Plant
Ivy gourd is actually a dioecious perennial climbing or trailing herbaceous vine sized 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall which is found growing in a sun-drenched protected place. Normally, it prefers sandy soil. It has got tuberous root systems with green stems, ribbed when young, glamorous, with simple, axillary tendrils. Leaves are palmate simple along with five lobes while the shape differs from the heart to pentagon form, size of the leaves is around 5 -10 cm in width and length. The Upper surface of the leaf is hairless, while the lower is hairy. Flowers are usually star-shaped, large and white and about 4 cm in diameter and contain five long tubular petals which are found blooming during Aug to September.
Fruit
Ivy gourd is smooth, ovoid to ellipsoid and thus small, they are usually known as “berry”. Its dimensions are 60 mm long by 15-35 mm in diameter. Skin is smooth along with variations of green and white. It is green with longitudinal stripes when young, turning bright red when ripe. The clear white flesh of the fruit looks like the appearance as well as taste of the cucumber, showing numerous seeds. The flesh is equally crispy as well as tasty in texture, having a slightly bitter aftertaste. It has several pales, flattened seeds 7 mm long. Because of its wonderful taste, it can be included in many delicacies.
History:
Ivy gourd is native to East Africa and has been spread in different parts of tropical Asia, America and Pacific, but it has become offensive only in Hawaiian and Mariana Islands of the Pacific. Very small populations are distributed throughout Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the northern coastal parts of Queensland.
Nutritional Value of Ivy Gourd
The fruits of ivy gourd are used in preparing traditional medicines for effectively treating several diseases and infections. The leaves of this climber contain mast cell stabilizing and antihistamine properties, and hence used for treating fever, bronchitis, jaundice, and osteoarthritis.
Ivy gourd is rich in beta-carotene that ensures the optimal functioning of the heart and prevents heart ailments. This fruit also referred to as baby watermelon offers delicious taste and loads of essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Nutritional content of ivy gourd includes 1.4 mg of iron, 40 mg of calcium, 0.07 mg of vitamins B1 and B2, and 1.6 mg of dietary fiber. Most of this fruit just like the watermelon is made up of water.
Nutritional Facts of Ivy Gourd Per 100 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Ivy Gourd
Ivy gourd extract blood sugar
Ivy gourd is used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat diabetes. The stems of this climber plant and the leaves are cooked and consumed or added to soups. The raw leaves of ivy gourd or kundru have shown successful results in increasing glucose tolerance. By eating kundru vegetable in your diet few times a week can do wonders in controlling the blood sugar levels.
Ivy Gourd Prevents Obesity
Research indicates that ivy gourd has anti-obesity properties. What it does is that it prevents the pre-adipocytes from converting to fat cells. Ivy Gourd even increases the metabolic rate and has a lowering effect on the blood sugar level. Subsequently, it is used in many Indian recipes.
Ivy Gourd for Fatigue
Iron is an essential element for the optimal bodily functions. Including iron-rich food in the diet is the key to avoiding fatigue. Anemia is often caused by iron deficiency in the body. Ivy gourd has 1.4 mg of iron and thus is a valuable source of iron. This vegetable will keep you energized, healthy and fit. Iron deficiency can lead to several health ailments that can be corrected if this vegetable is consumed.
Ivy Gourd Defends The Nervous System
Like watermelon, ivy gourd has water-soluble vitamins like B2. This vitamin plays a big role in maintaining your energy levels. Kundru has minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants that can help make the nervous system stronger.
Ivy Gourd also helps the body deal with epilepsy, sclerosis, and Alzheimer's. When combined with vitamin B6, kundru is also effective in curing the symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Ivy Gourd Increased Metabolism
Thiamine is a nutrient that converts carbohydrates into glucose, which keeps the energy levels in the body high, and regulates metabolism. Upon consuming ivy gourd, thiamine enters the blood plasma that generates more energy. This nutrient also helps to manufacture the red blood cells. Ivy Gourd is an energy-boosting vegetable also cures some genetic diseases.
Ivy Gourd Improved Digestion
Ivy gourd facilitates digestion. It contains fiber that aids in digestion. This vegetable thus adds roughage to the stool and enables smooth bulk elimination. Ivy Gourd also cures other gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, ulcers, and disease.
Ivy gourd for kidney stones
Kidney stones are crystallized forms of calcium and other minerals that get deposited in the urinary tract. If the salts exceed the acceptable rate, it can cause kidney stones. The calcium present in this ivy gourd is healthy and can be combined with other vegetables like spinach to treat kidney stones.
Cures Diseases
This vegetable has shown to cure many diseases. Ivy gourd anti-oxidant properties are responsible for killing the free radicals responsible for aging and other degenerative illnesses. Ivy gourd is used to cure fever, asthma, jaundice, leprosy, and resolve bowel problem. It is imperative that you follow the right diet with the ivy gourd included for a few weeks to experience its benefits.
Protection against Allergies
Ivy gourd vegetable has high amounts of saponin, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and glycosides. These nutrients protect the body from anaphylactic conditions and other allergies, as well.
Ivy gourd Treats Infection
The root, fruits, and leaves of the Ivy gourd are made into a paste to treat scabies and leprosy. While many medicines are available in the market, but ivy gourd is one of the most effective natural remedies. It also works well as an antibiotic against bacterial infections.
Ivy gourd Prevents Cancer
The anti-oxidant properties of ivy gourd and the high amounts of beta-carotene can help prevent cancer. These nutrients are known to suppress the growth of tumor cells and so they aid in stopping the multiplication of cancer cells. Include the ivy plant in your diet to reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Ivy gourd Improves Heart’s Health
Ivy gourd is a rich source of potassium. This mineral is essential for the optimal health of the heart by regulating blood flow and preventing heart diseases, too.
Uses of Ivy Gourd
Each part of the ivy gourd offers several health benefits. The root is grounded into a paste and given in small doses to children to stop bed-wetting. The ivy gourd plant helps treat mouth ulcers. The leaves can be directly wrapped on wounds to reduce swelling.
The juice of the ivy gourd leaves can be made into a tonic and consumed as well. The juice treats diabetes, jaundice, and keeps the blood sugar levels in control. The paste of ivy gourd can be applied on the affected area for those treating ringworm and eczema. Finally, the fruits of this plant are used as a vegetable.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Ivy Gourd
While for the most part ivy gourd is beneficial to us, it may have side effects in a few cases. The leaves, fruit, and stem are used to make medicines. There can be those for whom ivy gourd can inflict wounds on the skin.
The allergic reaction to the plant will appear on the skin. The reaction time will vary based on when the person consumed the food. The allergy can easily be treated with the help of doctors. It is essential to immediately consult the doctor if any reactions are visible on the skin.
Origin And Cultivation of Ivy Gourd
The origin of ivy gourd is considered to be India. This vegetable is quoted in various Indian manuscripts, where it has been mentioned by the name Bimba fruit or Coccinia. Ivy gourd is grown in parts of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
There are about 35 types of Ivy gourd distributed in Asia and Tropical Africa, however, out of them only one of the species is being cultivated in India. This cultivated species is scientifically known as Coccina Grandis. It is also popularly known by the names Cephalandra Indica, Coccinia Cordifolia (L.) Cogn, And Bryonia Grandis L.
Some other species of ivy gourd that are widely cultivated in countries like China, Africa, Australia, Central America, Malaysia and some Asian countries are Coccinia Histella and Coccinia Sessilifolia.
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