Kantola aka Spiny Gourd aka Teasel Gurd for Diabetes Diet

Spiny Gourd is a Monsoon grown vegetable, it is also called as a Teasel Gourd , “Kantola” or “Karutla” in Local Language. Teasel gourd aka spiny gourd aka Kantola offers a wide range of potential benefits for managing diabetes, primarily by helping regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and support weight management.

Spiny Gourd / Teasel Gourd / Kantola Benefits as below:

• Spiny Gourd is very high in fiber, protein, phyto vitamins & Iron, this fruit contains very less calorie ie. 17 Calorie in 100 Grams of Spiny gourds.
• Kantola is Very Beneficial for our health. This vegetable belongs to Bitter Gourd family which is health wise good for our health.
• Spiny gourd is less bitter in taste than bitter gourd hence Kantola can be a good healthy & tasty option for food lovers.
• Teasel / Spiny Gourd vegetable is very good for digestion due to its fiber & antioxidant contents. It helps in increasing digestion speed and increase food nutrition. Spiny Gourd works as a body cleanser, it’s Vitamin C & antioxidants helps in removing harmful chemicals from our body. It helps to decrease the threat of deadly diseases like cancer, Heart Attack, etc.
• Due to Low calorie & fat burning nature and its magical body sugar controlling properties. Spiny Gourd vegetable helps to diabetic & high / Low sugar patient to normalize the body sugar level.
• Kantola is also beneficial for our skin health & anti-aging benefits due to its flavonoids contains, such as beta carotene, lutein etc.
• Kantola contain Vitamin C, which is good for seasonal immunity. During Manson it helps in curing symptoms of seasonal Cough & Cold.
• Kantola’s thorny skin is also eatable and full of nutrition value. While cooking it should be boiled properly in closed lid pots.
• Kantola is insulin rich plant, and which makes it very beneficial to control blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
• Spiny gourd contains Vitamin A, which is very beneficial to maintain eye health and get rid of general eye related problems.
• Spiny Gourd / Kantola having anti-allergic, Anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial qualities makes it a good anti infection healthy diet food.
• Antioxidants and flavonoids found in Kantola, which helps to control on free radicals and enhance the life span of our healthy body cells.
• Kantola also having anti-inflammatory and intoxicating qualities, which helps to get rid of forming Kidney stones.
• Spiny Gourd is a low calorie and water rich vegetable. Kantola energize your body and keep your tummy full which makes it a best weight loss diet food.
• Kantola Vegetable is very good for the breastfeeding mother, because it helps to decrease the infants vomiting problems.

Spiny Gourd / Teasel Gourd / Kantola Benefits to Diabetes Patient

Spiny Gourd is Phyto-nutrient rich vegetable, and one of the insulin rich Vegetable. Diabetic patient can not only eat this vegetable without any worry, but this also helps in healthy control on blood sugar level. And hence Spiny gourd, Kartula or Gac Fruit is one of the best Food to eat during diabetes.

Teasel gourd, also known as spiny gourd or Kachri (Momordica dioica), is a vegetable commonly found in parts of India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its various health benefits, including its potential role in managing diabetes.

Benefits of Teasel Gourd for Diabetes

Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

• Teasel gourd is believed to have properties that help regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• The plant contains bioactive compounds that may assist in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by cells, which can help in managing blood sugar levels.
• Some studies have shown that consuming teasel gourd may reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, making it useful for controlling blood glucose levels.

Rich in Antioxidants

• Teasel gourd is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins (e.g., vitamin C and vitamin A) that help combat oxidative stress.
• Oxidative stress is known to contribute to insulin resistance and the development of complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants in teasel gourd may help reduce this stress and protect against diabetes-related complications.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Chronic inflammation is often linked to the development of insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. The anti-inflammatory compounds in teasel gourd may help reduce inflammation, thereby supporting better blood sugar control.

Improves Digestion and Gut Health

• Digestive health is essential for managing diabetes, as poor digestion can lead to delayed absorption of nutrients and fluctuations in blood sugar. Teasel gourd has been known to support healthy digestion and regulate bowel movements.
• It is also high in fiber, which can help in stabilizing blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugars in the bloodstream, preventing rapid spikes in glucose levels.

Weight Management

• Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Teasel gourd is low in calories and high in fiber, which can promote satiety and help with weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and managing diabetes.

Antidiabetic Effects (Traditional Use)

• In traditional medicine, teasel gourd has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes. Some research suggests that its hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects may be attributed to compounds like saponins and alkaloids, which could enhance insulin production or improve insulin sensitivity.

How to Incorporate Teasel Gourd into Your Diet for Diabetes

Stir-fry or Cook: Teasel gourd can be added to curries, soups, and stews. It’s commonly stir-fried or sautéed with spices in Indian cuisine.Teasel Gourd Juice: Some people drink fresh teasel gourd juice to manage blood sugar levels. However, be sure to consume it in moderation, as juice may sometimes be concentrated and higher in natural sugars.In Salads: You can also add raw, finely sliced teasel gourd to salads (after removing the spiny skin) for a crunchy and healthy addition to your diet.Pickles: In some cultures, teasel gourd is pickled and eaten as a side dish.

Recipe of spiny Gourd Spicy Curry

Wash the vegetable & cut the slices of Spiny Gourd / akakarakaya. Skin of Spiny Gourd looks ugly but is very healthy & nutritious hence it is recommended to keep during its cooking process.

After warming a Pan on Gas / Stove add Oil, Onion & Tomato Slices and Kantola Slices, Add Turmeric Powder, Chili Powder, Vegetable Spices Powder Mix, Cumin Powder, Coriander Seed Powder and Peanut Powder.

Add Some water to make gravy. Always cook in closed lid for 20-25 Minutes. you can add extra water for curry or add moderate water to make it dry as per your Taste Choice.

Precautions and Considerations before adding Teasel Gourd Kantola in your diet:

Consult Your Doctor: If you have diabetes, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet or adding new herbs and vegetables, especially if you are on medications that affect blood sugar.

Moderation: Like with any food, moderation is key. While teasel gourd has potential benefits for blood sugar regulation, excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in some people.

Side Effects: Teasel gourd is generally considered safe when eaten in moderation. However, it’s important to avoid consuming it raw in large amounts, as it can cause mild stomach irritation due to its bitterness and spiny texture.

Kantola Vegetable will be Great option of health essentials like protein and iron source, it also fights with seasonal Allergies and seasonal sickness. During monsoon adding Spiny Gourd in our daily diet gives best health benefits.

Kantola, Teasel gourd or spiny gourd offers several potential benefits for managing diabetes, primarily by helping regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and support weight management. While it can be a healthy addition to your diet, it should be consumed in moderation, and any significant changes to your diabetes management plan should be discussed with your doctor.

Plant Based diet plays an important role in upkeeping health during Diabetes disease, and there are few another Plant based food. Kantola / akakarakaya / Teasel Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Red Cabbage, Cinnamon, Fenugreek Seeds Curcumin or Wet Turmeric, okra like vegetables helps in naturally increasing body Insulin production. Adding Spiny Gourd and other plant-based diet can be very beneficial to diabetes patient by lower the disease intensity.

Hope you like above information on Vegetable Kartula / Teasel Gourd Vegetable, Kantola benefits towards our health very much.

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You may also love reading our few other articles. https://gymbag4u.com/diabetes-symptom-and-remedies-for-a-healthier-life/ and https://gymbag4u.com/15-amazing-fruit-low-in-sugar-beneficial-for-diabetes/ and https://gymbag4u.com/those-dry-fruits-should-be-avoided-by-diabetes-patient/ and https://gymbag4u.com/diabetes-diet-a-comprehensive-guide-for-diabetic-nutrition/

Prashant V @Gymbag4you@gmail.com

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