Cucumber is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables and is believed to have originated from Northern India and now cultivated all over the world in temperate regions. Today, Cucumbers are the fourth most-widely grown vegetable crop in the world behind tomatoes, onions and cabbage.
Cucumber is often regarded as a healthy food because it is low in calories and fat. It also contains many vitamins and minerals that make it a healthy choice for salads and snacking. Cucumber is a vegetable you should eat everyday or at least 3 times a week because of loads of benefits it has to offer. Below are the nutritional benefits of cucumber:
AIDS DIGESTION
Having one Cucumber before meal will help you eat moderately if you are watching your weight because it provides just 15 calories per 100 g. It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Cucumber peel is a good source of dietary fibre that helps reduce constipation by effectively ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system thereby aiding digestion and offering some protection against colon cancer. With this, daily consumption of Cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.
GIVES POTASSIUM
A 100g serving of Cucumber contains around 150mg of potassium. This mineral aids in metabolic functions and also plays a role in the development of muscle tissue. Adequate potassium is also necessary for maintaining normal electrical activity of the heart. Cucumbers also contain other beneficial minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
RELIEVES BAD BREATH
If you have bad breath, take a slice of Cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
REHYDRATES BODY AND REPLENISHES DAILY VITAMINS
Cucumbers are 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body eliminates toxins. Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. Don’t forget to leave the skin on because the skin contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 10 percent of the daily-recommended allowance.
SKIN AND HAIR CARE
If you don’t like to eat the skin of Cucumber, it can be used for skin irritations and sunburns as aloe would be used. Place a slice over puffy eyes and its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness. The silicon and sulfur in Cucumbers help to stimulate hair growth. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.
FIGHT CANCERS
Cucumbers are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.
CURES DIABETES, REDUCES CHOLESTEROL AND CONTROLS BLOOD PRESSURE
Cucumber juice contains an hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers found that a compound called sterols in Cucumbers may help reduce cholesterol levels. Cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber. These work effectively for regulating blood pressure. This makes Cucumbers good for treating both low blood pressure and high blood pressure.
BENEFICIAL FOR TEETH AND GUMS
Cucumber juice is also beneficial for people with teeth and gums problems. Cucumber is a good source of dietary fibre and this fibre massage in the teeth and gums.
TREAT TAPEWORMS
Cucumber seeds are used as a natural remedy for treating tapeworms. Bruised Cucumber seeds mixed with water are also effective in the treatment of swellings of the mucous membranes of the nose and the throat.
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AID IN WEIGHT LOSS
Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people who looking for weight loss.
ADDENDUM:
BEFORE YOU BUY CUCUMBER
When buying Cucumbers, choose the ones that are firm to touch and dark green in color. Do not buy overly matured or yellow coloured as they are prone to contain more insoluble fibre and mature seeds.
Fresh cucumbers are available throughout the season. Go for organically grown Cucumbers to get a rich taste and nutrients content. Once at home, they should be washed thoroughly in clean water to rid off dust and pesticides. Do not discard the peel as it has vital minerals, phyto-chemicals, and fibre.
STORAGE
To store, keep them at room temperature for a day or two, but better stored inside the refrigerator set at high relative humidity where they stay fresh for several days. . Fresh, clean cucumbers may be enjoyed as they are without any additions. Its cubes are a great addition to vegetable/fruit salads. Cucumber juice is a very good healthy drink.
