Luffa is also known as ridge gourd. The scientific name of luffa is Luffa acutangula. Luffa is ridged and dark green vegetable which has white pulp inside. The taste of luffa resembles zucchinis. This vegetable has many health and medicinal purposes. It is a fast – growing and climbing vine which often requires support to facilitate its speed. Luffa grows in sandy and fertile soils and it needs good sunlight and humid conditions to flourish.
It has large lobed leaves which are deep green with fine hairs on their surface. The two most common types of luffa are smooth luffa and ridge gourd. Smooth luffa is larger and more cylindrical and it has a slightly thicker base. Its skin is smooth like that of cucumber. The ridged gourd is the most common cultivated type of luffa. Its surface is covered with ridges which run along its length. Here are some health benefits of luffa:
Luffa good for diabetes type 2
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Luffa has high amounts of magnesium which can help to decrease your chances of diabetes type 2 because magnesium is important for the glucose metabolism.
Improve the brain function
We know that a lot of oxygen is required for the brain to function in a proper way. The lack of oxygen in the brain results in a poor memory, apathy and decrease of productivity in the absence of iron because the brain will not receive the proper amount of oxygen. Also, the deficiency of iron can lead to restlessness and inattentiveness. Luffa can help you to improve your brain function.
Luffa help rid of migraines and headaches
It is known that extremely low amounts of magnesium in the body are related to migraines and headaches. It is known that magnesium is able to assist in balancing out the neurotransmitters within the entire body. Luffa has magnesium which can help you to rid of migraines and headaches.
Excellent skin health
There are some studies in which are said that the high intake of Vitamin C can help to reduce the skin dryness, wrinkles and it can slow down the overall aging process. Vitamin C is essential for the production of protein in order to form ligaments, blood vessels, skin and tendons. Also, this vitamin can assist in the healing process of wounds and it can form a scar tissue.
Treatment for anemia
It has Vitamin B6 which is essential for the production of hemoglobin in the blood which in turn can help to transport the oxygen right to the cells and mobilize the iron. We know that anemia is a result from inadequate red blood cells. Those people, who suffer from anemia, can experience pain, fatigue and aches. In one study was said that adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 can reduce the symptoms of anemia and prevent its occurring.
Reduce the symptoms of arthritis
It has copper which will provide you anti – inflammatory properties that will soothe the pain and stiffness which are related to arthritis. This mineral is able to assist with the muscular strength, as well as with repairing connective tissue.
Able to prevent muscle pain
It has potassium which is able to balance out the fluid levels and it can help in relaxing the muscles. If you have low levels of potassium in your body, then it can lead to the muscle cramps, spasms and pain. Also, potassium can assist to break down the protein and carbs on which the muscle depends in order to make their proper repair and energy.
Able to prevent diabetes
It has manganese which is essential for the production of all of the digestive enzymes which are responsible for a process called gluconeogenesis. There was one study in which was shown that mice which were given manganese had their glucose tolerance definitely improved in a period of 12 weeks. Manganese can promote the secretion of insulin which can reduce the lipid peroxidation and enhances mitochondrial function.
Provide cardiovascular benefits
It has high amounts of Vitamin B5 which can help to reduce the bad cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. This can help to reduce the chances of any cardiovascular disease from happening so your cardiovascular function will be at bay.
