Cucumber is a herbaceous plant of the family Cucurbitaceae, with squash and different kinds of melons. Cucumbers are rich in water and low in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cucumbers have been grown in India for nutritional and medicinal purposes since antiquity and have long been part of the Mediterranean diet. It is botanically a fruit that is consumed as a vegetable and has many health benefits.
In this article, we want to talk about the nutritional content of cucumber, its health benefits, and give you advice on how to eat or use cucumber and any potential health risks. Pay special attention to what will follow and be sure that you will never stop using it.
Nutritional contribution of cucumber
Cucumber is rich in vitamins A, B and C. For this reason, it increases immunity, provides energy and keeps us radiant. It is also rich in magnesium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and silicon, which is why it is often the basis of cosmetic treatments. And finally cucumber contains lignans that can help fight cardiovascular disease. A cup of cucumber provides about 11% of the daily vitamin K intake
The benefits of cucumber for health
Hydration
If you have trouble following the 8 glasses of water a day rule, you can supplement your hydration with cucumber. It is 96% water, so it will refresh and hydrate your body. If you rub it on your skin, you can relieve the burns caused by sunburn.
Remove of toxins
By consuming a lot of water, we help eliminate toxins from the body. As cucumber is rich in water, it will help you eliminate toxins easily. In fact, if it is consumed regularly, it will even help you eliminate kidney stones.
For bone health
Sufficient vitamin K has been associated with healthy bones that are less likely to break. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) recommends eating cucumbers daily to provide the body with the necessary vitamin K intake. Vitamin K helps improve calcium absorption, both of which contribute to good health. bone.
Improved sight
It is very common to see people with cucumber slices on their eyes. This helps reduce puffiness, swelling and dark circles. In addition, consumption of cucumber juice maintains good blood pressure because of its high potassium content. Normal blood pressure is essential for the health of the eyes.
Can fight cancer
As a member of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, cucumbers contain high levels of nutrients known as cucurbitacins A, B, C, D and E, which can help prevent cancer by preventing cancer cells from proliferating and to survive. There is currently no anti-cancer therapy using cucurbitacins. Laboratory research has yielded promising results, but further work is needed to confirm their anti-tumor effects.
Improves cardiovascular health
The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages people to eat more fiber because it can help prevent cholesterol build-up and the cardiovascular problems that can result. Cucumbers are a good source of fiber, they also provide potassium and magnesium. The AHA also recommends reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake to help prevent high blood pressure. Cucurbitacins in cucumbers can also help prevent atherosclerosis.
Diabetes prevention
The researchers concluded that cucumbers can help control and prevent diabetes. Cucumbers, such as squash, melon and other cucurbits, contain Cucurbita ficifolia, which can help reduce peaks in blood sugar. One theory states that cucurbitans in cucumbers stimulate insulin release and regulate the metabolism of a key hormone in the treatment of glycemia, hepatic glycogen.
Cucumbers also have a low glycemic index (GI) score, which means they provide important nutrients without adding carbohydrates that can increase blood sugar levels.
Refreshes the mouth
Since It Is Mainly Composed Of Water, It Is Very Good For Freshening The Mouth And Gums. In Addition, It Heals The Gums Of Certain Bacteria That Cause Bad Breath.
To Fully Enjoy Its Benefits, You Can Consume The Cucumber In The Form Of Salad, Juice Alone Or Combined With Another Fruit Or Vegetable Or In The Form Of Soup With Other Vegetables.