Also known as winter melon, ash gourd is eaten in almost all Indian households. One of the most popular ways of consuming ash gourd is in the form of juice.
Have you ever had ash gourd juice? Do you know that it is rich in numerous medicinal properties that make it one of the healthiest beverages? Keep reading to find out more.
Ash Gourd Juice: Nutritional Content & Properties [1] [2]
Scientifically termed Benincasa hispida, Ash gourd juice contains numerous essential nutrients like proteins, flavonoids, carotenes, vitamins, fiber, zinc, and calcium.
Owing to its nutrient profile, ash gourd juice exhibits several medicinal properties like antacid, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc.
Nutritional value of ash gourd
Here’s the nutritional value of 100g of raw ash gourd. [5]
| Name | Amount |
| Calories | 13 kcal |
| Protein | 0.4g |
| Carbohydrate | 3g |
| Fiber | 2.9g |
| Vitamin C | 13mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.11mg |
Ash Gourd in Ayurveda [3]
Known as Kushmanda, ash gourd is used for several health purposes in Ayurveda. It is used for managing ulcers, epilepsy, and urinary disorders and enhancing memory and other cognitive functions.
Unripe fruit of ash gourd is said to alleviate Pitta Dosha, whereas half-ripened fruit is known to aggravate Kapha Dosha.
The mature fruit of ash gourd is known for its digestive properties and is used to alleviate all three Doshas.
Ash Gourd Juice Benefits
Ash gourd juice benefits are plentiful, from promoting healthy digestion to boosting mental health and improving kidney health.
1. Supports digestive health [3] [4]
Primary Benefits: According to research, ash gourd extracts may possess natural antiulcer properties. It can provide strength and alleviate Pitta-related symptoms, such as a burning sensation, acid reflux, and hyperacidity.
Secondary Benefits: This can help treat and prevent the development of gastric ulcers.
2. Offers diarrhea treatment [4]
Primary Benefits: Several studies suggest that administering ash gourd fruit extract can hinder intestinal peristalsis, gastrointestinal motility, and entero-pooling induced by PGE2.
Secondary Benefits: Owing to these properties, ash gourd juice can be a potent remedy for diarrhea.
Also read about 15 proven health benefits of lauki juice
3. Supports mental health [4]
Primary Benefits: A modified forced swim test was conducted to assess the potential antidepressant effects of the methanol extract of ash gourd fruit. Results showed that it significantly decreased immobility during the forced swim test.
Secondary Benefits: Ash gourd juice can be used to treat and manage depression.
4. Supports treatment for neurodegenerative disorders [4]
Primary Benefits: Research has demonstrated that the extract of ash gourd pulp can cause a significant reduction in the level of lipid peroxidation while increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione in various regions of the brain.
Secondary Benefits: As such, the antioxidants present in ash gourd juice can help manage Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Supports kidney health [4]
Primary Benefits: Studies suggest that Benincasa hispida can help prevent lipid peroxidation and protect the kidneys from a significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Secondary Benefits: As such, it can promote kidney health and prevent kidney disorders.
6. Offers hypolipidemic effect
Primary Benefits: Ash gourd juice supplementation can help increase HDL, decrease VLDL, and improve the serum cholesterol/HDLC and TG/HDLC ratios. [5]
Secondary Benefits: The lipid-lowering qualities of ash gourd can help lower body fat.
7. Offers anti-inflammatory properties
Primary benefits: Ash gourd juice benefits are also because it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. [5]
Secondary benefits: This property of ash gourd can help remedy sicknesses such as fevers, jaundice, heart ailments, and bone disorders.
8. Helps regulate blood sugar
Primary benefits: According to studies, ash gourd benefits include a positive impact on levels of blood glucose and, thus, is beneficial for individuals with diabetes. [5]
Secondary benefits: It improves the rate of metabolism and helps in blood glucose metabolism, too.
9. Supports general health
Primary benefits: Ash gourd fruit is believed to benefit respiratory health and may help alleviate symptoms of various respiratory conditions. It also helps immensely with conditions like urinary tract infections. It is an effective way to stay hydrated due to its high water content, especially during hot weather or after physical activity. [5]
Secondary benefits: This property of the juice helps with respiratory health. It also helps immensely with conditions like urinary tract infections and is an effective way to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or after physical activity.
10. Offers anti-oxidative properties
Primary benefits: Ash gourd benefits Ayurveda also suggests that by consuming ash gourd juice regularly, you can introduce antioxidants into your body, which may help reduce oxidative stress and promote liver and brain health, as well as overall well-being. [5]
Secondary benefits: Owing to this property of ash gourd, you can enjoy improved skin and hair health and promote liver and brain health, as well as overall well-being.
Learn more about top 20 best antioxidant rich foods
How to consume ash gourd juice
Ash gourd juice is best enjoyed chilled and is a perfect thirst-quencher on hot days. Follow these steps to consume ash gourd juice.
- Wash and peel the ash gourd.
- Cut it into manageable pieces, removing the seeds and fibrous parts.
- Blend the ash gourd pieces with water until you achieve a smooth, liquid consistency.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a dash of honey, mint leaves, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Side Effects of Ash Gourd Juice [1]
Ash gourd juice is usually safe for everyone. However, it contains several anti-nutritional factors, which might reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. It may also cause calcium deposition and lead to kidney stones.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also recommended to consult a doctor before consuming it.
FAQs About Ash Gourd Juice
1. How do you drink ash gourd juice?
To reap the maximum Ash gourd benefits, you need to juice the fruit raw. Once the juice is ready, drink it fresh and almost immediately. It is best to start your day with a glass of ash gourd juice. You may sweeten the juice with honey or add a pinch of black pepper powder to make it taste better.
2. Can I consume ash gourd fruit daily?
In addition to its rich nutritional content, ash gourd promotes better digestion and has a cooling effect on the body. To maintain good health, it is recommended to incorporate the habit of drinking ash gourd juice every morning on an empty stomach.
3. When do I need to avoid ash gourd?
It is advisable to refrain from consuming ash gourd juice if you are experiencing a high fever or frequent fluctuations in body temperature. Individuals with asthma or bronchitis should also avoid its consumption.
4. What is ash gourd juice for kidney benefits?
Ash gourd juice offers kidney benefits by helping to prevent lipid peroxidation and protecting the kidneys from a significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It can be a valuable addition to a kidney-friendly diet. [4]
5. Are there too many calories in ash gourd juice?
No, there are not many calories in ash gourd juice. Ash gourd comprises 96% water and is very low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those looking to maintain a low-calorie intake in their diet.
On a Final Note
Ash gourd juice is one of the healthiest beverages. Loaded with nutrients, it helps boost digestion, skin health, and mental health. It also helps manage diabetes and peptic ulcers.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is not intended to replace professional advice or treatment.
References:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337854043_Ash_gourd_and_its_applications_in_the_food_pharmacological_and_biomedical_industries
- http://plantarchives.org/SPECIAL%20ISSUE%2021-1/41%20(249-252).pdf
- https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/view/2215/1508
- https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2011-4-12-22
- Waxgourd, (chinese preserving melon), raw
