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Made from this plant – available in our shop
Basic Information: Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). In everyday non-technical usage, the luffa, also spelled loofah, usually refers to the fruit of the two species Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula. The fruit of these species is cultivated and eaten as a vegetable. The fruit must be harvested at a young stage of development to be edible. When the fruit is fully ripened, it is very fibrous. The fully developed fruit is the source of the loofah scrubbing sponge which is used in bathrooms and kitchens. Luffa are best eaten when small (less than 12 cm or 4.5 inches in length) and still green.
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- Luffa (ridge gourd) contains vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
- Luffa contains vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which contributes to normal mental performance and normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Luffa contains manganese, which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the maintenance of normal bones.
- Luffa contains potassium, which contributes to normal muscle function and normal nervous system function.
- Luffa contains copper, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and normal connective tissue.
- Luffa contains vitamin B6, which contributes to normal red blood cell formation and the normal function of the immune system.
- Luffa contains antioxidants in laboratory tests. Luffa has very high water content and is rich in fiber, which makes it a useful vegetable within a balanced diet.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luffa
http://oneminutejuice.com/health-benefits-of-luffa/
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/luffa/