number of edible uses of this plant. Edible Uses: ◾In Thailand, it is eaten in boiled and fried form. ◾Curries and soups are prepared using the green ivy gourds. It is quite popular in India and Africa. ◾Ripe gourds are also eaten without cooking in many cultures. ◾Its leaves are often used in preparing a kind of herbal tea after drying it. ◾The unripe fruits can be made into pickles. ◾Indian cuisine is rich and it uses Ivy Gourds in a number of dishes in which it is filled with spices before deep frying them. Indonesian cooking involves cooking these fruits in coconut milk.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 01:41:55 +0000
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