Bottle gourd aka Lauki/Ghiya is one of those vegetables that youngsters run away from. If you are on a low-calorie diet, then bottle gourd is the best choice to go for. It is high in dietary fiber, vitamins B and C, trace elements and minerals like iron, sodium and potassium. It has cooling and calming ability due to its good water content. Bottle gourd has a diuretic effect on the body. Hence it helps in flushing out the excess water stored in the body as swelling and bloating. It also aids in sleeping better and insomnia. But let s face it. Bottle gourd is not really a very tasteful food to consume, and many people detest its taste. So you can turn this bottle gourd into yummy recipes like chilla, dosa or pancakes.