Bottle gourd (lauki/ghiya) is one of those vegetables that youngsters run away from. Some of us find it very bland in taste. Bottle gourd has been a part of Indian cuisine for a long time. The benefits of bottle gourd are just too many to ignore.
Bottle gour’s scientific name is Lageneria vulgaris . It has several other names in India and around the world -ghiya, doodhi, lauki, white gourd, bottle squash, calabash gourd etc.
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Nutrition in Bottle gourd / Lauki
| Amount per 100 gms of Raw Bottle gourd | ||
| Nutrient | Amount | % daily value |
| Calories | 15 cals | – |
| Carbs | 3.69 gms | – |
| Fiber | 1.2 gms | – |
| Protein | 0.6 gms | – |
| Calcium | 24 mg | 2 % |
| Iron | 0.25 mg | 2 % |
| Folate | 4 µg | 1 % |
| Vitamin C | 8.5 mg | 10 % |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.03 mg | 3 % |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg | 7 % |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.114 mg | 3 % |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 3 % |
*Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Health Benefits of Bottle gourd
Benefits of bottle gourd have been discovered long long time back by Ayurveda. But bottle gourd started trending and became famous after Ramdev baba started promoting bottle gourd juice benefits in his yoga camps during his initial camping day. A lot of people started consuming bottle gourd juice on a daily basis every morning. They started noticing the benefits on their health and bottle gourd became a part of every Indian house hold. Let us study some of the health benefits of bottle gourd.
Provides more nutrients and very few calories and fat :
If you are on a low calorie diet, Bottle gourd is the best choice to go for. 96 % of this gourd is comprised of water. Bottle gourd is high in dietary fibre and provides only 15 calories per 100 gm and only 0.1 gm fat in 100 gm. It provides vitamin C and some B vitamins, trace elements and minerals like iron, sodium and potassium
Aids in Digestion:
Bottle gourd provides good amount of both soluble and insoluble fibre and water. It helps in digestion and related problems like constipation, flatulence and acidity. The insoluble fibre also helps in conditions like piles.
Cooling effect:
Bottle gourd has cooling and calming ability due to its good water content. It is very helpful during summers and specially those who work under the hot sun as it has the ability to prevent heat strokes and recovers the water lost due to perspiration.It can be consumed in a juice form or cooked as a veggie.
Urinary disorders:
Bottle gourd has a diuretic effect on body. Hence it helps in flushing out the excess water stored in the body as swelling and bloating. Prepare a glass of fresh bottle gourd juice and add a teaspoon of lime juice and consume . This alkaline mixture helps in dilution of acidic urine and in relieving the burning sensation in the urinary tract because of high acid content in urine.
Helps in weight loss:
Bottle gourd provides excellent nutrition with minimum calories and fat, Hence it is best for weight loss. It also helps in lowering the cholesterol in the blood. It is high in fiber and water content . Consume fresh bottle gourd juice , the first thing in morning on an empty stomach,this will help you keep away hunger pangs.
Prevents Premature graying hair:
Ancient Ayurveda says drinking fresh bottle gourd juice in the morning on a regular basis can be very useful for prevention and treatment of prematurely graying hair.
Beneficial for skin:
Bottle gourd in its natural form can be used in internal cleansing of your skin.It helps in balancing the oil secretion on face and helps keep acne and pimple problems at bay. It helps protect against various types of skin infections.
Aids in sleeping better and insomnia:
Sesame oil when mixed with bottle gourd juice helps to cure problems of insomnia. The leaves of the gourd when consumed in cooked forms cools the brains and helps in curing sleep related problems and aids in sleeping better.
Revitalization and replacement of lost fluids:
Those suffering from diarrhea, high grade fever or other health issues which are related with profound sweating and water losses should consume a glass of bottle gourd juice. It helps in replacing the lost body water and curbs excessive thirst in diabetics. Treats fatigue and revitalizes.
Other ailments:
Bottle gourd is also beneficial in conditions like jaundice and inflammation of kidneys.
How to Use Bottle gourd to avail health benefits ?
Bottle gourd can be used in various ways in day to day life. Some Ayurveda experts advice on taking it early in the morning in juice form on empty stomach , while some believe that it is beneficial when eaten in any form and at any time of the day . Following are mentioned some ways in which you can consume bottle gourd.
Bottle gourd juice
You can consume bottle gourd in juice form. it works well when consumed early in the morning on empty stomach.
Recipe of preparing Bottle gourd juice –
- Take a bottle gourd , wash it thoroughly and peel the outer cover.
- Scoop out the seeds parts from the center of the gourd.
- Cut the remaining pulpy part of Bottle gourd in to pieces.
- Note – It is important to taste a small piece of bottle gourd and check if it is bitter. In case it is bitter, discard the bottle gourd immediately . Bitter tasting bottle gourds can be toxic for health and may lead to disastrous results. Hence it is crucial to always check the taste of bottle gourd before you juice it.
- After you are sure about the taste of bottle gourd , put the cut pieces in a juicer , add 10 tulsi leaves and 10 mint leaves . remove the juice and strain it in a strainer.
- You can consume it as it is. Or add a little rock salt (if you do not have hypertension ).
Bottle gourd Pancake / Chilla / Dosa
Lets face it . Bottle gourd is not really a very tasteful food to consume , and many people detest its tastes. Making this bottle gourd pancake is not only simple and quick , but also a very tasty recipe.
Recipe of preparing Bottle gourd chilla –
- Take 1 bowl Besan and 1 bowl rawa. Mix them together.
- Add grated bottle gourd, chopped corriender leaves , grated ginger and chopped green chilly.
- Add salt to taste. ass a little water to make dosa like batter.
- Spread the batter on a non- stick pan (just like dosa). and roast it from both the sides.
- Optional – You can add grated carrots and chopped spinach leaves to enhance the nutrition and taste of these yummy pancakes.
Bottle gourd is an excellent food with loads of nutritional value. Avoid crash diets and choose to eat healthy veggies like bottle gourd for weight loss.
Hi mam, your article is very informative . Thank you so much for this. I drink the lauki juice on a regular basis. But after reading that you should have a fresh juice every time I am little worried , as I cut a good pice and keep the rest in refrigerator and use it next day? That way it takes me around 3 to 4 days to finish one lauki. Is it ok if I do it that way? If not are there other ways to do it? Because I stay alone it’s not possible for me to finish the entire lauki at a time. Kindly throw a light on this aspect.
Regards,
Prajakta .
Hi Praakta ,
you can cut the lauki , and then just cling wrap the open end . (just the open end ,not entire lauki ) and then refrigerate it .
Hello ma’am,
My wife has hyperthyroidism and taking nedicine regularly. She wants to start with lauki juice for other health benefits. My question is can she take lauki juice and before thyroid meds or after meds and what should be the gap.
Thanks
Iqbal
she can take it after 15 – 20 mins of the thyroid medicine .
Hi i am meena,
Can we eat lauki leaves cooked with all masala?
yes you can in general , if you are looking for a particular benefit from it , let me know , and ill tell you accordingly
Hello.
Is consuming bottle gourd juice in the night harmful in any way? Does it cause cold / cough? I understand it is more beneficial in morning, but is it harmful in evening?
Hi Shilpa ,
no it is not harmful to have lauki juice in the evening . make sure it is freshly made . but i would still stick by having bottle gourd juice in the morning is more beneficial . the fiber in it will keep you full through the day and save you fro hunger pangs too.
Hi payal…I want to lose my weight.dis time I’m 57.7..but there is no fat on my face I’m worried if I take dis juice my face will effected.but I really want to lose my weight bcoz my height is short…plz give me some advice..
nothing will happen .. please go ahead
Hello mam
I am taking lauki juice in mornig, i just want to know can i hv breakfast after 3 or 4 hours of lauki juice.
yes you can have breakfast after 1-2 hours
Can i drink bottle gourd juice early morning?like this
Just after i wake up then doing exercises then can i go to clearing my digestive system off to toilet as every body do at morning…….is it correct……or i m doing incorrect as if.after drinking it im going to toilettoilet?
its ok both ways , dont worry
Working in night shift, so can i use that juice in night for dinner @ 10 PM.
nope , take it after your shift
Hi…
Can I take lauki juice as dinner???
it works better when taken in the morning
i take fresh luki juice in morning after i go for walk , it is better to take after work or before
take after walks . but on empty stomach
Hi payal ma’am, I need to know does bottle gourd powder help to lose weight instead of juice
juice willhelp better
Hi is the louki juice good to clear heart blockages
yes to some extent .. detailsare mentioned above
Can bottle gourd juice can be stored and if so for how many days it can be stroed?
it is better taken fresh only . for storeing preservatives will be needed , which is not recommended nyways
Hi Payal, thanks for the info… I have taken bottle gourd juice with lemon, ginger, Amla and mint leaves but after taking it I have to go to toilet. Shall I stop talking it? I am 35 years old and do yoga regularly.
Hi Aman ,
np you dont need to stop it .. it is ok to get motions after such health drinks .
Hi Payal
How r u?
I want to ask that people search juices which can help in fast surgery wounds recovery, post surgery, like haemorrhoidal one. Can bottle gourd be consumed (juice,soup,boiled….) as a post surgery recovery option as compared to other fruits??
Regards
Yes you can have it
hello,
i dont want to lose weight but for other benefits can i drink dis juice???m worried coz if i regularly drink dis i wl lose my weight nd i dont want dis..
Hi Smita ,
this is not for weight loss alone , it is for fitness , it wont make you lose weight if you are fit weight wise … sont worry .
Hi I start my day early morning so can I take lauki juice with my breakfast.
yes , you can have it first thing and then eat the brreakfast
Hi
My daughter is a lill overweight she is 11 years old. and i want to start with karela juice,beetroot juice for her . will this work for her and will it suit her.
rather than this , ypou should get her involved in a physical activity .. yes the juices are healthy and whether or not she loses weight with it , she will gain nutritive benefits
My father is 64 year oldn he is diabetic hypertensive n he also had heart blockage which is 90% in LAD ;n 99% in diagonal branch .what is the quantity of lauki juice for my fagher
1/2 bottle gourd / 250 gms
nmaste mam…m suffering from hypothyroidism ..my weight is 88 kg and height is 5.1 ..I want to know can I fast on Loki juice…one more thing eating yogurt is healthy?
yes both is ok
Can tomato and bottle gourd juice both be taken together early in the morning for weight loss ?
yes you can mix them both and have a mixed veg juice as well
Hello i have a gastric with burn stomach and reflux … is it good for me to drink bottle Gourd and is it necessary to peel it .. thx a lots
yes you can have it but make fresh and have . you can have with the peel .
Hi Payal
I am 54 years old and I am a diabetic. My sugar level has crossed 300. I am having excessive sweating in whole body. My mensuration cycle has stopped around three years back. Can I know if the sweating is due to hormonal changes. Can I take bitter gourd juice. Is there any side effects. Please suggest possible remedy.
Hi Geeta ,
i am sorry but im unable to help you with the reason of sweating . it can be anything …. may be a doctor would help you better. yes you an have bitter gourd juice early in the morning , it will help you in getting the blood sugars under sontrol. you can also try following our 1200 or 1500 calorie diet plan they will help you control your blood suar levels.
Hi…how much ml of patanjali louki +amla juice to be taken everyday for weight loss
Hi Sneha ,
please read the guidelines menioned on the packaged jar . i can help u with freshly prepared juice quantity . you need to take 150 ml of lauki juice and 2 big amla ‘s juice on a daily basis to avail their various health benefits .
Can I prepare juice for 2 -3 days together and refrigerate it or do i need to prepare it daily?
you need to make it fresh everyday . do not drink stale juice it is not healthy
Hi payalji
Mine name is sonali an I m 35 years old ,I have high no problem
So I had started taking lauki juice for both weight reduction n no control.
I just want to ask can i mix 10 ml of patanjali all a juice in fresh prepare lauki juice
And drink empty stomach.
Freshly prepared juice is good. are you asking to mix amla juice in lauki juice ? sorry i dint really understand your question . but if that what you are asking , then yes you can mix it , or keep 2 seperate glass and have it separetly as well .
I have piles can I take bottlgourd
yes you can
Can i drink lauki juice after dinner or what time in night
early morning on empty stomach will give you better results
Hi ..i take lauki and tomati juice along with my lunch.I just want to know is it okay ….
yes , it is ok . but it will benefit more if taken early in the morning or 3 hour after lunch
Hello PayPal ma’am
I have hypothyroidism can I consume raw bottlegaurd juice in morning.it won’t have any side effects na.plz reply
Thankyou
Hi Almira ,
No it wont have any negative effect . dont worry.
I have a thyroid problem.Can i drink lauki juice and how?
hi ,
yes you can . have it early morning after walking or exercising .
do i need to drink the bottle gourd juice in the morning before or after the exercise..?
early morning on empty stomach is the most beneficial
If I will drink bottle gourd juice daily in night then how much weight I reduced in how much time. I have to reduce only 6-7 KG so pls. suggest
Hi Sapna ,
following just 1 tip to lose weight will not be of help in long run . i am sorry i cant help you in knowing how much weight can be lost . You need to so it and watch it
Hi I m Priyanka.i m 26 year old.every morning after aerobic exercise I drink bottle gourd juice.my question is can I take breakfast after drinking this bottle gourd juice????pls reply
there should be a 45 – 60 mins window between aerobics and food. juice is ok whenever you take.
hi payal , really nice and usefull information u r sharing wt all of us ,thnx for your valuable tips.
as i am doctor of naturopathy and want to learn about diet & nutrition ,can u suggest me from wr i cn do it ?plz
Hi Dr. Kiran ,
thanks for apriciation . there are a lot of online courses now a days . im sure you ‘ll find some useful info on the net , as ive been out of acedemics for quite some time now
Plx tell me that ….boiled bottle gourd is better or fresh juice of bottle gourd is better for weight loss ?
both are good . but in comparison fresh juice helps .
very nice information
Hello Payalji
I am Pratiksha and I am going to start yoga in the morning and after dat I have to rush to office so can I have bottle gaurd juice in the evening for weight loss
Hi Pratiksha,
yes it will benefit in the evening as well , but taking it on empty stomach will help more . if this is not feasible, you can take a glass of warm water and lemon or green tea too .
Hi payal ji , i want to know that bottle goured juice can b consumed directly or i should boil it before taking it for weight loss. As i hav read so many article on net tht lauki should not b used uncooked . so i m a bit cofused . plz give some suggestion.
if your bottlegourd is organic or you buy from local small scale farmer then you can have it directly . but if the above mentioned facility is not available and you buy it from food marts or wholesalers, it is best to boil it to kill the harmful infectants through fertilizers and chemicals. that may have been used,
hii payal ma’m,
what is the maximum time for which this bottle gourd juice can be stored in refrigerator??
not more than 4-5 hours ,
Hi payal,
I am supriya 27 yrs old..my weight is 70 kg and height is 5.5 …i really wanna to loose weight with in 2 months….can u suggest what should i do?
Hi Supriya,
will surely help you. plz give some details about lifestyle , eating pattern and exercise .
My mom has thyroid. Will gourd juice help?
Hi Anu,
Thanks for reading at Dietburrp. you can follow tips from here – https://www.dietburrp.com/thyroid-and-weight-loss/ . yes gourd juice will be helpful too.
Hi payal, i am a 26 year girl and facing too much hair fall problem plz suggest something for hairfall or bottleguard juice is sufficient for this
Hi Neha,
sure will soon write a post to try and help you out. Try applying ginger juice to your hair roots, and eat good proteins and bioteen foods.
Hello Payal,
Thanks a lot for this informative post.
I had one query, can i have bottle gourd+tomato juice every night for dinner?? I really need to lose weight.
Kindly advise.
Thanks
Ankita
Hi Ankita,
No please dont try such crash diets, the weight loss will be temporary. use the 1200 calorie diet chart on dietburrp. Our readers are losing good weight using the chart . one of our reader lost 13 kgs in 2 months using the same chart
Hi, i am Male, 32 years. I am facing BP 140/90. I gon through every kinds of blood test and other whole body checkup. Every thing is normal only cholestrol level approx 300. I am very much scared of BP. Please advise proper diet and other things. I am almost running through dipression and phobia of BP every moment.
Hi Sami ,
please dont worry, although its quite early to catch bp, but its manageable .. all you need to do is eat right and exercise daily. dont worry. Iw will soon post an article on how to manage your blood pressure. see this article for lowering blood cholesterol . https://www.dietburrp.com/how-to-reduce-triglycerides-level-in-blood/ . you need to manage your weight to keep away from further trouble.
I am 44 years old.I have high uric acid level . And Clorostol (LDL)is on border levesl.Sometimes I have small swelling below my eyes.
Will this juice will help me.
Hi Giri ,
Yes this juice will help you for both the issues, You can take 1 glass juice daily in the morning.
Hi!!
i am 29 yrs old and my weight is 68 kg and my height is 5 feet 2 inches. i am having the thyroid problem. Because of thyroid problem my weight is gain and I wamt to loose my weight in one month. My thyroid is not so high it is normal but then also i am gaining my weight and want to reduce the fats on stomach and on thighs. So please just me the healthy diet plan or shall i take the bottle gourd juice or any thing else. So please help me.
Hi Nilima,
Thanks for reading at dietburrp. Dont worry these problems are common in people with hypothyroid problem. Just maintain a healthy lifestyle and it will pass. read this article for more help on weight loss with thyroid.
https://www.dietburrp.com/thyroid-and-weight-loss/
and for diet chart .. try this diet chart..
https://www.dietburrp.com/indian-diet-plan-for-weight-loss/
Do write back if you have any queries.
Hello Payalji,
Thanks for your reply clearing my doubts in benefits of taking Bottle Gourd Juice. As suggested, I will continue the habit and also add other vegetables to get more benefits.
Thanks again
J.Vidya Sagar
Hello Payal,
Thanks for the useful article.
I have a question. Every morning, I drink 1 glass of bottle gourd juice.
Is it OK to add small piece of ginger in it?
In juicer I add bottle gourd and small piece of ginger and drinks that mix juice.
Thanks,
Utkarsh
Hi Utkarshji,
you can definitely add ginger for taste … If healthy is tasty, you ll stick on to the habit for longer .. which is the basic idea.
I am 50 year old male and is health conscious. My weight is 58 kg and height 5ft 3 inches. On hearing from friends that bottle gourd juice is healthy, I started taking it daily. My doubt is whether taking this juice reduces my weight? As I am already normal weight, I do not want any reduction in my weight. (In fact, I reduced my weight for about 0.5 kg. Hence I stopped taking it)
2. Which vegetable juices are good?
Grateful if this doubt can be clarified.
Hello Mr Vidyasagar,
Thank you for stopping by and reading at DietBurrp. Although bottle gourd juice helps in losing weight, but it is not true that bottle gourd juice alone will cause weight loss. As you must have read in the article above, Bottle gourd juice has alot of benefits, special for a person in your age. weight loss can be due to degeneration of muscles at your age. or may be some thing else too. dont worry and continue taking the juice . it is super healthy. you can also consume carrot, tomato, and other fruit juices too. if your blood sugar is in control.