Cucumber is a fruit belonging to Cucurbitaceae family
also called cucurbits and the gourd family, consisting of about 965
species in around 95 genera, the most important of which are: Cucurbita –
squash, pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon, some
gourds. Lagenaria – calabash, and others that are inedible. Cucumber is grown in different regions in different
varieties, and are usually eaten fresh.
The nutritional benefits of Cucumbers
to human body cannot be over emphasized. Cucumber is very rich in vitamins
A, C, and folic acid while the hard skin is rich
in fiber and minerals like magnesium, molybdenum,
and potassium. Cucumber Also contains silica, a mineral traced to
contribute greatly in strengthening the connective tissues. Cucumber is known
to heal different types of skin problems, which include under eye swelling,
and sunburn. Cucumber equally contains ascorbic and caffeic acids, which
prevent water loss, therefore they are frequently applied
to burns and dermatitis.
Cucumbers have not received as much press cover as
other vegetables in terms of health benefits, but this widely cultivated food
provides us with a unique combination of nutrients. At the top of the
phytonutrient list for cucumbers are its cucurbitacins, lignans, and
flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrients found in cucumbers provide us
with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits.
Cucumber is regarded as one of the world’s healthiest foods. http://www.whfoods.com/index.php
Below is the list of some important
health benefits that can be derived from cucumber
1.
Help you stay hydrated:
Cucumber
is 96% water content, which means that If
you are too busy to drink enough water, crunch on the cucumber will compensate
for the water shortage in the body!
2.
Heart
health support: Cucumbers contain potassium, which can help
lower blood pressure. A review of the best studies conducted on potassium
intake showed that a higher intake is associated with lower rates of
stroke and might also reduce the risk of total cardiovascular disease.
3.
Brain
neurological diseases protection: An anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin is present in
cucumbers. It has recently been suggested that fisetin plays important role in
brain health: It has “the ability to reduce the impact of age-related
neurological diseases on brain function,” and it would also help maintain
cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
4.
Nourishes with
vitamins: Cucumber
contains vitamins A B and C, which
boost immunity, give energy and keep the body radiant. Juicing cucumber
with carrot and spinach, gives it more power.
5.
Fights Internal
and external heat: Eating cucumber, brings
relief from heartburn. Applying cucumber to the skin, gives the skin relief
from sunburn and itchy skin.
6.
Flushes toxins: The water content in cucumber acts as a virtual broom,
sweeping waste products out of human system. With regular use, cucumber is
known to dissolve kidney stones.
7.
Supplies
skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. No
wonder why cucumber-based treatments are popular in health resorts.
8.
Maintain
a healthy weight: Cucumber is very low in
calories and it also contain fiber in the skin. foods with fiber content assist
maintaining healthy weight.
9.
Recuperates the
eyes: Placing chilled slices of cucumber
on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye
bags and puffiness.
10.
Reduces risk of cancer: Consuming cucumber will assist in cutting down the risk of numerous
cancers. Several studies show that cucumber has cancer-fighting
potential.
11.
Stabilizes blood
pressure: People struggling with high or low blood
pressure, often find solace in eating cucumber
12.
Refreshes the
mouth: Cucumber juice refreshes and heals
diseased mouth gums, leaving the mouth smelling good.
13.
Smooths hair and
nails: Silica, the wonder mineral in
cucumber makes the hair and nails stronger and glossier.
14.
Soothes muscle
and joint pain: All those vitamins and minerals in
cucumber make it a powerful enemy of muscle and joint pain.
15.
Keeps kidneys in
shape: Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in the
body system, keeping the kidneys happy.
16.
Good for
diabetics: People suffering from
diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits:
cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing
insulin.
17.
Reduces
cholesterol. A compound called sterols in
cucumber helps reduce bad cholesterol.
Eating cucumber to derive the benefits has no
special format. It can be enjoyed raw in salads as a side with your meals,
fermented as a pickle, or in vegetable juices. In fact, there are no bad way to
enjoy cucumber. Just eat it as you want and you will not miss the benefits.
Remain Safe, Sound and Secured
Prince
Aloy Anyanwu
The
Helper of your Joy
Disclaimer: we do not in any way
guarantee any specific results for following any of the procedures outlined in
this writeup. The results derived will vary from individual to individual
depending on application. Articles, graphics, videos and any other materials in
any form on this blog are for information purposes only at the discretion of
the reader. They are not meant to substitute professional advice on any subject
matter.
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