Apple gourd or Tinda is a vegetable that is popularly eaten during the summer. Not only is it a nutritious summer vegetable but it also has several health benefits. Its significant medicinal value has been well documented in Ayurvedic texts. For instance, Tinda is incorporated into local cuisine because many cultures believe that it can alleviate stomach, liver, and skin-related illnesses.
This round green vegetable is native to India, Sri Lanka, China, Nepal, Pakistan, and Indonesia. The vegetable itself and its leaves and seeds have several therapeutic and remedial properties when consumed and applied to the skin and hair. Now, let's take a look at some of the benefits of apple gourd.
Rich nutrient profile- Apple gourds are a source of several vitamins, minerals, and vital micronutrients that promote the proper functioning of the body. It has 12 grams of carbohydrates, 30 mg of sodium, and 360 mg of potassium. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, B6, C, and E, along with calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, iron, and manganese.
Provides relief to digestive issues- According to Ayurvedic texts, Tinda is basic or alkaline in nature. Therefore, eating Tinda when you have acidity can have a calming effect as it neutralizes the excess acid buildup in your stomach.
Provides relief from constipation- Tinda is a rich source of dietary fibre, a nutrient that our body requires to promote smooth and regular bowel movement. Tinda not only provides relief against constipation but also helps in eliminating toxic compounds from the gut.
Promotes the well-being of eyes- Tinda is a rich source of Vitamin A, a vital vitamin that boosts the functioning of our eyes and prevents the degeneration of our eyesight. Other than vitamin A, Tinda also has carotenoid antioxidants such as luting and zeaxanthin which safeguard the delicate eye organelles.
Improves the production of collagen- Consuming Tinda regularly can have several benefits for our skin as well. As we all know our skin and hair's health is an indicator of our internal health. When we don't exercise or eat nutritious food, the quality of our hair and skin deteriorates. On the other hand, a nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can make a significantly positive impact on the health of our skin and hair.
Tinda is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants that help promote the functioning of our body and also remove toxins and free radicals from it. The antioxidants present in Tinda also improve the production of collagen, a skin connective tissue. Apple gourd seeds can also be used as a body scrub to remove dried and dull skin and rejuvenate the skin from the outside.
Tinda is good for heart health- Tinda is a rich source of antioxidants that reduce the number of free radicals present in our body and protects the heart from oxidative stress. It also contains potassium which helps improve the flow of blood, thereby, reducing blood pressure.
Tinda prevents overeating- Tinda has a high-water content along with a high fiber content. Its high-water content gives us the feeling of fullness and helps us avoid overeating. Tinda is also low in calories. Therefore, it can aid in healthy weight loss.
Keeps the kidneys healthy- Tinda's high water content and antioxidants help the release of toxins from our bodies by urinating. The release of toxins on a regular basis avoids the risk of toxic buildup in the kidneys. Thus, maintaining kidney health.
While apple gourds or Tinda is a superfood, it is not a miracle food. It cannot solve every ailment in the body and its excessive consumption can lead to side effects. For instance, some claim that regular and excessive consumption of apple gourds results in extremely low blood pressure and also lowers the body's semen production.
