Tag: Calabash

Over 90% of people who encounter these terms in Indian cuisine are confused about their difference, and the simple truth is that ghiya and lauki are indeed the same vegetable. Known as bottle gourd in English, this versatile vegetable has a variety of names across different regions, but it refers to a single, nutritious plant from the Cucurbitaceae family.

Did you know that the edible calabash fruit, also known as bottle gourd, is composed of over 95% water? This high water content is a key aspect of the nutritional value of calabash fruit, providing significant hydration benefits alongside its rich vitamin and mineral profile.

Calabash, also known as bottle gourd or *Lagenaria siceraria*, is a vegetable that is over 90% water. For this reason, many wonder about its full health potential, specifically, is calabash good for cholesterol management? Studies have explored this very question, pointing towards its fiber-rich and low-fat profile as beneficial for heart health.

According to the USDA, a half-cup serving of cooked calabash contains only 1.8 grams of net carbs, making it a highly compatible choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets. This mild-flavored vegetable, also known as bottle gourd or lauki, offers a healthy, low-calorie option for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

With approximately 15 calories per 100 grams, cooked calabash is a remarkably low-calorie vegetable, primarily composed of 95% water. This makes it an excellent addition for anyone seeking light, hydrating, and nutritious meals.

Across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, calabash, a plant often referred to as 'miracle fruit,' is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, from respiratory problems to digestive issues. The medicinal uses of calabash, derived from both the tree and the gourd, are deeply embedded in folk healing practices.

According to a report from the Indian Council of Medical Research, the consumption of unusually bitter bottle gourd juice has been linked to severe gastrointestinal toxicity. This highlights a crucial safety concern that extends to the seeds, prompting the important question: is it okay to eat bottle gourd seeds?

Over 10,000 years ago, *Lagenaria siceraria*, the plant commonly known as bottle gourd, was one of the first known plants cultivated by humans. In many parts of the world, this versatile fruit is also referred to as long squash, leading to common confusion about whether these are two distinct vegetables or one and the same. The answer lies in its rich history and wide-ranging cultivation across different cultures.

According to nutritional data, a 100g serving of bottle gourd contains as little as 15 calories, making it a powerful ally in weight management. But the benefits of bottle gourds extend far beyond their low-calorie content, offering a wide array of health-boosting properties.

According to USDA data, a 100g serving of raw bottle gourd contains a mere 0.02 grams of fat, making it virtually fat-free. This fact immediately clarifies the common misconception surrounding the fat content and proves that lauki is exceptionally low in fat and cholesterol, positioning it as an ideal food for health-conscious individuals.