Ash Gourd (Winter Melon), the health benefits...

What is Ash Gourd?

Ash gourd, Benincasa hispida, is a unique melon eaten mostly in India and China. It is often cubed and added to soups in Asian cooking. However, the yogis of India have long regarded ash gourd as one of the most naturally energizing foods due to its high quotient of what yogic science refers to as “prana”, or vital life energy.

Taste and Use

The taste of ash gourd is very mild, like a cucumber. It has virtually no taste of its own, so it is easy to incorporate into all kinds of salads, smoothies, and juices on hot days. On colder days, you can add either honey or black pepper to the melon to reduce the natural cooling qualities in the fruit while retaining its raw energy boost. To retain maximum vital energy, ash gourd should be eaten raw.

Nutrition of Ash Gourd

While ash gourd is composed primarily of water (about 96%), it also boasts a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B-complex vitamins such as niacin, thiamine and riboflavin. Ash gourd is also a valuable source of minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, calcium and magnesium. The gourd also provides a good amount of protein, carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

---

Ash Gourd Benefits:

Sharpness of Mind

Sadhguru: Just drink one glass of ash gourd juice in the morning and you will see tremendous amount of coolness in the body, while at the same time it brings alertness into you. Daily consumption of ash gourd greatly enhances your intellectual capabilities. Especially children must drink ash gourd juice. If you drink it for one week, you will notice a distinct change in the sharpness of your mind. This is very highly pranic. Every day, if you drink a glass of ash gourd juice in the morning, you will see it will do wonders for your intellect. Your intellect will be very sharp and it brings energy without agitation in the system. Daily consumption of ash gourd will do miracles to you.

Increased Energy

Sadhguru: Consumption of ash gourd brings an enormous amount of energy, at the same time it keeps your nerves very calm. If you drink coffee, it gives you energy with agitation. If you drink a glass of ash gourd, it gives you enormous amount of energy, and still keeps you calm.

Improves Digestion

It improves digestion. So say no to antacids and switch to a regular diet of ash gourd. Reduces Acidity!

Low Calorific Value

Due to low calorific value, it is good for the heart and weight management.

Ash gourd is also good to treat anemia and improve the RBC count and thus benefit your heart.Due to its capacity to dilate blood vessels, ash gourds can control cholesterol levels in your body.Ash gourd is good for enhancing memory power.

---

Ash Gourd Recipes:

Ash Gourd Juice

Ingredients

• Ash gourd, 4-5 inch sized – 1

• Lemon juice – 6 tsp

• Black pepper powder – 3 tsp

• Salt – 3 tsp

Method

• Cut ash gourd, remove skin and seeds

• Blend to a smooth puree

• Strain

• Add lemon juice, black pepper powder and salt

Ash Gourd and Watermelon Smoothie

Blend equal parts ash gourd and watermelon in a blender with water or plain yogurt and add honey or agave syrup to taste.

Lime and Ash Gourd Cooler

Juice 2-3 cups of ash gourd in a juicer, add fresh lime juice and salt to taste. Blend in a sprig of mint or cilantro for a fresh twist.