Kakoda, scientifically known as Momordica dioica, is a light green, spiny vegetable thriving in tropical climates. Commonly referred to as spiny gourd, while it is widely appreciated as a nutritious seasonal food more visible during monsoons, this bright green gourd is gaining attention for its potential health-boosting and skin-nourishing properties, thanks to its rich content of antioxidants, vitamins, polyphenols, and fibre. Whether consumed in meals or used in skincare, Kakoda is indeed a natural, holistic addition to a healthy lifestyle.

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A medium-sized vegetable, kakoda offers many superb health benefits and is mostly available all year round. Loaded with powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, kakoda gourd has many health-benefiting compounds that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, jaundice, liver ailments, cardiovascular issues, and even combat certain types of cancer. In traditional healing practices, particularly in tribal medicine, different parts of the plant, such as the roots, leaves, and fruit, have been used to treat ailments like fever, jaundice, and several infections.

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Key Health Benefits Of Kakoda

Amongst many health benefits the vegetable can provide, here are some top ones:

Aids Digestion

The high fibre content in this vegetable makes it excellent for digestive health. It promotes smoother digestion and prevents constipation. The mild bitterness of the vegetable also encourages liver health and enhances bile secretion, thus improving overall gut health.

Manages Blood Sugar

Kakoda has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to manage diabetes. Research and traditional knowledge suggest that certain compounds in the vegetable may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, making it a good dietary choice for diabetics.

Enhances Immune Response

Vitamin C and other immune-supporting nutrients are found in abundance in Kakoda gourd.  Including it in your diet during the rainy season, when the body’s resistance is typically lower, can help bolster immunity and ward off seasonal infections.

Supports Heart Health

This gourd is heart-friendly due to its low fat and cholesterol levels and rich antioxidant profile. The potassium present in Kakoda helps maintain healthy blood pressure, while fibre aids in managing cholesterol and helps promote heart health. 

How Is Kakoda Used In Indian Foods?

In Indian kitchens, Kakoda is a versatile vegetable often used in a variety of preparations. It is commonly stir-fried, curried, or stuffed with spices. Even after cooking, its firm texture makes it ideal for dry vegetable dishes. It is also paired with lentils or potatoes for a nutritious curry or sabzi or as a stuffing for spiced vegetable preparations. Moreover, in herbal blends or as a natural supplement, it is used in dry form.

How To Use Kakoda Topically?

Other than health benefits, Kakoda can also benefit your skin. Its natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutrients, vitamin C and plant sterols, help improve skin clarity, reduce inflammation, and promote a youthful appearance. It can also prevent collagen breakdown and keep the skin firm and youthful, besides acting as a natural detox.

DIY Skincare Recipes With Kakoda

Kakoda Face Mask

Take fresh kakoda pulp, honey, and turmeric. Blend the pulp with a pinch of turmeric and a spoonful of honey. Apply to clean skin, leave for twenty minutes, and rinse off. A great addition to your skincare, what you get is clean and bright skin.

Kakoda-Infused Skin Rinse

Boil chopped Kakoda until it completely softens. Let it cool and use it as a facial rinse to refresh and provide additional hydration benefits
for the skin.

Kakoda Powder Scrub

Dry the kakoda in the sun, grind into powder, and mix with rose water to make an effective, gentle exfoliating scrub.

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How To Make Kakoda Cake?

A seasonal superfood that offers far more than just nutrition, owing to its impressive profile of antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins, kakoda has gained popularity due to its ability of blood sugar, boost immunity, promote heart health, and enhance skin wellness. We bring you a nutritious, gluten-free, and vegetarian recipe made with grated kakoda, lentil flour, which is not a sweet dessert cake, but rather a nutritious monsoon snack like a steamed or baked dhokla-style dish.

Salted Kakoda Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated Kakoda
• 1 cup gram flour
• ½ cup curd
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp green chilli paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp lemon juice

Method

• In a bowl, mix gram flour, curd, spices, and grated kakoda
• Add water gradually to make a consistent and thick batter
• Let it rest for twenty minutes so that the fermentation process can take its time
• Just before cooking, add baking soda and lime juice.
• Gently fold in to aerate the batter.

To Cook The Cake

• Grease a steel or silicone cake tin.
• Pour the batter and steam in a steamer for thirty minutes, like dhokla.
• To check, insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the dish is ready to be served.
• A perfect monsoon recipe, it can be relished with hot chai.

This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu, Health and Nutrition Expert

Author Profile: Preeti Sharma:

Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.