Loofah - Useful Properties And Contraindications

Loofah is a plant that occurs in more than 50 species, but the most common are cylindrical and sharp-toothed. It is a herbaceous vine that belongs to the pumpkin family. In appearance, the fruits of the loofah resemble an ordinary cucumber, but with significantly larger sizes.

Loofah is consumed to treat and prevent colds. It is also used for nasal swelling and sinus problems. Some people use it to relieve muscle, chest and arthritis pain. Loofah fibers heated in a closed container are applied directly to shingles in the face and eyes. Consumption of loofah increases the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers. In addition, it can restore a missing menstrual cycle.

Loofah in cooking

• In Asian cuisine, unripe fruits are used to prepare many dishes.
• The young fruits, buds, buds and flowers of the loofah are edible and low in calories.
• Soups, sauces, ragouts, salads are made from the plant. You can fry or stew it like zucchini.

Loofah like a sponge

Eco-friendly bath mushrooms are obtained from loofah, which have the following benefits for the body:

• stimulate blood circulation;
• they are hypoallergenic, do not cause irritation;
• clean the skin;
• have lymphatic drainage action;
• help fight cellulite and stretch marks.

Nutritional composition of loofah

Loofah is a low-calorie vegetable - it contains only 20 calories per 100 grams. Its delicate, mushroom-like texture consists of moderate amounts of minerals and vitamins, rich in antioxidants. The fruits of the plant contain cellulose, vitamins C and A, potassium and phosphorus salts, folic acid, iron and carotene.

Loofah varieties are composed of phenolic antioxidants such as carotene, lutein and cryptoxanthins.

Fresh pods contain 7 micrograms of folate. In pregnant women, eating a folate-rich diet can help reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns.

Loofah contains more vitamin A than many other gourd vegetables. In 100 grams of fresh loofah there is 410 IU of vitamin A (14% of the daily requirement). This vitamin is essential for the integrity of the mucous membranes, the health of the skin, hair and vision. It acts as an anti-cancer and anti-aging agent at the cellular level in humans.

Fresh loofah is a source of small amounts of vitamin C (100 grams of raw vegetables provide 12 milligrams or about 20% of daily requirement). Vitamin C is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants that protect the human body from the damage of free radicals - one of the causes of cancer.

Loofah has a smooth inside and is rich in dietary fiber, which facilitates digestion and helps the easy movement of food through the intestines. In this way they help relieve digestive problems and constipation.

The plant is a good source of B vitamins such as thiamine, niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6) and the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, manganese and magnesium.

Useful properties of loofah fruit

Loofah has healing properties. It helps with conjunctivitis, as well as in the fight against oily skin. It is also useful in diseases of the respiratory system, and is characterized by a strengthening effect. Many medicinal products are produced from the plant, which are used for joint pain. Loofah also has the ability to lower the temperature.

Fruit infusions are prescribed to people with chronic diseases of the nose, and loofah porridge - for cough.

It is believed that the plant helps increase lactation.

Harm and contraindications

There are no known contraindications for use, except in cases of individual intolerance or in the presence of alkaloid compounds of bitter cucurbitacin in the pods of loofah. The bitter part of the plant should not be eaten, but discarded to avoid possible side effects.