Scroll to Recipes with Pointed Gourd / परवल as ingredient
Trichosanthes dioica is more commonly known as a pointed gourd. It is a vine plant in the family Cucurbitaceae, a rich source of minerals and vitamins. In India, it is called Parval or Green Potato.
This vegetable’s production is on a large scale in India, especially in Orissa, Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. It may come as a surprise, but this vegetable is beneficial for losing weight. It can also reduce the tendency of getting cold frequently.
Commonly Known as
| Language | Name | Written as |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | alqare almudabib | القرع المدبب |
| Bengali | Pōkā lā’u | পোকা লাউ |
| Kannada | Monacāda sōrekāyi | ಮೊನಚಾದ ಸೋರೆಕಾಯಿ |
| Malayalam | cūṇṭuviral | ചൂണ്ടുവിരൽ |
| Hindi | parval | परवल |
| Punjabi | Nibū vālā | ਨਿੰਬੂ ਵਾਲਾ |
| Tamil | Kūrmaiyāṉa cuṇṭaikkāy | கூர்மையான சுண்டைக்காய் |
| Telugu | Guṇḍrani poṭlakāya | గుండ్రని పొట్లకాయ |
| Urdu | parval | پاروال |
Nutritional Profile of Pointed Gourd
Nutritional profile per 100 gms
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 4.4g
- Carbohydrate: 7.6g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Fat: 14.5g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 19.7mg
- Potassium: 141.9mg
Source: USDA & Google
Benefits
Helps Improving Digestion
A pointed gourd is a vegetable that has high fiber and can help in improving digestion. It also helps in treating some liver problems. And so it keeps digestive health maintained.
Lowers Blood Sugar
The seeds in the pointed gourd are great for controlling diabetes by lowering the blood sugar level. Hence, it will be beneficial for diabetic people to include it in their diet.
Has Antibacterial Properties
The leaves, fruits, and plants of the pointed gourd are used as antibacterial agents due to their antibacterial properties. Therefore, the various parts of the plant are used in treating bacterial infections of different kinds.
Treats Jaundice
Jaundice is a disease that is directly affected and associated with the liver. Pointed is considered to be extremely good for the liver. Hence, it is very beneficial for treating jaundice.
Anti Aging
The pointed gourd has antioxidant properties. Moreover, the vitamins present in it helps to reduce the signs of aging on the skin. Although, this benefit is limited up to skin only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pointed gourd good for health?
A pointed gourd is highly beneficial for the body. It helps in losing weight, with anorexia, skin diseases, heals wounds, etc.
How to choose Pointed Gourd before buying?
When you purchase pointed gourds, choose small, dark green with white strips and crisp pointed gourds. If it is otherwise, don’t buy them.
What does Pointed Gourd taste like?
Like most cucurbit family vegetables have a mild taste. The leaves of this plant, which are also edible, are slightly bitter.
Are Parval (Pointed Gourd) and Tindora (Little Gourd) the same?
No, both are not the same. Pointed gourds have a tough texture and pointed ends. Whereas little gourds have a tender texture and round ends.
