Ash Gourd, also know as white pumpkin, winter melon, Petha, and wax gourd, is no less than a miracle vegetable because it has a lot of medicinal effects.
The name ash gourd was suggested because it has a white-colored ash or dust on its surface. The outer layer is waxy and sticky that is the reason it is also called wax gourd. Winter melon is quite big and heavy because it has 96.5% water and a lot of vitamins and minerals which are extremely important and beneficial for our body.
Many people think why ash gourd is known as winter melon and the reason is it helps our body to cool down internally. White pumpkin has many positive influences on our bodies. It has vitamin C, riboflavin, and B complex like Thymine, Niacin, and many minerals like calcium and phosphorous which is important for our Bone growth. The potassium in the Petha is also important for blood vessels and the heart. The Nutritional value of Ash gourd per 100 gm is:
Benefits of Ash Gourd
1. Accelerate Weight Loss
Ash Gourd or Petha is packed with high nutrition and very low in calories. It can be consumed by people who are on a strict diet for weight loss. Some research shows that Ash gourd, due to its water-dense nature, promotes weight loss. It is filled with digestive fibers that help us to stay fuller for a longer period. It also reduces the appetite which also aids in burning fat at a faster rate and results in weight loss.
2. Improves Digestive System
Wax Gourd is beneficial for our overall digestive system and the stomach because it consists of all the essential nutrients. It even relieve stomach ulcers. Ash gourd helps keep our stomach full for a long period as it contains dietary fiber. It helps normalize the blood pressure.
3. Detoxifies The Kidneys
Ash Gourd quicken the standard excretion of body waste and helps to clean it thoroughly. Petha increases the kidney’s fluid secretion which will get rid of toxins from the body immensely. It also improves the hydration of the internal organs of the body. It also enhances the routine work of the kidney and bladder.
4. Improves Respiratory System
Ash Gourd has a very essential Mucoactive agent quality, which means it helps in clearing mucus from the airways of the body including lungs, bronchi, and trachea. It benefits lung functions and also averts allergies and breathing problems.
5. Promote Good Hair and Skin
Watermelon provides deep nourishment for both skin and hair as it contains a combination of vitamins and minerals. It is beneficial for you if you are looking for strong and long hair. The gel extract from the wax gourd smoothens the skin and moisturizes it completely. Wax gourd treats various infections such as fungal infections, suntans, etc.
White Pumpkin is Helpful in curing various problems
(a) Peptic Ulcer
Ash gourd’s nature is basic. So it fights the ulcers on the walls of the stomach and intestine. It also helps in balancing the Ph levels in the stomach during acidity.
(b) Treating Alopecia
This problem occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles and thus resulting in small patches on the scalp which makes a person very uncomfortable. Ash gourd can be a good source to treat hair patches.
(c) Joint Recovery
Joint illness is nowadays becoming a major problem and to cure the bones and muscle pain, Ash gourd juice can be a great source. Also, it is packed with various bone-fortifying minerals called calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.