aka Winter Melon or Petha in Hindi, Ash Gourd is technically a fruit, consumed mainly as a vegetable. Once ripe, the fruit’s fuzzy exterior morphs into a powdery ash-colored coating that gives this fruit its name. It is 96% water and is very low in calories, fat, protein, and carbs while rich in fiber and nutrients. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology indicates that ash gourd seed extracts illustrate anti-angiogenic qualities. Simply put, the plant inhibited the essential supply of blood to cancerous tumors. Ash gourd also helps in treating Purpura due to its alkaline property, and is used as a diuretic or bladder purifier.