11. Get Rid of Dandruff:

Dandruff is a common problem for many of us, irrespective of gender. Ash gourd helps reduce the intensity of Dandruff on the scalp as it contains potent chemicals. It also eliminates the dirt and fungus particles that trigger Dandruff by sheltering the hair follicles. When applied routinely to the peeling and itchy scalp, Ash gourd gel can give your hair an incredible sheen by revamping the hair’s appearance.

12. Keeps Your Kidneys, Happy:

Ash gourd benefits include keeping your kidneys happy. It helps get rid of accumulated toxins guaranteeing proper hydration of the internal organs in the body by boosting the secretion of fluids within the kidneys. Ash gourd also helps balance the inner tissues of the liver and kidneys by abounding in water content and immensely cools the heated body.

13. Ash Gourd Moisturizes Skin Naturally:

Ash gourd has astringent traits that help neutralize the inflamed areas of your skin. It also has antioxidant properties and Vitamin E. The emollient properties moisturize your skin by pacifying the aggravated and dried-up regions.

14. Augments Heart Function:

Ash gourd promotes heart health because it has negligible cholesterol content and can be regularly consumed in the diet. You can add this boiled veggie into any traditional Indian dish effortlessly. Moreover, it ensures the optimal functioning of cardiac muscles by improving blood circulation to and from the heart.

[Read: Goodness of Jackfruit]

Ash Gourd Recipes:

Here are some tasty Ash gourd recipes you can try to reap the benefits from it:

1. Ash Gourd Juice:

Ingredients:

1. Four cups of peeled and chopped Ash gourd.
2. One lemon.
3. ¼ tbsp of pepper.
4. ¼ tbsp of salt.
5. One cup of water.

Preparation:

• Place the peeled and chopped Ash gourd into a blender along with one cup of water.
• Blend the ingredients until it becomes smooth without any lumps.
• Remove any big pieces by straining the juice.
• Add the lemon juice, pepper, and salt to the liquid.
• Combine everything and drink it fresh.

2. Petha (Indian Dish):

Ingredients:

1. One kg of large and hard Ash gourd (White pumpkin).
2. Three cups of sugar.
3. Three cups of water.
4. Two tbsp of chemical lime.
5. One tbsp of lemon juice.
6. One tbsp of Gulab Jal.
7. 3 to 4 peeled and crushed green cardamoms.
8. Two tbsp of mild combined with two tbsp of water.

Preparation:

• Peel the pumpkin.
• Remove the soft, fibrous potion and the seeds.
• Slice the pumpkin into thick pieces.
• Take a fork and prick it well.
• Take enough water to cover the pumpkin pieces and dissolve one tbsp of chemical lime in the water.
• Soak the pumpkin pieces and wash them in the water.
• Cut them into cubes.
• Now use the remaining chemical lime to prepare a fresh lime water solution.
• Use the freshly made lime to soak the pumpkin pieces for two hours.
• Wash the pieces thoroughly without leaving any traces of lime.
• Cook the pumpkin pieces until they are transparent and soft by placing them in boiling water.
• Place another pan and fill it up with three cups of water and sugar.
• Bring it to a boil while stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
• Now add the crushed cardamoms and lemon juice.
• Cook until the liquid reaches one thread consistency.
• Make sure to skim off the foam collected on the pan’s sides.
• Keep the syrup warm.
• Once the pumpkin pieces are cooked, transfer them into the syrup after draining with a slotted spoon.
• Let it remain on simmer for a few minutes.
• Now take it off the stove, add rose water and combine them well.
• Let it cool and serve.

3. Ash Gourd Curry:

Ingredients:

1. 200 grams of Ash gourd.
2. One medium finely chopped onion.
3. One finely chopped green chili.
4. ½ tbsp of mustard seeds,
5. ½ tbsp of cumin seeds.
6. Two sprigs of curry leaves.
7. ½ tbsp of turmeric powder,
8. One to 1.5 tbsp of coconut oil.
9. ¾ cup of grated coconut.
10. Salt as per requirement.

Preparation:

• Chop the ash gourd into pieces and keep them ready.
• Heat the coconut oil in a pan.
• Add the mustard seeds and cumin and fry them until golden brown.
• Add the thinly sliced onions and fry them till they become transparent.
• Now add chilli and curry leaves and fry for a few seconds.
• Now add the sliced pieces of ash gourd.
• Saute them after adding turmeric powder.
• Let the ash gourd cook in its juices by covering the pan.
• Since ash gourd has enough water, there is no need to add additional water.
• Let it cook until the ash gourd is cooked thoroughly.
• Now add grated coconut and combine it thoroughly.
• Add salt as per your taste, cover the lid and let it cook for a few minutes.
• You can eat this curry with rice, roti, or a side dish.

Ash Gourd Side Effects:

Although Ash gourd has several health benefits, here are some of the side effects caused by its over-consumption: