Health benefits of kakora | kantola | kakoda | ककोड़ा के फायदे

Do you know world's most powerful veggie yes you read it right Kakora is the world's most powerful veggie, commonly seen in Indian markets during the monsoon season.  It has many health benefits and it's the reason why apart from the Indian subcontinent, now its cultivation has started worldwide.  It is also known by the names Teesale, Kakrol, Kankro, Kakora, Papora, spiny gourd, spine gourd etc.  It is mainly cultivated in the hilly regions of India.  The life span of its vine is 3 to 4 months.  The botanical name of kakora is Momordica Charanshia which is a plant of the genus Cucurbitaceae.  In English it is called the Spiny gourd or the Teasel gourd.  Kakora is similar to bitter gourd and it is smaller than bitter gourd in size.  Its vine grows slowly.
                                 

There are many benefits of consuming this vegetable in Ayurveda. This vegetable is 50 times stronger than fish and meat. It contains a lot of protein. The phytochemicals present in the control help a lot in promoting health.

Advantages and disadvantages of kakora:-

The advantages and disadvantages of Kakora are also quite interesting.  Kakora is mild to digest and is used as a medicine to treat various health problems.  It contains various chemical compounds which are beneficial for the human body.  Kakora is low in calories as there are only 17 calories per 100 grams.  It is loaded with various nutrients like fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

Benefits of Kakora for Skin

 Cantola contains flavonoids such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthins.  All these compounds help in reducing the signs of aging.  It helps you keep your skin healthy.  Vitamin A is also found in it, which is very important for good eyesight.  You can include it in your diet to improve your vision.

Benefits of Kantola in pregnancy

 During pregnancy, many important conditions can arise.  One of them is neural tube defects.  The fresh green legume of cantola is a good source of folate (vitamin BC), which is essential for the growth and reproduction of cells.  If pregnant women include cantola in their diet during pregnancy, the chances of it becoming neural tube deficiencies decreases.

Disadvantages:-

 Kakora can damage your digestive system, especially if you consume large amounts of cantola juice.  You may experience abdominal pain or diarrhea.  If diarrhea or abdominal pain persists for two to three days, consult your doctor.  Its effect reduces blood sugar levels.  Which can be potentially beneficial for people with uncontrolled diabetes, but for those who suffer from low blood sugar levels, it is not good for them.  Because its intake can cause blood sugar level.  Talk to your doctor before consuming it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How to consume kakora:-

Best way of consuming kakora is dry kakora curry or kakora sabji.

It's very easy to make recipe and you can prepare it with less effort. 

             

Recipe:-

INGRIDIENTS:- kakora - 250 gm

Onion - 2 medium

Green chili - 1 

Oil to fry - 1 tbs

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Heeng pinch

Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Red chili powder 1/2 tsp

Salt as required

DIRECTIONS:-

• Rinse kakora with water and Chop in small pieces.
• Chop green chili and onion.
• Now heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and heeng pinch in it
• Add green chili and onion in it and cook 3 minutes.
• Add all spices in it and cook more 2 minutes.
• Add chopped kakora in it and cover  it with lid, cook for 15 minute.

Garnish it with coriander leaves.

Enjoy dry kakora sabji with garma garam chapati.

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