The humble bottle gourd, also called lauki, ghia or dhudhi is believed to be full of health benefits according to the ancient Indian system of medicine called Ayurveda. It is prescribed to those with diabetes, hypertension, constipation, weight loss, liver disease, among other health problems.
But a recent report in Times of India has linked the death of a healthy woman in Pune to drinking a glass of bottle gourd juice.
After her daily run, the woman allegedly had a glass of lauki juice, according to a family friend quoted in the report. Soon after, she started vomiting and had loose motions. Within three days she had succumbed to her death.
The report does not carry quotes from doctors or hospitals.
But can a vegetable, that is known for it’s health benefits, turn dangerous when juiced?