What Happens To Your Body If You Eat Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Every Week In Summer?

As the temperatures increase, our bodies crave foods that can cool us down and keep us hydrated. One such summer superfood is lauki (bottle gourd). This humble vegetable, often overlooked, is a powerhouse of nutrients.

Lauki is mostly water, making it perfect for quenching your thirst and preventing dehydration on those sweltering days. Plus, it's low in calories and high in fiber, so it helps keep you full without adding extra pounds.

Lauki helps keep your body hydrated and has a cooling effect, offering relief from the summer heat. Despite its plain taste, lauki is packed with crucial vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy from the inside out.

In this blog, we'll explore all the ways that eating lauki every week during the summer can benefit your body. So, let's dive into the world of this underrated veggie and discover how it can make your summer healthier and more enjoyable.

Nutritional Values of Lauki

Lauki, also known as bottle gourd or calabash, is a summer vegetable that offers a wealth of nutrients, making it a valuable addition to your diet. Here's a more detailed look at its nutritional profile:

• Low in Calories: Lauki is extremely low in calories, with just about 11 calories per 100 grams. It makes it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight or calorie intake.
• High in Fiber: The high fiber content in lauki is great for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy digestive system overall. It also increases the feeling of fullness, which may help with weight management.
• Rich in Vitamins: Lauki is a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin B complex. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost immunity and promotes healthy skin. The B vitamins in lauki play various roles in the body, including energy production and nervous system health.
• Mineral Content: Lauki is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. Potassium is essential for heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health.

Benefits Beyond the Basics

• Digestive Health: The fiber in lauki aids digestion and prevents constipation. It adds bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass, and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, essential for overall health and immune function.
• Heart Health: Lauki is low in cholesterol and saturated fats, making it heart-friendly. It reduces blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. The potassium content in lauki helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
• Weight Management: Being low in calories and high in fiber, lauki is a great addition to weight loss diets. The fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for weight management and diabetes prevention.
• Cooling Effect: In Ayurveda, lauki is considered a cooling vegetable that helps reduce body heat, which is beneficial during the summer. It is recommended to eat lauki or drink its juice to beat the summer heat and stay cool.
• Boosts Immunity: Lauki's high vitamin C content is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C increases the development of white blood cells, which are essential for combating infections. By including lauki in your diet, you can help ensure that your immune system is strong and capable of defending against illnesses.
• Detoxification: Lauki contains a significant amount of water, which is essential for flushing out toxins from the body. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and other phytonutrients, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and support the body's natural detoxification processes.
• Beautiful Skin: The vitamins and minerals in lauki, including vitamin C, zinc, and selenium, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin C promotes collagen formation, which keeps the skin tight and youthful. Zinc helps regulate oil production and reduce inflammation, while selenium protects the skin from UV damage.
• Sound Sleep: Lauki's high water content can help keep you hydrated, which is essential for promoting good sleep. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and sleep disturbances. Additionally, lauki is a good source of magnesium, a mineral that plays a key role in promoting relaxation and quality sleep. Consuming lauki can help you relax and improve your sleep quality.

Must Try: Bottle Gourd & Mint Raita

Side Effects of Lauki

While lauki is generally safe for most people, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects and precautions:

• Toxicity: Lauki can contain cucurbitacins, compounds that can cause stomach upset, especially if the lauki is bitter. To avoid this, choose lauki carefully and avoid bitter ones.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to lauki, experiencing symptoms such as swelling, rashes, or itching. If you notice any of these symptoms after consuming lauki, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
• Blood Sugar: While lauki has a low glycemic index and is generally safe for diabetics, excessive consumption may cause variations in blood sugar levels. Diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar levels closely when consuming lauki.
• Medication Interactions: Lauki may interact with certain medications. If you are taking medication consult your doctor before incorporating large amounts of lauki or concentrated forms like juice into your diet.

By being aware of these potential side effects and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy the many health benefits of lauki safely.

In conclusion, including lauki in your diet every week during the summer can provide you with a wide range of health benefits. From boosting immunity to promoting beautiful skin, lauki is a nutritional powerhouse that can help you stay healthy and hydrated during the summer.