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Opting for seasonal vegetables is an excellent choice for maintaining a consistent nutritional intake while staying budget-friendly. In fact, the best part about including seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet is their inherent ability to fight seasonal illnesses and flu. As such, it is time to brief you about a little-known monsoon vegetable – Kantoli.
Available in monsoon, Kantoli is a spiky vegetable resembling lychee in appearance. Its scientific name is Momordica dioica, commonly known as spiny gourd or spine gourd and also as bristly balsma pear, prickly carolaho, and teasle gourd. Kantoli, a species of flowering plants in the gourd family, is used as a vegetable in all regions of India and some parts of South Asia.
It falls under the category of medicinal foods, mentioned nutritionist Leema Mahajan in a post on Instagram.
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“It helps to keep the infections and seasonal colds and flu away. It is not only enjoyed for its taste but also valued for its potential health benefits. Also great to prevent obesity-related fatty liver. Believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, it is a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium and calcium,” Mahajan said.
Concurred Dr Ushakiran Sisodia, registered dietician and clinical nutritionist, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai and said that kantoli is known to be rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B9 (folate) and contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. “Most importantly, as it’s low in calories, those following a diet or weight control regime can freely eat it. Being high in fibre, the vegetable aids in digestion and prevents constipation,” said Dr Sisodia.
How to consume kantoli?
Dr Sisodia mentioned that stir-frying kantoli is popular among many Indians as she listed the steps:
*Wash and slice the gourd.
*Sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chillies in oil.
*Add onions, then the gourd.
*Season with turmeric, chilli powder, and salt.
*Cover and cook on low heat until done. “This retains its nutrients while enhancing taste,” said Dr Sisodia.
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