Momordica dioica (Spiny Gourd); family - Cucurbitaceae)- A healthy monsoon vegetable with plenty of nutritional value.

Momordica dioica is a perennial, dioecious, cucurbitaceous climbing creeper (commonly known as kakrol, spiny gourd, or teasle gourd). It is native to Asia with extensive distribution in India and Bangladesh. Momordica dioica as the average nutritional value per 100 g edible fruit was found to contain approx. 84.1% moisture, 7.7 g carbohydrate, 3.1 g protein, 3.1 g fat, 3.0 g fiber, and 1.1 g minerals. It also contained small quantities of essential vitamins like ascorbic acid, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. It also contains protein in the leaves and the dry weight of aerial plant parts remained higher in males as compared to female defruited, and monoecious plants. Various parts of Momordica dioica are used as traditional herbal remedies for diabetes mellitus. It is considered the most powerful vegetable in the world. 

[Momordica dioica - mature fruits]

It is also used as a medicine in Ayurveda. This vegetable is not only tasty but also full of nutrition. It has so much power that makes the body healthy with just a few days of consumption. The spiny gourd is also known as “Kaksa or Golkandra”.  Spiny gourd usually fruiting in the monsoon month. In view of its many health benefits, cultivation has been started in many countries. In India, it is mainly cultivated in mountainous regions. 

Medicinal properties: 

1. It is a great source of antioxidants, which are beneficial for human health and helps prevent many diseases.

2. Help in reducing Obesity: Kaksa is rich in protein and iron, while the calorie content is low. As per the study, 100 grams of Kaksa, consists of only 15- 17 calories.

3. Prevent life-threatening diseases: Carotenoids such as lutein are present in spiny guards, which prove to be helpful in the prevention of many types of eye diseases, heart diseases, and even cancer.

4. Correct digestive system: Naturally, digestion becomes poor in the rainy season even for a very healthy person and then it plays an important role in improving the digestive system. The special thing about spiny guards is that apart from vegetables, its pickle can also be made. If you do not want to eat its vegetable, then pickles can also be eaten. 

5. Anti-allergic: This vegetable is usually found during monsoon, it proves to be helpful in keeping away seasonal cough, cold and other allergies due to its anti-allergen and analgesic properties.

6. Helpful in diabetes: It also lowers the blood sugar level in diabetic patients. 7. It helps to keep the skin healthy, as it contains various flavonoids like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which act as a protective shield for the skin. 

Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have any allergic complaints with cucurbitaceous fruits.

Stay healthy, stay safe...