เมล็ดฟักข้าว

Thai Spring Bitter Cucumber  or as known in native name as Fakkgaw.

Family: Cucumber and gourd families, CUCURBITACEAE
Origin: China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, Malaysia and the Philippines and Vietnam

Cultivation: After being grown and having strong roots, Fakkgaw start to become active during the 2 months of May to July to then start blooming flowers approximately in August. The fruit is ready to be harvested when ripe (about 20 days in a season) for about 30-60 days from July to February.

Despite the many benefits of this plant (membrane, seeds and grains), only a few people know about these goods and the many benefits of the meat inside the shell. In contrary, other countries like China, Japan and Vietnam and Philippines know the value of Fakkgaw well. Once the knowledge about it will be spread across the countries, the seeds of this plant will become the key of HIV & cancer inhibitors. Universities will acquaint the patent and take it to public. Another internet product for the health segment will be born.

Used as a common food product
Fakkgaw is a vegetable used regularly by villagers in the north and east. They eat the soft and delicate meat, boiled or steamed, like vegetables with chili paste or curry. We often find the soft light sold in markets in northern communities.

Research results
Fakkgaw is rich in Lycopene, a group of P-carotene carotenoids. Found in certain fruit and vegetables, it has anti-oxidation capabilities. It is found in the red membrane that contains the seeds of Fakkgaw.

Here some comparitions with a line of other vegetables; Tomatoes 31 micrograms per gram counter. Water melon 41 micrograms per gram, guava 54 micrograms per gram and grapefruit 33.6 micrograms per gram. Fakkgaw 380 micrograms per gram of pulp, seeds etc. Lycopene covering has 70 times more beta carotene and 10 times more antioxidants than carrots.

Lycopene is not water soluble but fat soluble and the body will be able to absorb it at its best through the application of heat (Songkhla University's Faculty of Pharmacy) and the use of coconut oil as a solvent.

The research has proven the following different influences to a healthy body.

Effective in reducing blood sugar levels
Slowed premature aging
Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease 
Improvement of the blood circulation and muscle function
Strengthening of the eyesight / Better body immunity 
Reduction of the risk of cancer (prostate, lung and stomach)
Activation of the blood flow within the body and strengthening the blood vessels 
Maintaining the health of the prostate 
Cold fever cure poison
Effective against mouth ulcer cure, lice and insect bites, including the usage as hair shampoo.
Nutritional benefits and effective disease treatment
When the red membrane of the Fakkgaw was given as a food supplement to preschool children, they found that children had an increased amount of beta carotene and an decreased concentration of low hemoglobin concentrations. This leads to recommend that people with anemia problems should eat Fakkgaw pulp and seeds. Abroad, there are currently companies producing and selling a drink supplement with the pulp and the seeds of this vegetable.
Research teams have also developed cosmetic formulations against aging. 
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