Health benefits of cucumber

Cucumber is one of the largest grown vegetable in the world and is consumed by many people due to its health benefits. It is a member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae, along with honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon. Cucumbers are made up of 95% water and are naturally low in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium.

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According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, 1 cup of raw sliced cucumber with peel (approximately 119 grams) contains 115 grams of water, 16 calories, 0.8 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat and 2.9 grams of carbohydrate (including 0.9 grams of fiber and 1.8 grams of sugar.

One cup of cucumber provides 11% of vitamin K, 4% of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and manganese and 2% of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and copper needs for the day.

Health Benefits of Cucumber

1. Cucumber for Hydration

Cucumber is a perfect food to have, on hot summer months to prevent dehydration as it is made up of 95%water content and full of important electrolytes. Instead just drinking water, you can drink cucumber water which gives more freshness to your body.

2. Cucumber as Vitamin Supplier

Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. A B and C, which boost your immune system keep you radiant and give you energy. Make it more powerful by juicing cucumber with spinach and carrot. Don’t forget to leave the skin on because it contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 12 percent of the daily recommended allowance.
[Read: Health Benefits of Water]

3. Cucumber aids in weight loss

Cucumber is an ideal source for people who are looking for weight loss due to its high water and super low calorie content.

4. Cucumber for digestion and constipation

Cucumber contains high digestive fiber which aids in the process of digestion. Hence the problems like heart burn, acidity, gastritis and even ulcer which is caused by improper digestion, are all cured by consuming the cucumber on daily basis. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.

5. Cucumber fights cancer

Cucumber 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. (6)

6. Fights Diabetics

Cucumber juice contains hormones. These are needed by the pancreas for producing insulin which is extremely beneficial to diabetic patients. Copper in cucumber also aids to produce healthy blood cells and improves blood circulation in the body.

[Read: Health Benefits of Almonds]

7. Cucumber treats 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.

8. Cucumber controls Blood pressure

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.

9. Cucumber for healthy bones and joints

As cucumber is an excellent source of silica it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. When mixed with carrot juice, cucumber can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering levels of the uric acid.

10. Cucumber for healthy skin, eyes

The cooling effect of cucumber is very good for healthy skin and it can be used for treating the sun burn. It is great for treating the dark circles under the eyes.

Extra benefit of cucumber: –

Cucumber as Stain Remover

Do you know, Cucumber can also be used to remove stubborn stains and tarnish from stainless steel tools, countertops, mirrors and walls in the house. It also restores the lost shine of the tools. Chemicals found in cucumber are used in making shoe polishes to make them more their shiny.

How to buy

In the stores, buy fresh ones that feature bright green color, firm and stout in texture.
Check for spots, cuts or breaks over its surface and if so, do not buy it.
Do not buy overly mature or yellow colored cucumber since they tend to possess tough skin, and mature inedible seed.
Avoid those with wrinkled ends as they indicate of old stock and out of flavor.
Go for organically grown products to get more nutrient content.

How to store

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly in clean water to rid off any surface dirt and pesticide residues.
Their skin comes in variety of colors and often with tiny spikes that should be rubbed off easily.
Do not discard the peel as it has vital minerals, phyto-chemicals, and fiber.
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 a week.
It is advisable to eat as fresh as you can.

How to eat

Cucumber can be eaten raw, just like that.
Use it in your salads
Use it in yogurt dips or in Raita
Prepare cucumber juice or cucumber lassi and drink in empty stomach.
Check these great recipes of cucumber

Caution:

Sometimes, some cucumbers may taste bitter due to terpenoid toxin compounds such as cucurbitacin B,D,G,H, etc. So to be cautious, a small slice of cucumber should be tasted before eating the whole fruit to ensure that it is not bitter. If found bitter; the whole fruit should be discarded. In case of discomfort after consumption (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or any feeling of uneasiness), the person should be immediately taken to the hospital for immediate attention.

Sources:

1. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cucumber.html

2. http://www.fitnea.com/14-reasons-you-should-start-eating-cucumber/3/

3. http://truthwiki.org/Cucumbers

4. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269143.php

5. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/18/foods-as-cleaning-products_n_6036344.html?ir=India

6. http://news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=11100

7.http://www.naturalnews.com/036769_cucumbers_health_benefits_rehydration.html#ixzz3cYHOZVoy