120 | Pointed Gourd

Characteristics of Pointed Gourd

Pointed Gourd is a tropical perennial squash native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also known as palwal, potol, or parmarin in various parts of India and Bangladesh. Plants reproduce vegetative and grow through training in support systems (eg, support systems).  It looks like a pencil-thick vine with dark green, heart-shaped simple leaves. This is a well-developed dioecious plant with distinct male and female flowers on male and female flowers respectively. The fruit is green with white stripes or no stripes and inedible seeds. They vary in size from small and round to thick and long (5–15 cm). It grows well in hot to moderately warm and humid climates. This plant is dormant during the winter and is prone to waterlogging, so it prefers fertile, well-drained sandy loam soils.

Season of Pointed Gourd

The pointed gourd is known as potol in both Bengali-speaking regions. It is an important summer vegetable in Bangladesh and West Bengal. It is grown and consumed throughout Bangladesh and West Bengal. Pointed Gourd is a perennial and is sold in late October when other alternative vegetables are in short supply.

It contains Vitamins and Minerals

Almost all parts of T. dioica are used in indigenous medicine. Fruit constituents include minerals (magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, sulfur), vitamins, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, pentacyclic triterpenes, and other potential bioactive compounds.

Spiky squash is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A good source of carbohydrates, vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contains important nutrients and trace elements (magnesium, potassium, copper, sulfur and chlorine) that are required in small amounts to play an essential role in human physiology. Mg 9.0mg, Na 2.6mg, K 83.0mg, Cu 1.1mg, S 17mg per 100g edible portion.

Health Benefits of Pointed Gourd

Additionally, research has shown that squash can be effective in treating stomach ulcers, eliminating the need to go to the hospital.

 Good for Diabetes

Long-term medication for diabetes may increase the risk of liver disease.Therefore, it would be nice to be able to normalize fluctuating blood sugar levels with natural remedies. The fiber in squash can increase insulin production and ultimately slow the absorption of glucose in the blood. A study in diabetic rats also showed that gourd leaves and their seeds have a significant effect on lowering blood sugar levels.

Strengthens the immune system

Pointed squash is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which are important for maintaining our body’s natural defenses. Vitamin A also supports the maintenance of mucosal barriers in the eyes, intestines, lungs and reproductive organs. This is very important to trap bacteria and prevent infectious agents from damaging our bodies. Vitamin A plays an important role in the production of white blood cells and prevents bacteria and pathogens from entering the bloodstream.  A study in rats using pumpkin methanol extract also showed great potential for wound healing.

If you eat pumpkin regularly, you won’t be deficient in vitamin A. Strengthens the immune system and ensures quick recovery from illness.

Treat skin diseases

Studies have shown that polyherbal formulations containing pumpkin are beneficial in treating skin conditions. It is a herbal medicines to treat 50 skin diseases. Therefore, eating pumpkin can improve skin health and prevent skin diseases.

Improves heart health

Pumpkin contains a large amount of potassium, which lowers blood pressure. Additionally, one study shows that pumpkin has a positive effect on weight loss and lowering blood cholesterol levels. Another study found that pumpkin extract was able to lower blood sugar and total cholesterol levels. In addition, it increases HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Rich in antioxidants

Spiked squash is a rich source of antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids (12). Studies have shown that the antioxidants in gourds reduce oxidative stress in the brain and prevent cell damage. Harmful chemicals used in cancer treatments can damage the heart, known as cardiotoxicity. A study found that squash squash has significant anticardiotoxicity-relieving properties.