Luffa cannot be eaten together with white radish, as it will damage vitality, lead to impotence, premature ejaculation, and even diabetes in men. Also, combining loofah with spinach and aloe vera may cause diarrhea.

The general population can eat luffa. Pregnant women, parturient women, nursing mothers and babies can eat luffa. Women with irregular menstruation, physical fatigue, phlegm and cough, and postpartum lactation obstruction are suitable to eat more loofah, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms. However, those with weak body and internal cold and diarrhea should not eat more luffa, because luffa is cold in nature, and eating too much may aggravate physical weakness, worsen diarrhea, and cause some gastrointestinal problems.

Luffa also contains a special type of phytochemicals - saponins, which have the functions of regulating lipid metabolism, lowering cholesterol, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-thrombosis, immune regulation, antioxidant and other effects. However, saponins are also toxins that can have a strong irritating effect on the digestive tract at a certain dose, leading to poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Luffa will produce a large amount of saponins when grown under improper planting conditions and improper storage, making the taste of luffa bitter. If you find that the loofah has a bitter taste, you should discard it to avoid poisoning. Don't think that bitter sponge gourd can "reduce fire". If you endure the pain and eat it, it will be poisoned and harm your health.

Extended information

How to select loofah

First, choose light colors. The lighter the color of a mature loofah, the more tender it is. The darker the color, the older the loofah. ?

Second, choose one with smooth skin. Loofahs with fine and smooth epidermal lines are relatively tender, while loofahs with more prominent and obvious skin lines are older. ?

Third, choose someone who is straight and smooth. Holding the root of the loofah with your hand, the tall and straight loofah with small curvature is relatively tender. The larger the curvature, the older the loofah is. ?

Finally, it feels solid. Pinch it with your hands. If it feels firm and slightly elastic, it means it is relatively fresh. If it feels soft, it is probably empty inside. This kind of loofah is too old.

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