IS LAUKI OR BOTTLE GOURD HALWA ADVISABLE FOR DIABETICS, AND HEART PATIENTS? EXPERTS WEIGH IN
Can a halwa be diabetic-friendly? (representative) (Source: Freepik)
We all love our share of sweets. Homemade ones are even more preferred for including healthy, wholesome ingredients. But if you have pre-existing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart-related issues, sweets like halwa are a strict no-no. So, when dietitian Tanvee Tutlani shared a recipe for a homemade halwa suggesting that diabetics and heart patients can also have it, we were left intrigued. She said in a post on Instagram, "Perfect halwa for everyone. Diabetics, heart Patients, fitness enthusiasts, and kids."
But before we dive into the recipe, here's why bottle gourd is a good vegetable to have in your diet.
Despite being a somewhat bland vegetable, bottle gourd boasts impressive nutritional value. "Bottle gourd contains highest water content which helps in hydration and thus helps in hunger control. It contains phytochemicals and has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in scavenging the stress produced in the body. This action helps in maintaining cardiac health," said Chaitali Rane, clinical dietician, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.
Notably, in managing diabetes and heart disease, it's crucial to steer clear of fatty foods to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. "Bottle gourd emerges as a beneficial option for individuals dealing with diabetes, hypertension, and heart issues," said Dr Neeti Sharma, senior consultant, nutrition and dietetics, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.
Lauki is a rich source of essential nutrients such as potassium, iron, and calcium, as well as vitamins B complex and C. "With low-fat content and high dietary fibre, bottle gourd is beneficial for heart health, as it reduces pressure on blood regulation and lowers cholesterol levels," said Aarya Jagushte, nutritionist and quality assurance executive, Mumbai.
According to Rane, bottle gourd helps prevent and control indigestion, ulcers, stress, and depression as it reduces the free acid radical formation in the body which in turn, helps in managing insulin sensitivity.
How to make the lauki or bottle gourd halwa?
Ingredients
Desi ghee
Grated bottle gourd or dudhi or lauki
Roasted suji
Milk
Water
Brown sugar
Method
*Add desi ghee to a pan.
*Now, add grated bottle gourd.
*Add roasted suji.
*Keep stirring.
*Add milk, water, and brown sugar. Mix it till you get the desired consistency.
Is lauki halwa, consumed in moderation, good for you?
Experts suggest recipes such as bottle gourd halwa are a great combination of protein and fibre, as milk protein increases gastric emptying time. "Thus, a great go-to recipe that can help diabetic patients daily," said Rane. "The best part about this recipe is, it can be mid-meal suiting all the required nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and good fat in the form of MCT or medium-chain triglycerides from ghee," Rane added.
Do you have bottle gourd regularly? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
What to keep in mind while preparing the halwa?
Dr Sharma contended that indulging in bottle gourd halwa is not advisable due to its increased nutritional value, sugar, and oil content, which can elevate cholesterol levels in heart patients and worsen diabetic conditions. However, Jagushte said that bottle gourd halwa can be beneficial for diabetic and cardiac patients if prepared carefully. "For diabetics, natural or artificial sweeteners should replace sugar in the form of jaggery, and nuts and seeds can be added to manage sugar levels," said Jagushte.
According to Jagushte, for heart patients, the halwa should be prepared without oil, as its high moisture content eliminates the need for added fats. "Including nuts, which release oils when cooked, can enhance the taste and health benefits of the halwa. So, bottle gourd halwa can be a healthy and flavourful dish with the right ingredients and cooking methods," said Jagushte.
Dr Sharma urged that opting for raw forms like bottle gourd juice or cooked vegetables is not only effective for managing weight but also serves as a remedy for diabetes and hypertension. " Individuals with these conditions are encouraged to include bottle gourd vegetables and chapati in their diet instead of indulging in halwa," said Dr Sharma.
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2024-04-13T09:23:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd