Amitabh Bachchan’s quick wit and dry humour makes him one of India’s most popular television game show hosts. In an episode with Bollywood actors Anushka Sharma and Varun Dhawan, the Piku actor elaborated on the vegetables he dislikes the most – jokingly calling them inedible even.
“Kathal hain, karela hain aur kaddu hain — ye naam sunke hi aisa lagta hai khaane ki cheez nahi hai,” said the veteran actor, to which Sharma replied: “Mujhe sab achha lagta hain”, adding that her mother makes a ‘kathal ki sabzi’ that she enjoys a lot.
“Pata nahi aap kaise…balki kisi aur se poonchna chahiye kaise bardasht karte hain aapko,” he quipped at the end.
However, kaddu, karela and kathal are loaded with nutrients, and making them a part of your daily diet is a great choice. In conversation with Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, we found out a quick overview of the health benefits offered by these 3 vegetables:
Jackfruits, rich in potassium, helps in coordinating and maintaining muscle function including the muscles of the heart. It also ensures the regulation of sodium in the body, which if unregulated can cause damage to the arteries and the heart.
Beneficial for people suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis, jackfruit, since it is high on calcium, strengthens the bones and the potassium in it reduces the loss of calcium through kidneys. It also works as a good source of iron which helps to fight anaemia, and aid metabolism. The vitamin C, magnesium and copper also help in improving the quality of the blood.
Pumpkins are low in calories yet rich in essential nutrients. A one-cup serving of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains approximately 49 calories, making it a great choice for those watching their weight. This serving also provides significant amounts of vitamins A and C, potassium, fibre and antioxidants.
are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, and which is vital for immune functions, eye and skin health. Vitamin C supports collagen production, while potassium regulates blood pressure by balancing out the effects of sodium.
The high fibre content in pumpkins promotes digestive health, aids in weight management and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Karela, derived from the bitter melon plant, is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, folate, and minerals such as potassium and iron.
They offer several health benefits, including:
Malhotra also added that incorporating karela into the diet, especially for individuals with existing health conditions like diabetes or kidney issues, several precautions are essential. First, those with diabetes should monitor blood sugar levels closely, as karela can significantly lower them, potentially leading to hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting karela to avoid adverse interactions.”
