Bottle gourd has been shown to positively affect blood sugar levels due to its low calorie and high fibre content. But it could still cause hyperglycemia when consumed in large quantities or in certain forms, such as in the form of juice. Therefore, while bottled gourd may be a helpful addition to a balanced diet, pairing it up with simple carbs can lead to a glucose spike.
Optimising bottle gourd consumption for improved glucose control
• You may blend bottle gourd with mixed dals to create a low glycemic index (GI) meal high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
• Avoid pairing bottle gourd with refined carbohydrates like maida, as this can lead to hyperglycemia. Instead, opt for low-carb roti made from almond flour or lupin flour.
• Consider using bottled gourd instead of higher carbohydrate vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes in recipes.
Bottle gourd is a low glycemic index vegetable that can be beneficial for glucose metabolism when paired with other low GI foods. However, it should be consumed with caution when paired with high glycemic carbohydrates that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
