Scientific Name: Luffa acutangula
Bahasa Indonesia: Pitola
Batak: Pitola
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.
Health Benefits:
- Prevents eye ailments – the Vitamin A which is found in the luffa prevents you from the macular degeneration that frequently leads to blindness.
- Cardiovascular benefits – There is a lot of Vitamin B5 in 900 mg dose and it is able to help you reduce the bad cholesterol as well asb the triglycerides which reduce the chances of any cardiovascular diseases from happening.
- Prevents diabetes – The manganese is essential for the production of all of the digestive enzymes which are responsible for a process that is called gluconeogenesis.
- Prevents muscle pain – The potassium is able to balance out the fluid levels and help in relaxing the muscles.
- Will reduce the symptoms of arthritis – The copper will provide you with anti inflammatory properties which soothe the stiffness and pain that is usually related to arthritis.
- Can treat anemia – The Vitamin B6 is essential to the production of hemoglobin in the blood which will in turn help to transport the oxygen right to the cells and mobilize the iron.
- Will provide you with an excellent skin health – Luffa is rich in antioxidants and also helps to detoxify the body.
- Helps In Weight Loss – It has very high moisture content and is also very rich in fiber.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luffa
http://oneminutejuice.com/health-benefits-of-luffa/
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/luffa/