Benefits of eating Kantola: Have you ever eaten Kantola? In some parts of India it is called Kankoda. It is also called wild bitter gourd. Its bark is dry, but it tastes very good. Kantola fried in less oil gives a good taste in the mouth. It is found in abundance during monsoon. It has many benefits for health. Despite this, this vegetable is not as popular as it should be. Considering its taste and health importance, a lot of research is being done on it in Asian countries.
Its bark is also beneficial
According to research published in the Journal of Breeding and Genetics, genetic diversity research was conducted on thorny bitter gourd or Kantola at the Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Thailand. According to research, Kantola is grown in Asia. But it is rarely used.
It has long been used in food and traditional medicine in East and Southeast Asia. Its bark is rich in phytochemicals. Especially phytochemicals like lycopene and beta carotene. Apart from eye health, beta carotene prevents many cancers and heart disease. Lycopene prevents cell damage. It also prevents prostate cancer.
Who eats more grains?
Some people like the taste of its seeds better. The seeds also contain bioavailable carotenoids. These phytochemicals may reduce the risk of several diseases such as prostate cancer, colon cancer and cerebral thrombosis. Apart from this, melon oil is most commonly used by Vietnamese women and children. It not only reduces body fat but also provides essential nutrients to children.
Prevention of diseases caused by fatty liver
A researcher from Dhaka University researched the nutritional content of Kantola. Well, it contains nutrients like calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, sodium, fiber. It also contains small amounts of essential vitamins like ascorbic acid, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. It is a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids. It has antilipid peroxidative properties. It prevents fat oxidation. This reduces the risk of diseases caused by fatty liver.
Prevents infections caused by seasonal changes
Cold and cough are common in cold weather. Include Kantola in your diet to avoid any kind of infection. It is anti-allergic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It can help prevent seasonal infections.
Kantola is an anti-aging agent,
Beta carotene, lutein, xanthin eliminate free radicals. It works as an anti-aging agent. Due to its low calorie content, it can be included in weight loss diet. It keeps the skin healthy. If you have any kind of skin related problem then include Kantola seeds in your diet.
How to include Kantola in the diet
1) Fry in little oil: Kantola can be eaten as a vegetable by frying it in a pan with some oil, salt, turmeric and green chillies.
2) By roasting the seeds: To get rid of skin problems, you can roast banana seeds and eat them.
3 Prepare the soup: Boil the chickpeas. Blend it. You can enjoy Kantola soup with lemon, black salt, black pepper powder and half a teaspoon.
4 Ripe: Allow Kantola to ripen naturally. When it turns red, cut it and eat it like a fruit. It is good for the digestive system.