Cucumbers are one of our favorite vegetables. They have a delicate taste, aromatic, and contain a number of important nutrients for the human body. They are good for the heart and digestive system, kidney problems, and hypertension. Quenches thirst well on a hot summer day. In addition, they have practically no contraindications.
Cucumber is a fruit of the “Pumpkin” family from the “Cucumber” genus. Scientific Latin name Cucumis sativus. It is an annual creeping plant. At the ends of the stems there are antennae with which it clings to the support.
India is considered the birthplace of cucumber, where they grew according to some sources for another 10,000 years, according to others – 6,000 years ago. It can still be found in the wild in the tropical and subtropical parts of India today.
It spread to Europe over 4000 years ago. Was a very popular vegetable crop in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome. With the first colonists, it was brought to both Americas: South and North.
When its seeds came to Russia, it is not known for certain. The first mention of it dates back to the middle of the 16th century.
Under Louis XIV, it was first grown in greenhouses. Gradually, this vegetable became known all over the world and now occupies the 4th place in cultivation among all vegetable crops.
They are eaten fresh (available throughout the year), pickled, salted for the winter, and salads are made with it.
There is no point in talking about the varieties of cucumber. There are a lot of them: there are specially for growing indoors or outdoors, for canning, salad.
How are cucumbers useful?
Cucumber is rightfully considered one of the healthiest vegetable crops. It is 95-97 percent water, no fat, no cholesterol and very few calories. Despite this, it contains many beneficial nutrients:
Vitamins: K, C, A, group B (thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid);
Minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, iron;
Chlorophyll;
Proteins;
Carbohydrates;
Cellulose.
The calorie content of a cucumber per 100 grams is only 15 kilocalories.
Fresh cucumbers
Despite the fact that the proportion of nutrients they have is not so high, they are necessary for a properly balanced diet. All of them help to maintain health, improve the general condition, and enhance the processes taking place in the body.
Cucumber promotes the absorption of protein foods. Therefore, it must definitely complement meat dishes.
A unique feature of fresh cucumbers is the neutralization of acidic compounds that disrupt metabolic processes, lead to salt precipitation and aging.
They have diuretic, laxative, choleretic properties. Relieve swelling, improve the functioning of the intestinal tract, preventing constipation.
They help cleanse the body of toxins. Due to the high water content, they help cleanse the body and quickly remove accumulated toxins.
Potassium, as an electrolyte, improves lymph circulation, removes excess fluid from the body. 100 grams contains 147 mg of potassium and only 2 mg of sodium.
It is a “heart” mineral that helps lower blood pressure, regulates heart rate, and counteracts the effects of sodium.
The presence of potassium and plenty of water provide it with mild diuretic properties. Thanks to them, the kidneys are cleared of mineral deposits that can lead to the formation of stones.
They contain nearly 14 percent of the daily value for vitamin K (16.4 mcg / 100 grams). This vitamin plays a potentially important role in maintaining bone density and improves calcium absorption.
Beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
Although they do not directly possess anti-inflammatory properties, they are able to inhibit anti-inflammatory enzymes, relieve pain and swelling in arthritis.
Cucumber has an alkaline effect due to the presence of alkaline elements in it, neutralizes the acidity of the stomach, and reduces the effect of acid on the mucous membrane in case of ulcers.
It contains several B vitamins. These vitamins are involved in many metabolic processes, including the functioning of the brain and nervous system. To some extent, they can reduce feelings of anxiety and reduce the effects of stress on the body. Ancient doctors recommended a decoction of cucumbers in stressful situations.
Vitamins B 1 and B2 are involved in the breakdown of sugars and carbohydrates.
Cucumbers contain several compounds with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidative effects of free radicals, which are the source of many chronic diseases:
Cancer;
Joints;
Of cardio-vascular system;
Diabetes.
So there is no cholesterol in them, they help to get rid of low-density lithoproteins, which leads to an improvement in the condition of blood vessels, and the risk of cardiovascular pathologies and atherosclerosis is reduced.
Regular consumption of fresh cucumbers is a protection against thyroid disease.
As a low-calorie product, it is present in many diets for weight loss and weight loss, on fasting days.
Cucumbers are a good remedy for nausea during pregnancy. Every time this feeling arises, you need to eat a few slices of fresh cucumber.
Many people drink cucumber pickle after a hangover, not knowing that fresh cucumbers can relieve the symptoms of this condition, relieve headaches.
In addition, they replenish the body with water well. Alcohol contributes to dehydration.
Read on: Cucumber juice benefits and harms
Cucumbers useful properties in cosmetology
Cucumber masks are popular with women all over the world. They help to get rid of:
From wrinkles;
Pigmented spots;
Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
They moisturize the skin well and prevent dehydration. They will remove the traces of fatigue and sleepless nights.
They are no less useful for hair. Due to the presence of vitamin A, minerals and vitamins, they improve hair growth, strengthen hair follicles.
Cucumbers health benefits
Like any natural products, they play an important role in the prevention of a number of diseases and health promotion.
In the studies conducted, it was found that the inclusion of cucumbers in your diet:
Reduces the risk of obesity;
Prevents the development of diabetes;
Improves the health of the heart and blood vessels;
Prevents constipation;
Strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis;
Improves metabolic processes;
Serves as the prevention of oncological diseases;
Improves hydration;
Relieves swelling;
Promotes the removal of salts and toxins;
Increases overall energy potential.
Harm to cucumbers
The main harm of fresh cucumbers is the way they are grown. When treated with pesticides, herbicides, applying chemical fertilizers, they can contain and accumulate substances harmful to health.
The largest amount of nitrates accumulates in the peel. To reduce harm, you just need to clean them. The ends of the fruit should be cut off at least 2 centimeters from both ends.
People suffering from stomach ailments with high acidity should limit their use. Cucumbers increase acidity and can provoke an exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
It is not recommended for nursing women to eat fresh cucumbers due to their laxative effect.
Certain cucumbers are often bitter due to toxic terpenoid compounds such as cucurbitacin. Mostly bitter is the part of the fruit that is attached to the branch. Just cut off the ponytail or peel the skin.
Contraindications and side effects
In general, cucumbers do not have any contraindications and side effects. However, people with severe hypertension, ascites, or other medical conditions who have limited high fluid intake should use caution when consuming these vegetables that contain more than 90% water.
There are also people whose digestion does not take them very well, and in rare cases can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and dyspepsia.
Allergies are possible, accompanied by a rash, itching, redness, and other symptoms. People who have an allergic reaction to ragweed are more likely to have it.
Increased gas production can be with the use of bitter cucumbers.
People with high stomach acidity need to limit their consumption, as they increase it.
How to choose and store cucumbers
Now cucumbers are sold in the store all year round. In winter, these are greenhouses. In the summer – from the garden.
When buying, choose fresh, firm, with a brightly colored rind.
Do not buy fruits that are stained, broken, with cuts or other defects that cause rapid damage to the fruit. In addition, pathogenic bacteria can enter through the peel.
They should not be overripe, with large seeds.
Rinse thoroughly before cooking to get rid of any contaminants that may get on them from the soil or during transportation.
Store at room temperature for one to two days. In the refrigerator, the shelf life is extended to several days.
Cucumbers in cooking
These are very versatile fruits. Fresh ones are added to salads, juice and cucumber water are made. They are salted and pickled for the winter.
It goes well with tomatoes, fresh bell peppers. They are added to salads with rice, chicken, pineapple and many other products.
Cucumbers are one of the main ingredients in summer okroshka, regardless of what it is cooked with.
Salads with them can be seasoned with vegetable oil, salad dressing, yogurt, sour cream, kefir, cream.
Read on: How is cucumber water useful and how to cook at home
