Cucumbers are extremely beneficial to health, especially during the summer, as they mostly contain water and many important nutrients that are essential for the human body. The flesh of cucumber is rich in vitamins A, C, and folic acid, while the hard skin of cucumber is rich in fiber and a range of minerals, including magnesium, molybdenum, silica, and potassium. In addition, cucumber has silica, a trace mineral that contributes greatly to strengthening our connective tissues. Cucumber is known to heal many skin problems, including under-eye swellings and sunburn. Cucumber also contains ascorbic and coffee acids, which prevent water loss, therefore, cucumber is applied topically to burns and dermatitis.
Origin of Cucumber:
Scientifically known as Curcuma staves, cucumbers belong to the same family as zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, and other types of summer squash. The plant of cucumber is a creeping vine that gives cylindrical edible fruit throughout the year. You will find varieties of cucumber grown in different places, either to be eaten fresh or sometimes to be pickled. The cucumbers that are usually eaten fresh are called slicing cucumbers. Gherkin cucumbers are specially produced to make pickles. These are much smaller in size than slicing cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers is available throughout the year; however, they are at their best from May through July. Cucumbers originated in India almost 10,000 years ago, but are now cultivated on all continents. Nowadays, different varieties of squash are traded on the international market, and you will find them in abundance all year round.
Features and varieties of Cucumber:
As the proverb goes, “cool as a cucumber,” it actually compliments the squash for its soothing and cooling nature. Cucumbers are grown mainly to be eaten fresh and also to be pickled at times. The ones that are to be eaten fresh are commonly known as slicing cucumbers. In India, you will often find sliced cucumbers being sold on the street on sunny afternoons. These cucumbers are usually cylindrical in shape and vary in length from about six to nine inches. However, the size of cucumbers varies according to its cultivating factors as well. .
Health Benefits of Cucumber:
It is still not known when cucumbers have been used for pickling, but the researchers have speculated that the gherkin variety of cucumber was developed from a native African plant. Spain was one of the countries in ancient times that started pickling cucumbers, since Roman emperors imported them from this Mediterranean country.
The health benefits of cucumbers are yet to be widespread among all cultures. The taste of fresh cucumber is somewhat bland in comparison to other squashes, but it’s thirst-quenching, and the cooling quality of this squash is truly refreshing. Cucumbers often act as antioxidants when consumed with barbecue and fried foods. You can also drink a glass full of cucumber, carrot, or orange juice. This will not only give you its wholesome nutrient value, but it will also genuinely taste good.
Cucumber benefits range from preventing acidity to keeping skin well-toned. Cucumber has high alkaline levels, thus regulating the body’s blood pH and neutralizing acidity. The gastric patients should necessarily consume cucumber frequently. It regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, such as the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. During the summer, cucumbers help normalize body temperature. Cucumber juice is diuretic, thereby preventing kidney stones. Cucumbers also counter uric acid, thereby preventing inflammation in joints in arthritis, asthma, and gout. You will be quite surprised to know that this squash also promotes healthy hair growth and can treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc.
A bright and glowing complexion
Cucumber is rich in silica, this is the essential component that aids in keeping strong and healthy connective tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Doctors often recommend cucumber juice to utilize the silica content and get healthy, bright skin. The quality of cucumber’s high water content makes it naturally hydrating. It’s known to all that moisture is the best friend of healthy skin.
Prevents constipation and keeps the kidneys healthy:
Cucumber is a perfect blend of both fiber and water. Thus, it helps you stay away from both constipation and kidney stones. By drinking cucumber juice, you can consume both fiber and water at the same time. Reports say that the majority of Americans prefer to have a cucumber rich salad regularly, as it is a great way to increase your fiber intake. Cucumber is also a good source of vitamin C, silica, potassium, and magnesium; so you get all the nutrition you need.
Control blood pressure levels:
In the studies done at DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), when people consumed foods high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber, their blood pressure came down to normal levels. The group eating a diet rich in these complexes, along with the other foods on this diet like seafood, low fat dairy foods, lean meat, and poultry, checked their blood pressure and found it to have fallen by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic).
Checks Diabetes:
Cucumber has been useful for diabetic patients for ages. Cucumber possesses a hormone required by the beta cells during insulin production. The glycemia Index of cucumbers is found to be zero. The existence of the nutrient carbohydrate and its effect on the body are measured by the quantity of the glycaemic index. Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The carbohydrates contribute to raising the glucose level, however, the carbohydrates present in the cucumber can be easily digested by diabetic patients.
keeps a healthy body in the long run:
Cucumber has excellent cleaning properties, thereby removing waste and toxins from our bodies. In many cases, cucumber has been seen as an effective treatment for arthritis since it removes uric acid. Aiding in urine secretion, cucumber has proven to be a natural diuretic. Cucumber is very good for urinary bladder, kidney, liver, and pancreatic functions. Cucumber juice, along with carrot juice, is extremely effective for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body.
