10 Health Benefits of Ivy Gourd (kundru) & Why to Include In Your Diet

Key takeaways

· Ivy gourd is low in calories but high in fibre and nutrients, making it perfect for anyone looking to sheds ome kilos or maintain a healthy weight.

· It helps keep your glucose levels in check, making it great for folks with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake.

· Ivy gourd is packed with antioxidants that fight off harmful free radicals.

· Ivy gourd's anti-inflammatory properties make it a heart-healthy choice.

Background

Incorporating a variety of vegetables and fruits into our diet is essential for maintaining good health. One such vegetable that stands out is the ivy gourd, valued for its versatility, taste, and remarkable medicinal properties.

· Scientific name: Coccinia grandis

· Family: Cucurmbitaceae

· Local names in different Indian states: Kundru,Tendli, Kovakkai, Dondakaya, Tindora, Tonde Kayi, and Toruni

Nutritional profile

1. Why should you include ivy gourd in your diet

· Low in calories.

· Good source of fiber (2.9g/100g).

· Excellent source antioxidants including lycopene (5.68 mg/100g) and β-carotene (2.24 mg/100g), taraxerol, beta-sitosterol, lupeol, etc

Nutritional value per 100g (6-8small to medium-sized) of ivy gourd fruit

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10 potential health benefits of ivy gourd vegetable

1. Regulating blood sugar

Lowering blood sugar levels is important in managing diabetes and lowering the risk of heart disease.

· Ivy gourd vegetable is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and β-carotene. These compounds work together to lower blood glucose.

· The fibre in ivy gourd slows down glucose absorption, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

· Animal studies have shown that pectin found in ivy gourd increases liver glycogen, which stores sugar in the liver. It also slows down the activity of an enzyme called glycogen phosphorylase, which breaks down stored glycogen into glucose. This slowing down of the enzyme's activity leads to less glucose being released into the bloodstream.‍

2. Helps in obesity management

A calorie-deficient diet is an effective way to lose weight.

· Ivy gourd is low in calories.

· Fibre in ivy gourd helps promote feelings of fullness and satiety, reducing overall calorie intake.‍

3. Antioxidant properties

Oxidative stress harms cells due to free radicals. It can lead to various health problems, including inflammation, ageing, and diseases like cancer and heart disease.

· Ivy gourd vegetable have strong antioxidant properties, due to high glycoside and flavonoid contents.

· These compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body, protecting cells from damage.

Studies have shown that ivy gourd fruit extract can slow down the proliferation of certain cancer cell lines.‍

4. Anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Managing inflammation through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent these health issues.

· Ivy gourd contains various natural anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, and triterpenoids.

· Evidence suggests that a 60% methanolic extract of C. grandis fruit demonstrated stronger anti-inflammatory effects than the standard drug diclofenac.‍

5. Promotes liver health

Ivy gourd intake may effectively reverse liver damage.

· Animal studies suggest ivy gourd vegetable could protect the liver from chemical damage.

· Benefits were linked to improved liver enzymes, bilirubin and antioxidant levels and reduced oxidative stress.

6. Protect against Alzheimer’s

The bioactive compounds in ivy gourd are believed to play a role in neuroprotection.

· Evidence suggests that ivy gourd might help lessen the severity and slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

· Acetylcholinesterase is a key enzyme targeted in Alzheimer's treatment.

· Phytochemicals in ivy gourds such as β-sitosterol, pectin, retinol, and taraxerone, exhibit stronger binding to this enzyme.

7. Antibacterial properties

Ivy gourd has been found to possess antibacterial properties. These properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids.

· Research indicates that extracts from ivy gourd fruits can inhibit the growth of various harmful bacteria.

· This antibacterial activity supports the traditional use of ivy gourd in treating infections.

8. Anthelmintic Activity

Ivy gourd has anthelmintic activity, meaning it can help expel parasitic worms such as tapeworms and roundworms from the body.

· Studies indicate that ivy gourd can cause paralysis and death of worms.

· Traditional medicine has long used ivy gourd for this purpose.

9. Antitussive Action

Ivy gourd (is known for its antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties.

· Traditional medicine often uses ivy gourd to relieve coughs and soothe the respiratory tract.

· The fruit contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which help reduce cough reflexes and soothe irritated airways.

10. Prevents constipation

Ivy gourd is commonly used in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive issues and improve overall gut health.

· The fibre in ivy gourd helps to bulk up the stool and promote regular bowel movements, reducing the incidence of constipation.

FAQs

1. Does ivy gourd reduce memory?

There is no evidence to suggest that ivy gourd reduces memory. In fact, some studies indicate that ivy gourd might have neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial for brain health.

2. Is ivy gourd good for kidney patients?

Ivy gourd is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially benefiting kidney health. However, kidney patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if it is suitable for their specific dietary needs and condition.

3. How to eat ivy gourd?

Ivy gourd can be enjoyed in stir-fries, curries, salads, pickles, steamed dishes, or soups.

4. Who should not eat ivy gourd?

Ivy gourd is generally considered safe for consumption as part of a well-balanced diet in moderate quantities. However, individuals with specific health concerns, like kidney or heart issues, should seek advice from a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their meals.

5. Is ivy gourd rich in protein?

No, Ivy gourd is not a rich source of protein. 100 g of ivy gourd contains about 4.1g vs. 20g in 100g paneer and about 31g in 100g chicken.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ivy gourd offers a myriad of health benefits, including its antioxidant properties, potential for blood sugar regulation, weight management and anticancer properties. By incorporating ivy gourd into your diet, you can support your overall health and well-being.

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References

1.     Saini SS. Ivy gourd: nutrition and pharmalogical values. IJCRT. 2021;9(4):5419-26.

2.     Purwar S, et al. Nutritional and therapeutic values of Coccinea grandis: A review. IJCS. 2020;8(4):1555-61. DOI:10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i4o.9832.

3.     22 high fiber foods you should eat. Healthline.Accessed on May 29, 2024.

4.     Sargunam HJ. Ivy gourd – medicinal and nutritional values. IJCR. 2017;9(3): 47604-07.

5.     Mathews MM, et al. A compendious write-up on Coccinia grandis. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2019;54(2):29-36.

6.     Sakharkar P, et al. Antibacterial, antioxidant and cell proliferative properties of Coccinia grandis fruits. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2017;7(4):295-307.

7.     Hossain MS, et al. Coccinia grandis: phytochemistry, pharmacology and health benefits. Clin Traditional Med Pharmacol. 2024. DOI.

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About the Author
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Dr. Satish Madiraju, a renowned cardiologist is passionate about consumer heart health and is on a mission to prevent a million heart attacks. He shares his expertise not only on heart health but also on leadership, digital health, and improving patient experience.