This is a tropical plant which is used in the herbal medicine and in many different recipes. It is available in supplement form. The ivy gourd’s leaves, fruit and root have many health benefits. There are some studies in which are said that this home remedy can help to regulate the blood sugar levels and this in turn will prevent or treat diabetes. Ivy gourd is also known as gherkin, gentleman’s toes, little gourd or baby watermelon. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.
It is taking part in the genus Coccinia Wight & Arn. This is a dioeciously perennial climbing or trailing herbaceous vine. It has 3 m size in height and it is growing in a sun – drenched protected place. This plant is native to East Africa and it has been spread in different parts of the tropical Asia, America and Pacific. You can use the leaves, stems and fruit of ivy gourd to reduce high blood pressure and treat abscesses. Here are some health benefits of ivy gourd:
Ivy gourd prevent kidney stones
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We know that kidney stones are crystallized form of calcium, as well as other minerals deposited in the urinary tract. Oxalate stones are the most typical form of kidney stones. Ivy gourd has dietary calcium which does not result in kidney stones. In fact, the excess calcium which is present in water leads to kidney stones. You should consume ivy gourd on regular basis because it will help you to stay protected from kidney stones.
Keeps the digestive tract healthy
Ivy gourd has fiber which can help to improve the health of digestive system. Dietary fiber is playing an important role in increasing the weight and size of your stool and it softens it. The frequent consumption of ivy gourd can add bulk to the feces. Also, the increased intake of fiber can prevent many gastrointestinal disorders, such as diverticulitis, constipation, gastric esophageal reflux disease, hemorrhoids and duodenal ulcer. It is known that the soluble fiber can slow down the rate of digestion which is usually overridden by the insoluble fiber. This type of fiber does not absorb water and it speeds up the time which food passes through the gut and it keeps your digestive system healthy.
Ivy gourd help prevent obesity
Ivy root is possessing anti – obesity properties. This plant has anti – adipogenic agent which can help to improve the metabolic diseases caused by obesity and also it is possessing blood sugar – lowering properties.
Maintains a healthy metabolism
Ivy gourd has thiamine which can help the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose and this is the favored source of energy which the body runs off to help the metabolism functioning well. Also, this can help to break down proteins and fats. When you eat ivy gourd, then the thiamine which is present in this plant, is transported in the blood and plasma and then it is used by the cells to convert energy. Also, thiamine is playing an important role in the manufacture of the red blood cells which are used for constant energy.
Protects the nervous system
Vitamin B2 is water soluble vitamin. Our bodies need daily dosage of this vitamin because it cannot be stored in the body. This vitamin is playing an important role in the energy production and it symbolizes an essential nutrient in your diet. Ivy gourd has antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients which can help to strengthen the nervous system. Also, this plant can help to deal with many nervous – related problems, such as anxiety, multiple sclerosis, numbness, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and others. Ivy gourd with the Vitamin B6 can help to handle with the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fatigue
It is known that fatigue is caused by iron deficiency. This plant has iron which can help you to stay fit, healthy and energetic, both internally and externally. Iron deficiency can lead to body weakness, severe fatigue and other health – related problems. Those people who have lack of iron cannot perform normal functions in an optimal way.
Lowers blood sugar
Ivy gourd is used as a home remedy for diabetes since ancient times in Sri Lanka and India due to its blood – sugar lowering properties.
