Most people think that being a Bollywood star means eating fancy salads or rare ingredients that cost a bomb. But the truth is, not every actor needs exotic fruits to stay in shape. For Kareena Kapoor Khan, the secret to feeling good is actually much cheaper and can be found at any local vegetable stall. She has always loved simple, home-cooked food and recently called the humble lauki (bottle gourd) her personal ‘superpower’ vegetable.
In a chat with CNBC TV18, Kareena talked about how much she relies on this green veggie. “I feel it is a gut-friendly vegetable,” she explained. She even mentioned that if her stomach feels a bit off, she prefers having dudhi soup or a basic lauki sabzi instead of reaching for medicine. Even though it might not be the most ‘fashionable’ food out there, she loves that it tastes fresh and keeps her healthy.
Does it really count as a superfood?
It turns out that medical experts agree with her. Amreen Sheikh, a top dietitian at KIMS Hospitals, told The Indian Express that while lauki sounds a bit boring, Indian families have used it for centuries for a reason. She says it’s gentle on the tummy and often way better for you than the expensive ‘health trends’ you see on Instagram.
Why should you add it to your plate?
There are plenty of reasons why lauki is a winner for your health. Sheikh suggests since the vegetable is over 90 per cent water, it is great for staying hydrated and helps keep your digestion on track. It is also a top choice for weight loss because it is very low in calories but has enough fibre to keep you full, which stops you from snacking all the time.
On top of that, it has a natural cooling effect that feels great during a hot summer or a sticky monsoon day. Finally, it is very good for your heart because it contains lots of potassium, which helps balance out the salt in your body and keeps your blood pressure in check, Sheikh further told The Indian Express.
Who is it for?
The great thing about lauki is that anyone can eat it, from kids to the elderly. It’s especially helpful if you’re recovering from being sick or if you struggle with things like acidity. Doctors often suggest it to people with diabetes or heart issues because it’s lighter for the body to digest.
Since it doesn’t have a very strong flavour, you can get creative with it. You can make it into a soup, stir it into some curd for raita, or even toss it into a smoothie.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While the author has incorporated expert medical guidance while producing the story and ensured full authentic information is provided to the reader, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
