A vine plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, similar to cucumber and squash, refers to a pointed gourd, however, it is a perennial. It is a dioecious vine plant grown on a trellis. The fruit varies from round to thick and long 2 to 6 inches. Here Michelle Simmons, Food.news, reflects on the many health benefits of pointed gourd:

 

“Pointed gourd, scientifically known as Trichosanthes dioica, is one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in tropical countries around Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India. But there’s a reason why it’s a staple in these countries: It’s rich in nutrients and has many potential health benefits.

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In a recent review, researchers at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Primeasia University, and Stamford University Bangladesh in Bangladesh critically analyzed the findings of scientific studies on pointed gourd.

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Based on the data they gathered from scientific studies, the vegetable has the potential to lower blood sugar, regulate cholesterol levels, inhibit tumor growth and development, fight inflammation, and prevent digestive problems. It even has the potential to protect against arsenic poisoning. In addition, the researchers identified various types of compounds from pointed gourd, such as peptides like trichosanthin and lectin; triterpenes like cucurbitacin B, euphol, alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol, taraxerol, betulin, and karounidiol; sterols; steroidal saponin; tannin; and flavonoids.

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From these findings, the researchers confirm that consuming pointed gourd does contain many bioactive compounds and exhibits various biological activities that are beneficial to health. The findings of the review were published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness.

Pointed gourd leaves help control diabetes

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The fruit of the pointed gourd is widely eaten as a vegetable, while its other parts are used in traditional medicine to treat various health problems. In one study, pointed gourd leaves have been shown to lower blood sugar levels by more than 32 percent.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://food.news/2019-04-11-pointed-gourd-lowers-blood-sugar-helps-with-cholesterol-prevents-tumors.html

 

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