Delving into the dietary delights of cucurbits: A nutritional and therapeutic exploration

G P Prabakaran; S Praneetha; S Haripriya; N B Manikanda; D Kumaresan; K Chandrakumar

doi:10.14719/pst.4317

Authors

G P Prabakaran Department of vegetable science, HC & RI, TamilNadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6422-2145
S Praneetha Department of vegetable science, HC & RI, TamilNadu Agricultural Uuniversity, Coimbatore - 641 003, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7732-6138
S Haripriya Department of vegetable science, HC & RI, TamilNadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0541-4221
N B Manikanda Department of plant biotechnology, CPMB & B, TamilNadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3615-3386
D Kumaresan Department of plant breeding, CPB & G, TamilNadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0023-5904
K Chandrakumar Department of renewable energy, AEC & RI, TamilNadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6905-722X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.4317

Keywords:

cucurbits, gourds, minerals, nutrition, vegetables, vitamins

Abstract

For a well-balanced diet, vegetables are essential, especially as a source of minerals, dietary fiber, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C, D and E) and phytonutrients which are vital to human nutrition. They constitute a sizable percentage of the diet and nutrition. The Cucurbitaceae family of plants include a wide variety of vegetables that have been valued for their nutritional and culinary versatility. They are been grown for commercial purposes round the year. Cucurbits are preferred by many people and can be eaten raw or cooked because of its high water content and low fat content, they facilitate for weight management and hydration. They are utilized in a balanced diet since they have good nutrient profile and little calories. Cucurbits have been shown to be high in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, making them suitable for intake by persons of all ages. They have strong antioxidant activity as well as a number of therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antitumour, anti-diabetic and anti-ulcer qualities. Understanding the nutritional characteristics of cucurbits is imperative to make aware about the most of their health benefits and including them into diet plans that aim to improve overall health and well-being. Cucurbit nutrition, emphasizing key nutrients, health-promoting qualities and possible effects on human health are the topic taken for discussion in this review.

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