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| - Last Updated on November 12, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that ridge gourd or tori is the ultimate cure for health issues. Our fact check found out the claim is false.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that ridge gourd (tori) can help with various health issues like weight loss, improving skin, enhancing eyesight, supporting liver health, darkening hair, and removing intestinal worms.
Fact Check
Does ridge gourd help with weight loss?
It may support a healthy diet, but it is not a magic solution for weight loss. Ridge gourd is low in calories and high in fibre, which can help in weight loss by helping you feel full longer. However, weight loss depends on a balanced diet and overall lifestyle, including regular exercise and controlling calories. Simply eating ridge gourd without other changes is unlikely to cause significant weight loss. These days, the keto diet for weight loss is very popular on social media. However, you should always consult a healthcare professional for expert guidance, as even this diet comes with certain risks, despite its effectiveness.
We interviewed Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, for her take on ridge gourd for weight loss. She says, “Ridge gourd or tori, toru is a low-calorie, high-fibre vegetable that can be a useful addition to any weight loss plan by inducing a feeling of fullness and aiding digestion. Simple recipes are good on the gut and you need not make it in fancy way to get started with this gourd vegetable. However, sustainable weight loss requires both a healthy diet and physical exercise, not just one food.”
Can ridge gourd cure skin issues?
Not really, there is limited evidence. Ridge gourd contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which may help protect the skin from damage and ageing. However, there’s no scientific proof that it can treat specific skin problems like eczema or psoriasis. While antioxidants are good for general skin health, they aren’t a cure for skin conditions.
For serious skin concerns, it’s best to consult a dermatologist rather than relying on dietary changes alone.
We connected with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his opinion on ridge gourd for skin issues. He says, “While ridge gourd contains antioxidants that may support overall skin health, there is no scientific evidence to suggest it can cure specific skin conditions. For effective treatment of skin issues, it’s important to consult a dermatologist and follow a personalised skincare regimen.”
Does ridge gourd improve eyesight?
No, there is no significant evidence. The post claims that ridge gourd can improve eyesight, but there’s no strong evidence to support this. While vitamin A is important for eye health, ridge gourd isn’t a significant source compared to other vegetables like carrots or spinach.
A diet rich in foods like carrots, spinach, and other vitamin A sources is better for maintaining eye health.
Is ridge gourd good for liver health?
Not really. Ridge gourd may support liver health due to its water and fibre content. However, there’s no strong scientific evidence that it specifically benefits the liver. Other foods, like leafy greens and fatty fish, have more proven benefits for liver health.
While ridge gourd can be a healthy part of your diet, it’s not a miracle food for liver function. A balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol and processed foods are key for supporting liver health.
Can ridge gourd darken hair?
No, the claim that ridge gourd can prevent greying or darken hair is more of a traditional belief. There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that ridge gourd has any effect on hair pigmentation. Hair colour mainly depends on genetics, age, and overall nutrition.
A healthy diet with adequate vitamins and minerals is important for hair health, but ridge gourd is not proven to reverse or prevent greying.
Can ridge gourd eliminate intestinal worms?
No, there is insufficient evidence. Some traditional remedies suggest that ridge gourd can help get rid of intestinal worms, but there’s no solid scientific proof to back this up. Anti-parasitic medications from doctors are much more effective for treating such infections.
Ridge gourd can provide fibre, which supports digestion, but it shouldn’t serve as a treatment approach to treat intestinal worms. If you suspect a parasitic infection, seek medical advice.
THIP Media Take
Ridge gourd is a healthy vegetable with fibre and antioxidants that can be part of a balanced diet. However, many of the claims about its ability to cure or treat specific health issues are exaggerated or unsupported by science. Therefore, we deem the claim as false. For serious health concerns, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.
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