Fresh cucumber there is always a place on our table. The mind-blowing smell of the first fresh cucumbers - evidence of summer coming into its own. But how much do we know about cucumbers, for which the definition of “ordinary” is firmly attached?
Cucumber is the closest relative of melon
A false berry of the Cucurbitaceae family - this is how botanists classify the emerald vegetable. This family, indispensable for humans, includes zucchini, pumpkin, melons, watermelons and, of course, cucumbers. According to recent research by scientists, melon and cucumber have 95% genetic similarity.Placing a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth can help rid your mouth of bad bacteria odors. According to Ayurvedic principles, eating cucumbers can also help release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be the main cause of bad breath.
Cucumbers are rich in two essential elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you are struggling with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress the acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising your stomach pH; It is possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect.
The very name of the vegetable is borrowed from ancient Greek as a contrast to the name of the southern beauty. Cucumber is one of the few plants whose fruits we eat unripe. Melon, on the contrary, shows its best qualities in the highest degree of maturity.
Though cucumbers and are called one of the oldest vegetables known to mankind, the homeland of this crop is not known for certain. It is believed that the cucumber originally appeared in India, then in China. Today there are practically no borders for cucumbers. They are grown in Asia and Europe, Africa and America.
Cucumber for colic
Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. It helps food products Move faster through the digestive tract for healthy elimination. Cucumbers are very low in calories, but they make a snack. The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in the intestines, which helps slow your digestion. This helps you feel healthier longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods can help with weight control.
Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower levels blood pressure. The correct balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is critical to the proper functioning of your body. As an electrolyte, potassium is a positively charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration to perform its functions, which include interacting with sodium to help control nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.
Benefits of cucumber
The cucumber, completely undeservedly, just like cherries and tangerines, is given the role of tasty, but useless from the point of view healthy eating product. However, this is a fundamentally wrong point of view, because cucumber is no less useful than its famous relatives.Certainly, fresh cucumbers cannot be called a treasure trove of vitamins. Especially if you take into account that the further you are from the garden bed, the less vitamins remain in them. However, other biologically active substances make these vegetables welcome guests on the dietary table.
Most of the cucumber composition is water, which makes it low in calories but very refreshing. Contains potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, along with sulfur and iodine. Rich in water, it is associated with summer and salads and gazpacho. It should be eaten fresh and, if possible, with the skin on.
Natural cucumber has been proven to be not only an easily digestible food, but also refreshing and helpful in neutralizing excess acidity, be it in the case of diabetes, gout, arthritis, etc. Although in summer the food is usually very pleasant and refreshing, it is recommended to consume it at any time of the year, as it helps blood circulation and also has a cleansing effect on the intestines.
Cucumber is a low-calorie product
And not only low-calorie, but also one of the very best, containing a minimum of calories, but maximum benefits. Calorie content fresh cucumber - only 13.5 kcal per 100g. This allows you not to give up cucumbers while following the strictest diet.In addition, cucumber will be especially useful for overweight, because it regulates appetite, creates a feeling of fullness and promotes digestion.
Cucumber mask is great for softening the skin, removing blemishes and wrinkles. There is a case of famous beauties like the French Ninon de Lencios who used cucumber juice to rejuvenate their skin and teaches us to prepare cucumber oil for the same purposes as shown below.
Peel and cut ¼ kilogram of cucumbers and heat in 1 ½ liters olive oil, and then, after cooling, pass through a filter and are ready to use. Nutritional properties cucumber Vitamin C is involved in the suppression of nitrosamines, whose carcinogenic nature has been demonstrated. Vitamin C may also provide protection against various types cancer and enhances immune functions.
Composition of fresh cucumber per 100g of product
- 98.5g of water, which helps quench thirst and cleanse the body;
- just a little protein, fat and carbohydrates;
- 1g dietary fiber, which helps intestinal function;
- a small amount of B vitamins, ascorbic acid, vitamins E, PP;
- a large amount of potassium is the main wealth of cucumber, helping the functioning of the heart and kidneys;
- a large amount of iodine, compared to other vegetables, which is well absorbed by the body;
- a rich community of minerals - sodium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, aluminum, cobalt, chlorine, chromium, fluorine, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum - normalizing metabolism.
Useful properties of cucumber
Cucumber promotes the absorption of protein foods, so it should definitely go side by side with meat dishes. Fresh cucumbers very useful for problems with the cardiovascular system and digestive tract. They have a diuretic, laxative and choleretic effect. By using fresh cucumbers you can get rid of swelling and constipation. Delicate fiber cleanses the intestines and removes excess cholesterol, which prevents atherosclerosis.The unique property of fresh cucumber is the neutralization of acidic compounds that disrupt metabolic processes, lead to salt deposition and aging of the body.
Cucumber for renal colic
Cucumber is fat-free and contains no calories or cholesterol. Among the cancer-inhibiting substances found in cucumber are phytochemicals such as phytosterols and terpenes. Some so-called old-time nutritionists present cucumber as a difficult food to digest, and this is somewhat true, although in reality it is because people do not know how to prepare it.
The cucumber should be eaten completely natural, only well washed and shelled. An alternative is lemon or yoghurt, but very little or no salt. There is a disease called toxoplasmosis that can only be cured by cucumber. It consists of using only raw cucumber within 40 days; which causes deep detoxification of the body.
Regular use fresh cucumbers - protection against thyroid diseases.
Cucumber juice and cucumber pulp are still an indispensable remedy for the beauty of skin and hair. Removing freckles and whitening the skin, fighting inflammation, rashes and excess oiliness - all this can be done with fresh cucumber.
Unfortunately, beneficial features fresh cucumbers do not apply to the popularly loved pickled and pickled cucumbers. The healthiest ones will be fresh cucumbers, freshly picked from your own garden.
Cucumber is widely used medicinally, for its softening, soothing and refreshing qualities and, above all, for its alkalizing properties. Cucumber is good during the heat, especially in summer, thanks to its huge water content, good for thirst and for intense action, refreshes the blood and has a cleansing effect on the intestines. They are also highly recommended when there is a tendency to necrosis and in all cases where it is necessary to neutralize excessive acidity such as diabetes, gout, obesity, arthritis, etc. external use of cucumber.
Benefits of cucumber video
The cucumber pulp is macerated in alcohol and then the "colombo essence" is distilled, which is used to prepare an ointment that is used in external applications to give freshness and smoothness to dry skin. Also, this ointment can be prepared only with juice, in which case it will also act as a coolant. The juice is great for rashes, inflammation, etc. Because it will be used in lotions or detergents.
Harm of cucumbers
To whom can fresh cucumbers be harmful? People suffering from stomach diseases with high acidity. The property of cucumbers to increase the acidity of gastric juice makes them unacceptable in dietary nutrition for gastritis and peptic ulcers.Nursing mothers should not forget about the laxative effect of fresh cucumbers.
It is also great to impart softness, remove blemishes and freckles, and eliminate wrinkles and wrinkles. Against throat diseases, it is useful to use cucumber pulp in a poultice several times a day. Seminal emulsion is used against hemorrhoids, rashes, abscesses and other rashes.
Are there any benefits for weight loss?
Cucumbers, consumed both fresh and pickled, cooked and even accompanied by meat and fish, are versatile vegetable, which is often attributed to aphrodisiac properties as well as cosmetics. A refreshing food like few due to its high content in water as well as fiber, it is ideal for healthy eating as well as diet.
Early cucumbers
Who can resist in early spring before the fresh aroma of cucumber! Often the hand itself reaches out for a green treasure lying on the counter. But everyone knows that spring vegetables may also hide unpleasant surprises. A large amount of nitrates and other fertilizers in the products of unscrupulous manufacturers can make early cucumbers hazardous to health.To avoid trouble, spring cucumbers must always be peeled, where harmful substances are most concentrated. It is also recommended to cut off the ends of fresh cucumbers by 2-3 cm on both sides.
The cucumber is native to Asia, more specifically India, where it has been cultivated for over a thousand years. Over time, the cucumber arrived in Egypt, where it became one of the favorite dishes of the pharaohs, and years later it also became popular in Greece and Rome. Both the Greeks and Romans used cucumber in their dishes and for therapeutic purposes. The cucumber was introduced to Europe through Al-Andalus in the 10th century, and Spanish conquistadors were responsible for exporting it to the American continent after its discovery.
Today, the cucumber is a highly cultivated food in both Europe and North America, ranking fourth in global vegetable production, behind only tomatoes, cabbage and onions, and is considered an integral part of many cuisines around the world. There are many varieties of cucumber, depending on its size, cross-sectional shape, skin color, whether it is more or less bitter, or even its country of origin. However, we can make the main classification in two large groups: cucumbers and gherkins.
For babies up to 3 years old fresh cucumbers should be prohibited in early spring.
In summer, both children and adults can enjoy fresh cucumbers. Any salad will benefit from the presence of tender aromatic vegetable. The best gas station For cucumbers in Rus', sour cream is traditionally considered. And not only in Iran, cucumber is the main dessert. In Russian cuisine, cucumbers were also eaten as a sweet dish, adding honey.
How to plant and grow cucumbers video
While cucumbers are consumed fresh and are relatively large fruits, pickles are commonly used in pickles and are small and green fruits. In cucumbers we can also distinguish by their shape: oval type, medium long cylindrical and long cylindrical.
Oval: The most common varieties are Russia, Bonneoil thickness and Reticulated Russia. The most famous is De Russia, whose cucumber is short and oval shape. Little Green Paris is a yellow cucumber with black spikes, stripes and roughness. Its maximum length is from 9 to 12 centimeters.
- Smooth skin and yellowish color.
- Ashley cucumbers are dark green when picked and yellow when ripe.
Fresh cucumbers in any form are excellent dietary product, helping to maintain a good figure and giving pleasure to gourmets.
A big hello to everyone!
As far as I can remember, we always had a dacha, and of course, we always grew cucumbers.
I don’t know why, but since childhood I had the opinion that there is nothing healthy in cucumbers, only water and some vitamins.
This year, in particular, we are growing two varieties. Pepin Almeria: Also known as the Dutch cucumber because it was the Dutch who introduced this variety to Spain more than 30 years ago. Almeria cucumbers grown in Agrosol have an average length of 40 centimeters, are straight and have no thorns. It's easy, costs less per piece, and because it avoids cutting units into pieces, extends the life of the product.
- Its skin is very smooth and has a characteristic bright green color.
- They are mild in taste and without any bitterness.
Already as an adult, I perceived cucumbers as simply good remedy for moisturizing facial skin and a refreshing ingredient for salads.
And only a few years ago it dawned on me how we all underestimated this vegetable.
Now I know much more about cucumbers than before.
From this article you will learn:
What are the benefits of cucumbers for humans?
What do cucumbers contain?
Just one serving of cucumbers can provide a rich array of nutrients.
Cucumber is in the same family as other fruits and vegetables such as squashes, watermelons and melons, and shares its high water content with them, making it ideal for summer. But although traditionally its season was in the summer, thanks to intensive agriculture, we can enjoy this food almost throughout the year.
What is the best way to preserve cucumbers? When purchasing this type of product, it is recommended to choose those that have dark green skin, without blemishes or blemishes, that are also strong and well developed, but do not have an overly large diameter. It's best to avoid samples that are too large because they tend to be more bitter and have hard seeds. We'll also avoid those with dry ends or unsightly color. When purchasing them we will press at the end of the stem, if it is white, this will show that the cucumber has been harvested for a long time.
This is an excellent source of essential components that should be included in a person’s daily diet.
100 grams of fresh cucumbers contains:
- vitamin K 19%
- molybdenum 12%
- pantothenic acid 5%
- potassium 4%
- phosphorus 4%
- magnesium 4%
- vitamin C4%
- vitamin B13%
- biotin 3%, as well as manganese and other micro and macroelements
Calorie content of cucumbers
100 grams of fresh cucumbers contain only 16 kcal!!!
Once at home, cucumbers can be stored without problems in the refrigerator for three to five days. To ensure they are once cut, we wrap them in clear plastic to prevent odors from entering. They don't handle extreme temperatures very well, so freezing them isn't a good idea.
Like watermelon, cucumber is 95% water, which means eating it on a hot August day will help keep us hydrated. However, there are many reasons to consume cucumber throughout the year that is good for our health, among its main benefits. Protects our brain: It improves our memory and protects nerve cells from the deterioration of age. Eliminates Dark Circles: The anti-inflammatory properties of cucumbers are beneficial in eliminating both dark circles and bags under the eyes. It is highly recommended to apply two pieces of cucumber to your closed eyes to prevent swelling. Antioxidant Properties: Contains numerous antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene or antioxidant flavonoids. Against Bad Breath: Placing a piece of cucumber on the tongue helps us to eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath. Eating cucumbers also helps release excess heat in the stomach, which is the main cause of bad breath. In addition, the juices that flow from the cucumber when chewed heal and refresh sore gums. It improves our digestive health: rich in water and fiber, two essential elements for good digestion. The soluble fiber present in cucumber dissolves into a gel-like texture in the intestines, which helps slow down digestion. Good for our heart: Cucumber contains potassium, which is associated with lowering blood pressure and together with sodium helps control nerve impulses, muscle contraction and overall heart function. Since cucumbers are mostly water, they have low calorie content- even big cucumber contains less than 100 calories but still provides great nutritional value.
Cucumbers - Health Benefits
Let's look at the beneficial properties of cucumbers in more detail.
Unique lignans of cucumbers
According to recent research, cucumbers contain unique compounds called lignans, which have also been found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and cabbage), as well as allium vegetables (onions or garlic).
It became known that cucumbers contain three types of lignans: lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol.
These substances have been proven to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Also have a beneficial effect in the fight against certain types of cancer, including breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancer.
Interestingly, the activation of these substances occurs in the gastrointestinal tract with the help of bacteria living in our intestines.
When lignans enter the intestines, bacteria in our digestive tract convert the lignans into enterolignans.
Enterolignans have the ability to bind estrogen receptors and can have both pro-estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects.
Reduced risk of estrogen-related cancers, such as breast, ovarian, uterine and prostate cancer, has been associated with eating foods high in lignans.
Fresh cucumbers are also rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, this vegetable has a rich vitamin and mineral composition. Especially worth noting is vitamin C, beta-carotene, and magnesium.
Cucumbers - as a powerful defense against cancer
Like all members of the cucurbit family, cucumber is a valuable source of triterpenes (cucurbitacins).
Cucurbitacins A, B, C, D and E are found in fresh cucumbers. These substances have been studied for anticancer properties for quite some time.
Scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways (such as the JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways) required for the development and survival of cancer cells can be blocked by the activity of cucurbitacins.
Scientists hope for positive result research that confirms that daily consumption of cucumbers helps prevent and block the development of cancer.
It may very well be that in the future it will be possible to prove that eating cucumbers helps not only prevent the development of cancer, but also actively fight the already born cells of this terrible disease.
Cucumbers - Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory
Cucumbers also contain numerous flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol.
Good results have been achieved in animal studies, which have shown that these substances can work as powerful antioxidants, preventing increased production of free radicals, and also helping to increase overall antioxidant capacity.
Fresh cucumber extract reduces unwanted inflammation. This problem is achieved by inhibiting the activity of anti-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2).
What are the benefits of cucumbers - as a cleanser?
Cucumbers contain a lot of water, which is an excellent natural adsorbent, a universal solvent of poisons and toxins, and also a good diuretic.
Therefore, cucumbers are successfully used to cleanse the body during different types poisoning.
Cucumber cosmetologist
Cucumber has a good whitening effect due to the lightening effect of organic acids and vitamin C, due to the presence of antioxidants, it rejuvenates the skin, relieves all symptoms of inflammation, and removes acne.
Cucumber is versatile in different compositions cosmetics, it can be used for any skin type and age.
Of course, we should not forget that all of the above properties apply only to fresh ones, and not.
Well, that’s probably all I wanted to tell you about the benefits of cucumbers.
I think that now many of you will not have even a shadow of doubt that cucumbers must be present in every person’s diet.
I will be glad to receive any of your feedback and comments,
Alena Yasneva was with you, bye everyone!
