Kantola (Spiny Gourd) benefits
Spiny Gourd or Kantola this vegetable is very popular in Rajasthan especially during the rainy season.
It has tiny spines all over its body and that is why it has got its name as “Spiny Gourd”. It is also known as Teasle gourd, Kakrol, Kankro, Kartoli, Kantoli and Bhat korola. It is mainly cultivated in the mountain regions of India.
It belongs to “Cucurbitaceous” family and look wise Kantola is similar to bitter gourd and has a shape like water droplet of 2-3 cm diameter. Spiny gourd pods are dark green in color and they change color as they get ripe from light green to yellow, by indicating that they are overripen and bitterer in taste.
Only spiny gourds with the dark green color are edible and it is advised to prepare a dish after peeling the outer surface of it. It is mild and easy to digest.
Health Benefits
It is a rich source of phytonutrients and low in calories only 17 cal per 100g. They are full of different nutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Reduce blood sugar level in diabetic patients: Kantola is rich in Phyto-nutrient, polypeptide-P, plant insulin and charantin, which boosts the glycogen synthesis in the cells of liver, muscle and adipose tissue. Hence known to be beneficial to diabetic people
Reduce the chances of cancer and is anti-aging : Kantola also has antioxidants like Vit C, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthins that are known as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals All these compounds work as the anti-aging compound. Also they hunts down excess toxic free radicals from our body to reduce the chances of cancer.
Improve digestion: It contains fibers that will help to stimulate the digestion. Spiny gourd also helps to cure the problem of indigestion and constipation.
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