Did you know Kuska Plant fruits have been used for centuries for their herbal, culinary, and medicinal benefits in many cultures?
Moreover, you can eat fresh Kuska, as a condiment, beverage, with veggies, and various other forms.
Read on to learn the different applications of Kuska Plants and their many great benefits!
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8 Proven Kuska Plant Benefits
The Kuska Plant (Melothria scabra), known as cucamelon or Mexican sour gherkin, is an underrated fruit because not many gardeners have explored its benefits.
Long used in Mexican and Central American culinary dishes, it traces its history to Aztecs, who used it for medicinal purposes.
The large grape-sized fruit that resembles a miniature Watermelon sometimes resembling an Indian round gourd, is packed with active ingredients.
Therefore, this tiny fruit has more benefits and applications than you may know.
1. Weight Loss
Kuska is primarily known for its weight loss benefits because the fruit is packed with low-caloric and high-fiber contents.
A single fruit is very low in calories, with just 16 calories per 100 grams, and the significant fiber content makes you feel full for extended periods –the fiber aids digestion, and Kuska is full of it.
It mainly contains compounds that help control blood sugar levels and are beneficial for weight loss.
2. Rich in Nutrients
You would not believe it this small fruit packs many essential nutrients and compounds that provide various health benefits.
Gardeners will particularly find vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the fruits.
These minerals help regulate blood pressure and ensure your cardiovascular health remains top-notch.
Therefore, Kuskas are a great source of nutrient supplements for daily use.
3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Did you know that the compound cucurbitacin, found in fruits like Kuska and cucumber, has magical anti-cancer properties?
It contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and free radicals and help supply oxygen more easily into your blood vessels.
The anti-inflammatory properties in Kuska make it a perfect fruit to have after meals to prevent swelling, bloating, and pain.
4. Antimicrobial Compounds
The naturally deriving compound in the fruit helps deter the spread of harmful bacteria and fungi.
The antimicrobial compound in Kuska has many benefits and uses.
- Anti-bacterial properties: The fruit extract contains antibacterial properties, which fight against various pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Anti-fungal properties: It also combats several species of fungi, including Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, the infests food materials.
- Food preservation: Use Kuska fruit peels to preserve food items. It inhibits the growth of foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria.
- Natural cleaning agent: Kuska is similar to lemon and works as a natural cleaning agent due to its antimicrobial properties, especially in disinfecting surfaces.
5. Boosts Metabolism
The Kuska Plant has nutritional contents that help improve metabolism by increasing the production of digestive enzymes in the guts.
Consider adding fresh Kuskas to your fruit plate for its high-fiber content, which significantly reduces calorie intake and assists in producing digestive enzymes to break down food more efficiently.
The flavonoids and carotenoid compounds are helpful in reducing inflammation and preventing indigestion.
The Vitamin C content primarily found in Kuska helps increase white blood cells, which help fight off many infections.
6. Hydrating and Refreshing
Adequate hydration is vital for healthy skin, increasing oxygen levels, and regulating body temperature.
The electrolytes, such as; potassium and magnesium, help the body maintain average fluid balance and pH levels.
Although you may need to consume a lot of Kuska to get its hydrating benefit, mixing it with cucumber and watermelon will do the trick!
Remember, proper hydration and electrolytes in the body will prevent warming body temperature in hot weather.
7. Supports Healthy Skin
It contains many antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, Vitamins, and collagen (protein). It helps attain healthy-looking skin.
Collagen is basically a protein that delivers structure and elasticity to the skin. Vitamin C is particularly beneficial for synthesizing collagen in the body.
The flavonoids and carotenoid compounds found in Kuska protect skin cells from possible free radical damage.
8. Various Culinary Uses
Last but not least, Kuska serves the most critical function: eating.
You can consume Kuska in many different ways, including the following.
| Variety | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fresh/Raw | It can be eaten fresh as a snack, as they are small and bite-sized. |
| Pickled | They can be pickled in vinegar or brine and enjoyed as a tangy snack or used as a condiment. |
| Salads | It goes well with greens and other vegetables, and their mild flavor complements a variety of salad dressings. |
| Salsas | Dice and add it to salsas for a unique twist on the classic dish and add a burst of tangy flavor. |
| Tacos | Use them as a topping for fish or shrimp tacos, or added to vegetarian tacos for a burst of flavor. |
| Cocktail | Mix them with tequila-based cocktails or as a replacement for traditional lime wedges. |
| Skewers | It can be skewered with other vegetables or meats and grilled for a flavorful and healthy kebab. |
| Chutneys | Make Indian chutney paste by grounding and mixing ginger, green chilly, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. |
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Add Kuska to your diet to take advantage of the nutrient-dense food compared to similar fruits.
It is non-toxic and very beneficial because of its long consumption history in many different cultures.
