Bantiyong or Kundol in abundance at the farm these days. Know why we include it in our polenta, stir fries, salads and dspecially in our juices as an add on to our basic components... Health Benefits of Ash Gourd (Winter Melon) Cebuano: Bantiyong Tagalog: Kundol Main Source: vegrecipes4u The health benefits of ash-gourd have long been known. The ash-gourd is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita for its many nutritional and medicinal properties. Bantiyong which we are enjoying now in the farm is actually a fruit but is referred to as a vegetable because it is cooked and eaten as a vegetable In India, the ash-gourd is offered to the gods in religious ceremonies. It is also considered to be effective in warding off evil spirits and the evil eye — hence it’s hung outside newly constructed homes and buildings. It keeps well for a long time. What contributes to its longevity is the chalky wax on its skin which prevents micro-organisms from attacking it and preserves it. Uncut pumpkins can be stored for almost a year without refrigeration. Bantiyong and Health It is loaded with nutrients. It’s an excellent source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), a good source of vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin C. It is also rich in many minerals like calcium. Its high potassium content makes this a good vegetable for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Containing almost 96% water, this gourd is a dietitian’s delight. Be sure to include this vegetable in your weght-loss diet. In Ayurveda and other traditional eastern medicine, it is used as a general tonic for its restorative properties. It is also used as brain food – to treat mental illnesses and nervous disorders such as epilepsy, paranoia, and insanity. Kundol in Tagalog is alkaline in nature and hence has a cooling and neutralizing effect on stomach acids and as such used effectively for treating digestive ailments like hyperacidity, dyspepsia, and ulcers. Its juice is a popular home remedy for peptic ulcers and also used to treat diabetes. When in abundance at the farm, we make it a point to include it in our 7day Organic juicing program since it is also useful in treating respiratory disorders like asthma, blood-related diseases, and urinary diseases like kidney stones. Every part of this fruit is useful. Its leaves are rubbed on bruises to heal them, while the seeds are used for expelling intestinal worms. The ash made from burning the rind and seeds are mixed with coconut oil and used to promote hair growth and to treat dandruff. Inexpensive and versatile, bantiyong is a healthful vegetable that should definitely be a part of any nutritious diet. Cooking Tips Bantiyong or kundol has a bland taste and absorbs well the flavors of whatever spices and herbs you blend it with. As such it’s great for soups, curries, as well as desserts and sweets. Unlike the uncut bantiyong, when peeled and sliced, it needs to be refrigerated and even then, it keeps fresh only for 3-4 days.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 08:59:59 +0000
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