Coccinia (also known as ivy gourd) is a kowai fruit that grows on a tropical vine. It's called tindli in the southern Indian states, where it's more popular. Kundru, bimbika, telakucha, hoong gua, manoli, donda kaya, kova, and many more names have been given to it. 

Coccinia flesh is crunchy with a faint bitter aftertaste, although matured varieties are even sweeter. When the translucent white flesh with embedded seeds ripens, it turns crimson. They have light green skin that's thick and are oval to elongated in shape. 

This green fruit is eaten blanched, boiled, stir-fried, or in soups. At the same time, the ripe fruit is eaten raw or stewed with other vegetables. In some states of India, its tender leaves/shoots are also blanched, boiled, stir-fried, or added to soups for enhanced taste.

Benefits:

●    Protects the nervous system.
●    Prevents kidney stones.
●    Significantly improve metabolism. 
●    Reduces fat to maintain body weight. 
●    It acts as an antibacterial agent.
●    The high Vitamin C content contributes to good skin health. 
●    It may help you get rid of wrinkles and certain types of skin allergies.
●    Good for digestion as it can relieve digestive problems like constipation.
●    Boosts metabolism.
●    Lowers blood sugar levels.
●    Prevents diabetes.