Lauki, or Bottle Gourd Benefits (pictured on right)
One of the vegetables growing in Shreya’s garden right now is the Bottle Gourd, or Lauki. She has been making a juice each morning with the bottle gourd and enjoying its many benefits. The veggie is packed with nutrients and vitamins and the best way to extract them is to juice!
The bottle gourd is very good for heart health as it lowers harmful cholesterol levels and boosts good cholesterol levels. It contains all of the essential nutrients – vitamins B, K, E, A, and iron, magnesium, folate and potassium.
And while great for the body’s health, bottle gourd juice also promotes hair growth, adds shine to hair and promotes stronger hair roots – it’s essentially a natural collagen and biotin supplement!
To make the lauki juice, you’ll first need to taste it to make sure it is not too bitter. If it’s ready to go, add ginger, mint, coriander and lemon juice.
Benefits of Indian Bitter Gourd (pictured on left)
Indian Bitter Gourd not only grows well in the summer months, it’s also full of health benefits! And these benefits are especially beneficial in the hot season. The most notable being that it is cool and bitter, so it has the ability to cool down internal heat. Which in Texas is a huge benefit during the summer!
When eaten regularly, the nutrition-rich bitter melon is said to have a “glowing” effect on the skin. And can even treat skin conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis. It would definitely feel great on a sunburn too!
The Indian Bitter Gourd has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels, as well as help manage diabetes. It’s also a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, E, zinc, potassium and other nutrients.
This versatile veggie can be blended into a drink, added to soups or even deep-fried into chips or fritters!