Cucumber Benefits

Originated in India and very nutritious as a tropical fruit, cucumber benefits are not known by many and it is avoided as it tastes plain to some.

• Cucumber comes from the same family as zucchini, pumpkin, watermelon and squash. It is cylindrical in shape with a dark green rind and white succulent flesh.

• It has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years in Western Asia, and was introduced to other parts of Europe by the Romans.

• There are 2 types of cucumbers: The pickling varieties- 2 to 4 inches long and the slicing varieties- 6 to 9 inches. It is probably best to avoid eating pickled cucumbers as they have lost most of their vitamins and are also high in sodium.

• The inner temperature of a cucumber can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. No wonder they are such a summertime favorite.

The cucumber comes from the same family as zucchini, pumpkin, watermelon and squash. It is cylindrical in shape with a dark green rind and white succulent flesh.

Nutrition Values of Cucumber per 100g:

* Carbohydrates – 3.63 gm

* Sugars – 1.67 gm

* Dietary Fiber – 0.5 gm

* Fat – 0.11 gm

* Protein – 0.65 gm

* Thiamin (Vitamin B1) – 0.027 mg

* Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – 0.033 mg

* Niacin (Vitamin B3) – 0.098 mg

* Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) – 0.259 mg

* Vitamin B6 – 0.040 mg

* Folate (Vitamin B9) – 7 μg

* Vitamin C – 2.8 mg

* Calcium – 16 mg

* Iron – 0.28 mg

* Magnesium – 13 mg

* Phosphorus – 24 mg

* Potassium – 147 mg

* Zinc 0.20 mg

Reported Cucumber Benefits:

• It is the best natural diuretic known, secreting and promoting the flow of urine.

• Cucumber’s hard skin is rich in fiber. It also comes naturally packed with the extra fluid you need when consuming more fiber.

• It may help in liver, pancreatic, kidney and urinary bladder diseases.

• Raw cucumber, when applied to the skin, can help reduce heat and inflammation.

• Cucumber can prove to be beneficial in teeth and gum diseases, especially in cases of pyorrhea.

• It contains erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.

• Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid that which avert ‘water retention’ may help in soothing irritated eyes and other bodily problems.

Cucumber's hard skin is rich in fiber.  It may help in liver, pancreatic, kidney and urinary bladder diseases.

• Cucumber juice is often recommended as a source of silica to improveskin health, plus cucumber’s high water content makes it naturally hydrating—a must for glowing complexion.

• Being rich in minerals, cucumber helps prevent splitting of nails of the fingers and toes.

• Cucumber is also applied topically for swollen eyes, burns and dermatitis.

• The potassium content makes it useful for high and low blood pressure.

• Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.

Cucumber Selection and Storage:

• Select cucumbers free of bruises, yellow or wrinkled and soft spots near the ends.

• Huge and thick cucumbers may be full of large seeds and bitter. Slender cucumbers will have fewer seeds.

• They should be firm, rounded at their edges with a bright medium to dark green.

• Cucumbers keep well and fresh when wrapped in plastic or paper towel in the refrigerator for several days, but they are best used within 1 to 2 days.

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Cucumber Benefits- References:

Wood, Rebecca. The Whole Foods Encyclopedia. New York, NY: Prentice-Hall Press; 1988 1988. PMID:15220.

Ensminger AH, Esminger M. K. J. e. al. Food for Health: A Nutrition Encyclopedia. Clovis, California: Pegus Press; 1986 1986. PMID:15210.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Cucumber Benefits .

http://www.whfoods.com/ genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=42

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/ benefits-of-cucumber-1678.html.

Murray , Michael N.D.. The Encyclopedia Of Healing Foods.New York: Atria Books, 2005.