The Virtues Of Cucumber For Our Health

The characteristics of cucumber

It is a food with a very low calorie intake and low in carbohydrates. It provides a good dose of fiber as well as vitamins A, B, C and E. It is, par excellence, a source of water and 100 grams contain only 13 calories. In fact, 97% of cucumber is liquid.

Regarding minerals, cucumber is very rich in potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

It can be eaten raw in salads. Many people cut them into rings and sprinkle them with salt to get rid of their bitter taste. It is also very common to consume them canned with vinegar or oil.

In salads, it can be eaten grated, as an ingredient for sandwiches. In Spain, for example, it is known to be part of a typical dish called gazpacho (with tomato, pepper, garlic and olive oil).

He is said to be from India although we are not sure. It has been cultivated in East Asia for over 3000 years and it is likely that it was brought to Europe by the Romans. It belongs to the same family as watermelon, melon, and squash. Although it is often believed to be a vegetable, it is actually a fruit.

What is cucumber used for?

The great nutritional value of cucumber makes it a “super food”, beneficial for general health. Here are some of its virtues:

• The properties of cucumber for the skin: the skin of the cucumber is used in several aesthetic treatments because it contains a high concentration of caffeic and ascorbic acids and vitamin C. These help to maintain the skin, relieve irritation and reduce inflammations. It is applied directly to the epidermis. In the collective imagination, the cucumber is a “classic” in SPA and eye beauty treatments. It helps both fight diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Cucumber peel is not only good for use on the skin, it can also be eaten as a syrup. It must then be grated and mixed with a little water and the juice of half a lemon to cleanse and purify the body.
• Properties of cucumber for tissues: one of the components of cucumber is silica which offers a lot of health benefits. Silica is a mineral that has the ability to strengthen the connected tissues of the body i.e. muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones. It helps to maintain healthy skin and is therefore present in many creams that treat acne and skin diseases.
• For the cardiovascular system: it contains large amounts of magnesium, fiber and potassium. These three components help lower blood pressure.
• For digestion: if you have digestive problems such as acidity or heaviness in the stomach, do not hesitate to eat cucumber which will provide you with fiber, water, potassium and magnesium, present in its skin.

Other benefits of cucumber:

• It is an excellent diuretic thanks to its high water content, which makes it recommended to eliminate excess fluids as well as fats from the body.
• It helps level uric acid and is therefore recommended for people who suffer from hypertension or fluid retention (which manifests mainly in the ankles).
• It is very rich in cellulose, so it must be chewed properly to avoid indigestion.
• It is a good repairer of the mucous membranes present in the intestine and is very effective in protecting the stomach.

• Provides few calories which helps maintain vitality and lower the amounts of fat present in our body.
• Helps eliminate toxins from the body.
• Nourishes our immune defenses thanks to its content of group B vitamins (especially B3, B5 and B9), carbohydrates, fats and “good” proteins.
• Protects against colds thanks to its vitamin C content and helps healing.
• Delays the aging of the skin and cells thanks to vitamins A, C and E.
• Protects against toxic substances present in food and in the environment.

Contraindications of cucumber

In some cases, it is not recommended to consume cucumber, although it is very healthy in general. For example, its component called cucurbitacin can cause indigestion and gas in the stomach.

In the event of a disorder of this type, it is better to reduce its consumption. Some people may also suffer from allergies to certain components of cucumber. These can manifest as swelling of the tongue, throat or mouth.

Consuming cucumber in excess can lead to dehydration due to its powerful diuretic properties. However, there are not many cases of contraindication. One would have to eat several pounds of cucumber to suffer from a significant drop in water levels in the body.

Images of Stacy Spensley, Karen and Brad Emerson, Windell Oskay, Andy Melton, theilr, natalycolodi, Peter Oelschlaeger and liz west.