For some reason Bottle Gourd is one of the most controversial vegetables of Indian summer. The vegetable can very well divide the room in two. To some, it is one of the most, light, soothing, delicious vegetables, while many find it rather bland. The vegetable, however, has come back in vogue, especially as a weight-loss superfood. Nutritionists and experts are gushing about lauki’s low cal, detox abilities. But before we get into that let's understand the basic, nutritional composition of Lauki that makes it such a star when it comes to weight loss.
Lauki or bottle gourd, also known as Doodhi in some parts of India, has been part of our summer diets since time immemorial, and the several regional preparations such as Lauki Chane ki Dal or Lauki ka Halwa are proof that we have been aware of this vegetable’s versatility since time immemorial. Typically, bottle gourd that you find in India is of oblong cylindrical shape, with light green skin and white flesh.
The skin is peeled off and the white flesh is then cooked in myriad ways. But did you know, it is one of the rare vegetables that you can also have raw, one of the best ways to do so is to blend it into fresh juice. More than 90 percent is just water, the vegetable has negligible carbs and calories. 100 grams of lauki contains only 15 calories. Since lauki is high in fibres, it helps keep you full for a long time and prevent the urge to over-eat, further letting you maintain your calorie requirement of the day. All these factors make lauki the ultimate weight-loss favourite.
Lauki Juice: Coolant, Detox And A Weight-Loss Wonder
Another reason why bottle gourd is so popular among nutritionists is that it is as desi as it gets. Sure, broccoli and avocado have their charm, but according to Ayurveda, your body reacts best to local, seasonal foods. With this temperature, our body is anyway having a tough time digesting half the foods, this is where light, cooling foods like lauki come in like a welcome respite.
How To Make Lauki Juice:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium, chopped, peeled, seeded bottle gourd (lauki/doodhi)
- 3 sliced amla
- 2-inch pieces chopped ginger
- 15-20 fresh mint leaves
- Salt to taste
- Black salt (kala namak) to taste
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Method:
- Add the bottle gourd, mint leaves, salt, black salt, amla, ginger and cumin seeds in a juicer/ blender.
- Next, one cup of water and blend for two to three minutes.
- If the consistency is too thick, add another cup of water gradually, throw in the lemon juice and ice cubes as well and blend for 2 minutes more. Strain in individual glasses and serve chilled.
