Constipation bothering you? Try bottle gourd

Jun 15, 2017

"Bottle gourd is rich in vitamin C, zinc, potassium and has low calories."

(Credit: Ruth Nanfuka)

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Bottle gourd, locally known as muboga, is a highly nutritious and healthy vegetable yet has a low demand among the locals.

"This vegetable is mainly purchased by Asians which they usually refer to as dudhi," says Henry Nsubuga, a trader at Nakasero Market.

According to Zainah Kiconco, a nutritionist in Wakiso, people suffering from constipation should eat bottle gourd.

She says it is high in fibre which helps clear the food stuck in the colon.

"Bottle gourd is rich in vitamin C, zinc, potassium and has low calories which make it suitable for weight loss," adds Kiconco.

However, the vegetable mostly grown in areas around Kampala like Busiika is off the season currently. And this has led to the prices to shoot up a little bit for the last two months.

According to Nsubuga, in Nakasero market dudhi ranges between sh3, 500 to sh4, 000 yet when on-season, the prices go down to as low as sh2, 000.

At Kalerwe Market, it is currently sold at sh3, 000.

Meanwhile, do not miss out on the nutritious vegetable; you can grow it at home even when the space is minimal.

And you don't have to worry about the small matter of soil fertility because less fertile soil is a great asset when growing the bottle gourd.

Kaddu Musoke. a farmer in Busiika, says, says the vegetable grows in the sunny season though it requires some moisture for proper growth.

He says if you do not have enough space at home you can plant it in a pot or at the terrace and let its tendrils climb on the fence.

Take note that during growth, it needs watering but should be regulated as it hates wet feet.

Bottle gourd seeds can be bought from farm supply shops where a packet goes for sh1, 500 and if you are not a first-timer, get seeds from the previous harvest.

 

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