Ivy Gourd: Benefits & Side Effects

What is Ivy Gourd (Kundru)

Ivy gourd is a vegetable packed with essential nutrients vital for maintaining overall health. The vegetable offers a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium and more. Additionally, ivy gourd is consumed widely as it helps support digestion, boosts immunity, helps fight infections (as its high in antibacterial & antifungal properties), regulates blood pressure, aids in weight loss (as it promotes fullness), etc.

Ivy gourd is also referred to as Kundru, Tindora, Tendli, Dondakaya, Kovai, Little Gourd, Scarlet Gourd, and more. The vegetable is widely consumed in various cuisines across India and Asian countries. Ivy ground, scientific name Coccinia grandis, is a tropical vine belonging to the cucumber family. The vegetable is oval-shaped with a size like a small cucumber while the leaves are heart-shaped and bright green in colour. The vegetable is consumed as curries, salads, soups, pickles and more. Ivy gourd is native to tropical Asia and is known to be used by Ayurvedic practitioners and traditional Thai healers as a natural remedy. 

What are the Nutritional values of Ivy Gourd (Kundru)?

Ivy gourd is known for its high-nutritional content, the fruit of ivy gourd is used in preparing traditional medicines for several diseases and infections. Additionally, the leaves of the plant are used for treating fever, bronchitis, jaundice, and osteoarthritis. 

The vegetable is consumed as it helps regulate blood sugar, supports digestive health, has inflammatory properties, supports weight management & more.

• Ivy Gourd is low in calories making it perfect for a light, healthy diet.
• High in Vitamin C, making it good for immunity & skin health.
• Rich in fibre content supporting digestion & gut health.
• The iron content helps against mild anaemia.
  

The table below showcases the nutritional composition of 100 gms of Ivy Gourd:

Also Read: Diet Chart for Diabetic Patient

What are the Benefits of Ivy Gourd (Kundru)?

Ivy gourd – a low- calories, high-benefit veggie is known to have numerous health benefits, especially for diabetic patients. The plant’s fruit, leaves, and even roots are used as a natural remedy. The benefits of consuming Ivy gourd include:

• Help Manage Blood Sugar Level:

  Ivy gourd is widely consumed as it is known to control blood sugar level. It contains compounds that help regulate blood sugar, improve glucose mechanism, and insulin sensitivity. 

• Aids in Weight Management:

  The vegetable is high in dietary fibre and low in calories, making it a perfect choice for individuals looking to lose weight by promoting a feeling of fullness while keeping the calories intake low. 

• Promotes Gut Health:

  Adding Ivy gourd to the diet promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation given its high content of dietary fibre. Additionally, fibre acts as a probiotic and helps promote healthy bacteria.

• Boosts Immunity:

  Consuming Ivy gourd is also linked to boosting immunity as the vegetable is high in vitamin C which helps promote white blood cells and enhances the body’s ability to fight infections. 

• Helps Prevent Cancer:

  Ivy gourd is packed with antioxidant and beta-carotene properties. These nutrients are known to suppress the growth of tumour cells and help prevent cancer. 

• Promotes Heart Health:

  The vegetable is a good source of potassium, the mineral essential for optimal heart health, as it helps regulate blood flow and prevent heart diseases. 

• Anti-inflammatory Property:

  Ivy gourd has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps manage inflammatory conditions. 

• Protection Against Allergies:

  Ivy gourd is high in nutrients like saponin, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and glycosides which helps protect from allergic conditions. 

1. Regulates Blood Sugar
2. Boosts Immunity
3. Improves Digestion
4. Supports Weight Loss
5. Protects Liver 
6. Lowers Cholesterol
7. Hydrates Body
8. Prevents Kidney Stones

What are the Side Effects of Ivy Gourd (Kundru)?

Consuming Ivy gourd is usually considered safe, though some individuals may experience side effects like:

• Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience skin irritation after contact with the fruit, plant, fruit, leaves or stem.
• Hypoglycemia: Excessively consuming Ivy gourd can result in low blood sugar, particularly for individuals who are already on diabetes medication.
• Bloating: Consuming Ivy gourd in large amounts may cause bloating in some individuals. 

The key lies in consuming the nutrient-rich vegetable in moderation. Additionally, the vegetable can also be enjoyed as curry, salad, pickles, soups, etc. Adding Ivy gourd to your daily diet can prove to be beneficial to promote overall health and manage conditions like diabetes effectively. 

Read More: Benefits & Side Effects of Muskmelon (Kharbuja)

FAQs

Does ivy gourd reduce memory?

No, there is no evidence suggesting that consuming Ivy gourd reduces memory. 

Consuming Ivy gourd is safe during pregnancy? 

There is not much research regarding consuming Ivy gourd during pregnancy.