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Ivy Gourd Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to ivy gourds
About ivy gourds
Ivy gourd is a tropical plant whose fruits, roots, and leaves are used for food and medicinal reasons. Its alternative names are Calabaza Hiedra, Calabacita, little gourd, and Coccinia Cordifolia. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also comprises vegetables and fruits like watermelons, pumpkins, and cucumbers. It grows fast and is easy to propagate, enhancing its availability.
This vegetable is rich in beta carotene, fiber, iron, and vitamin B, as well as many other phytonutrients. Here are a few benefits to each of these health enhancers:
- Beta carotene: This causes the red coloring in ivy gourds. The human body converts this element to vitamin A, which facilitates improved cell growth and vision. Its antioxidative properties help prevent cell damage at the molecular level.
- Fiber: Fiber helps control how the body uses sugars, meaning it keeps blood sugar and hunger in check.
- Iron: This mineral facilitates body growth and development. It helps make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to other body parts. It also makes myoglobin, which provides oxygen to muscles.
- Vitamin B: B vitamins directly affect your brain function, cell metabolism, and energy levels. They also prevent infections and enhance cell health.
- Phytonutrients: Ivy gourds come with various phytonutrients, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. These nutrients help improve heart health and also provide anti-cancer benefits.
Ivy gourds are known for medicinal reasons, as they address various conditions, including gonorrhea, diabetes, and inflammation. This vegetable controls blood glucose and lipids, which directly enhance weight loss. Its anti-inflammatory properties aid in reducing hypertension risks and liver toxicity.
Choosing the right ivy gourd is the first step towards reaping maximum health benefits. It is best to pick thinner ivy gourds that have green-white inner parts. Thicker and more mature ivy gourds have tough skin and a sour taste.
Ivy gourd cooking tips
Ivy gourds can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on your preference. A raw ivy gourd is a little juicy, and it provides you with a crunchy, slightly sweet taste. However, you could consider boiling, blanching, or stir-frying an ivy gourd for the best flavor.
Stir-frying is one of the most common methods used to prepare ivy gourds. This approach requires you to have 250 grams of ivy gourd, a medium onion, a tablespoonful of mustard seeds, a teaspoon of chilies, and enough salt. Once you have these ingredients, consider the following steps:
- Chop your onion into fine portions.
- Cut the ivy gourds into four pieces, preferably lengthwise.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and add your mustard seeds.
- Put in your onions and fry them until they turn golden brown.
- Add chilies and fry for about 15 to 20 seconds.
- Add the chopped ivy gourds and enough salt.
- Fry the mixture on low heat, preferably with an open lid.
- Stir it occasionally for about 15 minutes.
- Add a little curry and let it simmer for between 45 to 60 seconds.
- Serve your dish while hot.
Or, you could boil your ivy gourds for about 15 minutes and serve with your favorite cuisine. You could also consider blanching them for a few minutes to complement any dish, including steamed lentils.
Shopping with Instacart allows you to access fresh and healthy ivy gourds. Visit the site and fill your cart with these fresh tropical vegetables. Once added to the cart, you can expect your groceries to be delivered in as little as 2 hours!
Ivy Gourd Near Me
Buy your favorite Ivy Gourd online with Instacart. Order Ivy Gourd from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about ivy gourds
Ivy gourds have various health benefits, including suppressing gonorrhea, improving constipation, and helping with diabetes issues. These vegetables are rich in antioxidant properties, vitamin B, fiber, iron, and beta carotene. These elements help enhance growth and development in the body. Some people apply its leaves directly to the skin, as its anti-inflammatory properties help improve skin health. However, it could cause a significant drop in blood sugar if not taken with caution, causing dizziness and anxiety.
Ivy gourds directly affect blood sugar, lowering it when taken over time. Consuming this vegetable before surgery could interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. This change could be fatal if not kept in check. The best way out would be to stop consuming it at least two weeks before your scheduled surgery. Besides, consuming ivy gourds could be a problem among diabetic individuals.
There is not enough information on the effects of eating ivy gourds during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, it would be best to be on the safe side and avoid this vegetable during these times. You could consider getting guidance from your health expert before consuming ivy gourds during pregnancy and breastfeeding.