Health Benefits of Tinda: Add to Your Diet Today

Along with having a subtle taste, the baby pumpkin (tinda) provides your body with the nutrition that can do wonders for your health.
Shruti Jain
06 Jun, 2023
13 min read

Hey there, have you ever tried the funky and fabulous “Apple Gourd”, also known as “Tinda” in India?

This vegetable may look like a mini pumpkin, but it’s far from basic! It’s the king of the vegetable world with a flavor that’s out of this world!

Tinda is so versatile; you can stuff it, curry it, or even stir-fry it; it’s up to you.

So why not add some “Tinda-tude” to your next meal and experience this slang-worthy vegetable’s awesome taste and amazing health benefits!

About Tin TinTinda– The Wonder Vegetable

While tinda is a well-liked vegetable in India and Pakistan, it is less well-known elsewhere. Other names for it include Indian baby pumpkin, round melon, apple gourd, and Indian squash.

So let’s check what tinda is and why you should have it in your diet.

  • Tinda is a tiny, oval, green vegetable resembling an apple in many ways. It’s a creeper that has large, yellow flowers.
  • The leaves have a long, hairy stem, around 10 to 20 centimetres long.
  • The fruits can reach a diameter of 30 centimeters and are typically oval.

You can grow tinda plant with the help of seeds found in vegetables which means seeds do propagate. It belongs to the gourd family and is low in calories, making it an excellent addition to your weight loss journey.

You should try Tinda for other reasons as well.

Since ancient times, this green vegetable has been prized for its enormous medicinal significance, well-documented in Ayurvedic scriptures.

It is still utilized in well-known regional dishes throughout India and is renowned for its tremendous health benefits.

The Tinda Story You Must Know

The Indian cuisine has included tinda for many years. It was first grown by the Mughals and is thought to have origins in North India.

Due to their passion for food, the Mughals introduced numerous fresh foods and spices to Indian cooking, including Tinda. Since then, tinda has gained popularity in North India, and people use it in various traditional dishes.

Due to its high nutritional value, tinda has become increasingly popular as vegetarianism and veganism are gaining the mainstream.

Let’s look at Tinda‘s nutritional profile while we’re on the subject of nutrition.

Nutritional Content InTinda/Indian Round Gourd:

Like most vegetation of the gourd family, the round pumpkin vegetables, seeds, leaves and juice extracts have essential fundamental dietary components like carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fibres, and vital trace substances such as vitamins and minerals.

Tinda nutrition facts for a 100g (3 Tinda) serving are as follows [1]:

NutrientContent
Calories86.2 kcal
 Total Fat 3.9 g
Saturated Fat0.5 g
Carbohydrate12.5 g
Dietary Fibre0.6 g
Protein 2.0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
 Sodium33.0 mg
Potassium359.1 mg
Vitamin A9.80% RDA
Vitamin C30.50% RDA
 Vitamin E1.10%  RDA
Calcium5.10% RDA
Magnesium6.70% RDA
Phosphorus5.00% RDA
Zinc7.20% RDA
Iron5.70% RDA
Manganese12.50% RDA
 Iodine5.90% RDA
(RDA= Recommended Daily Intake)

Thus, tinda is a nutritious vegetable for various cooking methods and a staple in the Indian diet. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians appreciate it because of its delicate flavour and nutritional profile.

Tinda for Healthy Gut and Happy Tummy

Tinda is a good source of dietary fibre and can be helpful for digestive health. Adding volume to the stool, preventing constipation, and promoting regular stool production are all benefits of fibre, a vital nutrient that supports digestive health.

The fibre in tinda can feed the probiotics, or good bacteria, that live in your gut[2].

By enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption, assisting in the defense against harmful pathogens, and generally making you feel good inside, these bacteria play a crucial part in keeping a healthy gut.

Tinda is also a good source of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties that can help you reduce gut inflammation.

Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to a range of digestive problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), so reducing inflammation is vital for maintaining gut health.

Consuming tinda may also boost vitamin C levels, supporting a happy gut and tummy.

Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains – My Meal Plan

Are you confused about how to measure your fibre intake? Look no further because Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains and a team of professional nutritionists have created the “My Meal Plan” test to determine how much fibre you are consuming in your daily meals and to provide you with a comprehensive meal plan that matches the recommended fibre intake.

Overall, the dietary fibre and vitamin C content in tinda makes it beneficial for promoting gut health. Adding this baby pumpkin to the diet can improve your digestive health and support the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Health Benefits of Tinda

Along with having a subtle taste, the baby pumpkin provides your body with the nutrition that can do wonders for your health.

So dive into the following benefits that will give you the reasons to consume apple gourd frequently.

1. Tinda Improves Digestion

Is digestion always on your mind, and you constantly look for foods that will help ease the process? Adding apple gourd to your diet will certainly help you out.

The high fibre content of tinda aids digestion and encourages regular bowel motions. It will help you to avoid bloating, gas, and other digestive issues, including constipation.

Digestive enzymes in it aid in the breakdown of food and promote better digestion giving you a happy tummy feel.

Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains – Digestive Quotient

You could occasionally feel confused about your digestive quotient. However, things get simpler with Aashirvaad Digestive Quotient. Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains and a team of expert nutritionists, have designed the Digestive Quotient test to check your digestive score out of 100. To get your Digestive Quotient, complete this 2-minute test and get your scorecard to plan your meals accordingly and check if you are on the right track of your Happy Tummy journey.

2. Tinda Promotes Weight Loss

Are you looking for ways to lose that extra flab on your waist? Life gets easier if you focus on your routine diet and consume a balanced diet.

Tinda is a fiber-rich, low-calorie vegetable, making it a perfect food for detoxification and weight loss. Fibre helps keep you full for longer, which prevents overeating and reduces your calorie intake.

It also helps regulate your digestive system and promotes regular bowel movements, which helps flush out toxins.

3. Tinda Reduces Inflammation

Tinda is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against free radicals and prevent cellular damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to your cells and lead to various diseases.

Antioxidants help neutralize these molecules, preventing cellular damage and reducing inflammation[3].

4. Tinda Lowers Blood Sugar Level

We constantly look for ways to help us manage blood sugar levels. Tinda is a good source of fibre, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels[4].

Fibre slows down glucose absorption in your bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels.

This makes apple gourd an ideal food for people with diabetes, as it helps regulate their blood sugar levels and prevents complications.

For sugar level spikes, AASHIRVAAD Sugar Release Control atta is a smart choice because it contains components like oats and methi, making it high in protein and fibre and low in glycemic index. Gradually releasing its sugar into the bloodstream helps reduce spikes in blood sugar levels.

5. Tinda Improves Heart Health

Do your part and care for your heart. Apple gourd can be a part of your diet to maintain a heart-healthy diet- low in fat and cholesterol.

People with high cholesterol or heart problems can include tinda in their daily diet for a healthier heart[5].

6. Apple Gourd Boosts Immunity

Start feeding your body the proper meals to take better care of it, and your immune system will benefit. Naturally, tinda is a wonder food full of vitamin C necessary for a robust immune system.

Your body produces white blood cells to fight illnesses and infections with vitamin C. Tinda can strengthen your immune system and guard against diseases if you regularly consume it.

7. Tinda Enhances Eye Health

Since eyes draw attention, you must take good care of them. Tinda, rich in vitamin A, does wonders for enhancing vision and is an excellent addition to the diet to support eye health.

Ideas for Enjoying Apple Gourd: Spruce up a Plate of Digestion!

Are you looking for creative ways to incorporate apple gourd into your meals? Look no further!

We have three delicious recipes that will have your taste buds dancing joyfully.

  • Spiced Tinda Soup: This hearty, spicy soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and comforting. By altering the amount of chilli powder you use, you can adjust the spice level to your preference. Adding cumin and coriander gives the soup a gentle warmth and depth of flavour.
  • Apple Gourd Stir Fry: This dish combines the delicate sweetness of the vegetable with the vibrant flavours of ginger, garlic and soy sauce. The result is a flavourful, healthy and satisfying stir-fry that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main meal with steamed rice.
  • Sweet and Spicy Baby Pumpkin Salad: This salad combines the refreshing crunch of cucumbers with the mild sweetness of Apple Gourd, topped with a tangy dressing made with lime juice, olive oil, honey and chilli flakes. It’s a perfect salad for any occasion – a picnic, a potluck or a quick lunch fix.

Apple Gourd to Enhance Your Beauty

Although using apple gourd in your beauty routine might seem novel, it has been a traditional remedy for healthy skin and hair for thousands of years.

It is a beneficial addition to any cosmetic regimen thanks to its hydrating and moisturizing qualities and capacity to encourage hair development and prevent premature ageing.

1. Tinda for Skin

Everyone loves radiant skin, so we must keep it hydrated to get that. Baby pumpkin, however, contains enough water to maintain the moisture and hydration of your skin.

This vegetable is a fantastic way to hydrate thirsty skin because it is so high in water content. Its benefits don’t stop there, though. Its high vitamin C content promotes collagen production, giving skin a firmer, younger appearance.

Aside from this, apple gourd’s anti-inflammatory qualities help moisturize skin while minimizing pimples and acne.

By reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, regular application of apple gourd can also aid in preventing premature ageing.

2. Tinda for Hair

Apple gourd benefits not only your skin but also your hair. It encourages hair development, prevents dandruff and dry scalp, and gives your crowning beauty more shine and lustre.

One of the crucial benefits of apple gourd for hair is its ability to promote hair growth.

Tinda contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron which are vital for healthy hair growth. So if you’re looking for a natural way to grow out your hair, allow apple gourd to lend you a helping hand.

However, there is more to tinda. Apple gourd is also great for controlling dandruff and dry scalp.

Its hydrating properties help to keep your scalp moisturized, reducing the likelihood of flakes and dryness. So say goodbye to embarrassing dandruff and hello to a healthy scalp with apple gourd.

How to Incorporate Apple Gourd into Your Beauty Regimen

First up, let’s explore the Apple Gourd Face Mask Recipe.

Add one tablespoon of apple gourd juice, one-half teaspoon of honey, and a dash of turmeric to a small bowl.

After applying it to your face, please wait 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it with water. Voila! Say hello to hydrated and glowing skin!

Next, let’s move on to the Apple Gourd Hair Rinse Recipe.

Boil slices of Apple Gourd in water until the water turns pale yellow.

Let it cool down, and use the mixture as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair.

This adds shine and lustre to your hair and controls dandruff and dry scalp.

Lastly, we have the Apple Gourd Juice Recipe, a refreshing drink with beauty benefits. Simply blend a few slices of Apple Gourd with mint leaves, a dash of lemon juice, and a pinch of black salt. Sip on this juice for hydrated skin and healthy hair.

Incorporating this wonder vegetable into your beauty regimen is a game-changer. So try some apple gourd to see its benefits on your appearance!

Remember that sometimes the best natural cures for beauty genuinely come from the garden.

Selecting the Best Tinda

When selecting apple gourd, look for small, firm vegetables free from blemishes or cracks. The skin should be smooth and shiny, with no signs of discolouration or soft spots.

Avoid tinda, which feels mushy to the touch, as this is a sign of spoilage.

Storing Tinda

You can store this round melon in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store it in a plastic bag or airtight container to prevent moisture loss and spoilage.

Avoid washing apple gourds before storing them, as excess moisture can promote spoilage. Wash them right before use.

Avoiding Spoiled Tinda

Spoiled baby pumpkins will have a sour smell and a soft, mushy texture.

Discard any tinda that appears rotten, which can cause food poisoning and other health problems.

Cut Short

So enough reasons for you to try some Tinda today! In essence, tinda is a fibre-rich source that helps digestion and prevents constipation. Additionally, it’s a fantastic source of vitamin C, which strengthens the body’s defences against illnesses.

With all these health advantages, there is no justification for not trying Tinda. Why not add diversity to your diet if you’re still not persuaded?

There are several ways to prepare it, including curry, soup, salad, and stir-fry. Go for it, and let’s add some tinda to your cart the next time you hit the grocery store.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do we call Tinda in English?

Indian round gourd, or simply round gourd, scientifically termed Praecitrullus fistulous, goes by the name “Tinda” in many local Indian languages.

2. Do we need to peel Tinda or eat it without peeling it?

Tinda does look a lot like apples but is a vegetable. You must peel, cut it into small pieces, and cook it before eating.

3. Is Tinda a creeper?

Tinda gourds are fast-growing vines growing up to about 1.5 m long. They are effortless to grow and produce Tinda gourds two or three weeks after flowering.

4. What are the side effects of consuming Tinda?

It has a lot of fibre and water, so if you take too much, you risk experiencing issues like diarrhoea and cramps. Those with a high temperature shouldn’t take tinda either because it has a cold impact and can make the patient’s recovery process take longer.

5. Can we consume apple gourd raw?

Do not consume raw apple gourd; use it as a vegetable for cooking. You can fill it with a zingy, spice-based filling. Additionally, you may cook the gourd alone with or without gravy and roast and consume seeds as a snack.

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