Ayurveda has long emphasised the importance of creating an alkaline body system to address numerous health conditions.
What Constitutes the Alkaline Body?
Having an Alkaline Body involves lowering acidity in the body by consuming the proper foods. There are numerous advantages to having an alkaline body, including quiet sleep, an increase in energy, a reduction in weight, a decreased risk of contracting chronic diseases, the prevention of tooth and gum issues, and reduced inflammation.
Regular use of Safed Petha (Ash gourd), which is alkaline by nature, is one of the best ways to achieve an alkaline system.
Safed petha, also known as ash gourd, wax gourd, white pumpkin, and winter melon, is rapidly gaining popularity as a summertime vegetable. Ash gourd has been used in Ayurvedic therapy for centuries. Its flavour is frequently compared to cucumber and is never bitter. You can easily incorporate this into your daily diet, and you can even give it to your children.
Safed petha can be consumed in numerous ways. It can be eaten raw or used to make raita, but the most popular and straightforward method is to extract its juice. Consuming it on an empty stomach will provide you with all-day energy.
Benefits of Safed Petha or ash Gourd Juice:
1. Has a cooling effect on the Body
Safed petha and its juice have a cooling effect on the body and are excellent summertime refreshments. As Ash gourd is a summer vegetable that is most readily available during the hottest months. Consume it only while in season and avoid it during the winter months
2. It has Detoxification Properties
Safed Petha is extremely low in calories while being rich in nutrients. This fruit contains up to 96 per cent water, making its juice excellent for detoxing and encouraging weight loss. In addition, its high fibre content aids in the treatment of issues such as piles.
3. Helps Fight Anaemia
Safed petha is a rich source of iron; hence, its ingestion improves our body’s blood circulation. This also boosts the production of red blood cells, which combats conditions such as anaemia.
4. Suitable for Acidity
Consuming Ash Gourd is an excellent way to transform your body system into an alkaline one. Consuming its juice or consuming it in any other form will lower acid production in the body.
5. Eliminates Water Retention
Due to its high water content, safed petha is a diuretic, meaning that it increases our body’s urine production. This facilitates the removal of excess water and sodium (salt) from the body. Beneficial for those who suffer from swelling feet or hands.
[BONUS] How to make Safed Petha Juice:
1. Peel and de-seed Safed petha. It should be diced and placed in a juicer or blender.
2. Blend until a smooth purée is achieved; do not add water.
3. Next, pour the purée through a cotton cloth and squeeze it vigorously to extract the juice.
4. To make it tasty, you can add a little bit of sugar/salt/lemon juice as per your taste.
