Lauka (लौका)

The gourd was one of the world's first cultivated plants grown not primarily for food, but for use as containers.  Bottle gourd belongs to the  family- Cucurbitaceae and its plant is a running or climbing vine. Bottle gourd is a vegetable high on water and is a rich source of vitamin C, K and calcium. It helps in maintaining a healthy heart and brings down bad cholesterol levels. Its juice is also beneficial for diabetic patients as it stabilizes the blood sugar level and it also maintains blood pressure.