Why Everyone is Drinking Ash Gourd Juice on an Empty Stomach?

Ash gourd, also known as winter melon, white pumpkin, or petha in India, is a humble yet powerful vegetable that has long been valued for its remarkable benefits. Known for its high water content and cooling properties, ash gourd has been used in Indian households and traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, for centuries to balance the ‘body doshas’ and promote overall health. Ash gourd has recently gained global popularity for its cooling, detoxifying, and metabolism-boosting properties. Among the many forms in which it is consumed, ash gourd juice stands out as a simple yet powerful health tonic to promote detoxification and weight loss.

In this blog, we shall explore everything about this vegetable—ash gourd nutrition facts, health benefits, ash gourd juice benefits and side effects, how to prepare ash gourd juice, recommended dosage, and more.

Ash Gourd Nutrition Facts

Ash gourd is low in calories and high in water content, making it an excellent choice for weight watchers. Here’s a quick look at its nutritional profile per 100 grams (raw):

With approximately 96% water content, ash gourd supports various bodily functions and is great for hydration and detoxification of the body.

7 Amazing Ash Gourd Benefits You Should Know About

Due to its dense nutrient profile and cooling nature, ash gourd offers an impressive range of health benefits. Whether you are looking to manage your weight, stay cool and hydrated in the summer, or want a natural skin glow, ash gourd is power-packed with nutrition and is worth a try. Here are the top ash gourd benefits as per Ayurveda:

1. Helps with Digestion

With 96% water content and rich in dietary fiber, ash gourd improves digestion and can be a blessing if you struggle with constipation or feel bloated often—just add ash gourd to your meals or drink ash gourd juice (preferably on an empty stomach), and your digestive system will thank you.

2. Aids in Weight Loss

Whether you are trying to lose weight or manage it, ash gourd can help you in your weight management journey. Being low in calories and packed with dietary fiber, it keeps you full for longer. In fact, you can drink ash gourd juice for weight loss in the morning, as it may help you feel light and reduce unnecessary cravings throughout the day while keeping you well-hydrated.

3. Naturally Detoxifies the Body

Ash gourd is known for its high water content and also mild diuretic effect, which helps flush out toxins from your body. Regular consumption of ash gourd juice can support your kidneys, keep your system clean, and your gut happy.

4. Keeps You Cool

Ash gourd is great to beat the summer heat, as it has a natural cooling effect on the body. In Ayurveda, too, it is often used in traditional remedies during hot weather. So, if you feel overheated, tired, or irritated by the heat, consuming this vegetable can help bring down your body temperature and refresh your system.

5. May Help with Mental Clarity

In Ayurveda, ash gourd is believed to calm the nerves and support mental clarity. It is often suggested for people dealing with stress, anxiety, or mental fatigue. Starting your day with ash gourd juice may help you feel calmer, focused, and mentally refreshed!

6. Supports Skin Health

The detoxifying effects of the ash gourd help the body get rid of toxins and stay hydrated, which can have a positive effect on your overall skin health. It may help reduce acne, skin inflammation, and dullness, leaving your skin looking fresh and glowing naturally!

7. Strengthens Your Immunity

Ash gourd is a good source of vitamin C and natural antioxidants, which help your body fight off infections and build your immunity. It’s especially helpful during weather changes or when your energy feels low, giving your immune system a much-needed boost.

Ash Gourd Juice – A Hydrating Drink With Multiple Health Benefits

Ash gourd juice is celebrated for its detoxifying and rejuvenating properties that can support your overall well-being. It is recommended to be consumed fresh and on an empty stomach to amplify its benefits while retaining its nutritional value.

While the list of ash gourd juice benefits is extensive, making it is super easy and simple. Here’s how to make ash gourd juice in less than 10 minutes:

What you need:

• 250 grams of fresh ash gourd
• ½ cup of water
• Optional: ¼ tsp of lemon juice, a pinch of salt or black pepper

How to prepare:

Wash the ash gourd thoroughly. The whitish coating on the ash gourd turns sticky when it gets wet, so it’s best to rinse it off thoroughly before you peel it. After peeling it, cut it in half and remove the seeds. Roughly chop the white part into pieces and put them in a mixer along with water. Blend until smooth and then strain the mixture. You can also add 1–2 ice cubes to the blender. If you want, you can add lemon juice, salt, or pepper. Drink it immediately to obtain maximum benefit.

How much ash gourd juice to drink daily? (Recommended dosage)

While ash gourd juice is super nutritious and hydrating, anything consumed in excess can lead to potential side effects. This is why it is recommended to limit your intake of ash gourd juice to 1 glass daily, i.e., approximately 240 ml a day. It is also important to note that while there are multiple benefits of drinking ash gourd juice on an empty stomach, especially for weight loss, it should not be used as a replacement for any meals. It is also advised to always consult a certified health dietitian before including it in your daily diet.

Other Delicious Ways to Enjoy Ash Gourd

While ash gourd juice is one of the most common and recommended ways of consuming this powerful vegetable, there are many other ways in which you can enjoy it:

• You can eat it raw. Enjoy it as it is, or add it to your raw salads, just like cucumber.
• Add to your savoury dishes. Ash gourd has a neutral, very subtle-sweet taste and can be easily added to any savoury dishes like soups, curries, stews, etc. You can also stir-fry it with spices and enjoy it as a side dish.
• Enjoy it as a sweet delicacy famous in India or use it in your dessert. A traditional and renowned Indian sweet, petha (a translucent, sugary candy), is made from ash gourd. You can also add it to your cakes, jams, and ice creams for a healthy twist.
• Homemade chutneys and herbal porridge: Traditionally, the pulp of the gourd has been used to make tangy chutneys or cooked into light herbal porridges (gruels) to soothe the upset stomach and fix digestive issues.

Side Effects of Ash Gourd/ Ash Gourd Juice?

If you are wondering whether there are any side effects of drinking ash gourd juice or consuming ash gourd, here’s something you should know. While ash gourd or ash gourd juice is generally safe for most people, like any natural remedy or food, it’s important to be mindful of how your body reacts to it and it should not be taken in excess. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t overdo it: Some people, especially those trying to lose weight, consider ash gourd juice a magic detox drink, but drinking too much ash gourd juice or replacing it with your meals may lead to digestion issues like diarrhoea or bloating in some people. Start with a small quantity and do not go over the recommended dosage.
• Always drink it fresh without sweeteners: It is recommended to consume ash gourd juice within 15 minutes after preparing to obtain maximum nutritional value and avoid mixing ash gourd juice with ingredients like jaggery or sugar, as it can negate the positive effects. As per Ayurveda, in some cases, these combinations may produce toxins in the body.
• Check for allergies: Though rare, some people may be sensitive to ash gourd. If you feel uneasy or experience itching or discomfort after consuming it, it’s best to stop and consult a doctor.
• Avoid it if you have respiratory issues: If you already have a cold or are prone to respiratory issues, ash gourd’s cooling nature might make symptoms worse, potentially aggravating conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
• Pregnancy and lactation considerations: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating ash gourd juice into their diet.

Conclusion

Ash gourd stands out as a nutrient-dense vegetable, offering immense benefits from weight management and detoxification to enhanced skin and digestive health. Incorporating ash gourd juice into your daily routine, especially on an empty stomach, can be a simple yet effective step to maintain good health. However, it’s crucial to consume it in moderation and be mindful of any adverse reactions. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the benefits of drinking ash gourd juice?

Ans. Ash gourd juice is known for its high water content and low calorie count, making it a hydrating drink that may support weight loss and improve digestion. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, which may promote skin health and overall health. Ash gourd is also known for its cooling and detoxifying properties that may have a calming effect on nerves, which may support mental wellness.

Q. How do I make ash gourd juice at home?

Ans. Making ash gourd juice is simple and can be prepared at home in less than 10 minutes. All you need is a fresh ash gourd and clean drinking water. After you thoroughly rinse the ash gourd, peel it and cut it into small cubes. To make one glass of ash gourd juice, take around 200–250 grams and blend it in a mixer with water. Strain and consume immediately for best results. You may also add a pinch of salt or black pepper and a little lemon juice to the drink to amplify its taste.

Q. Is ash gourd juice beneficial for weight loss?

Ans. Ash gourd juice is low in calories and may help in weight management when included as part of a balanced diet. Its high water and dietary fiber content can promote a feeling of fullness, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.

Q. Does ash gourd have side effects?

Ans. While generally safe for most people, excessive consumption of ash gourd juice may lead to digestive discomfort like diarrhoea, bloating, or gas. It may also lower sugar levels, which could be a concern for diabetics. Due to the cooling nature of ash gourd, it is generally not recommended for people who have respiratory issues, as it may worsen the symptoms. So, in general, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Q. Can diabetics consume ash gourd juice?

Ans. Ash gourd has a low sugar content, and some believe it may help in managing blood sugar levels. However, individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels due to its potential interaction with the medication and consult their doctor before incorporating it into their diet.

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