Cucumber - What Is It Good For?
Author: Victoria Aly
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Cucumber contains natural salts and vitamins that are useful for cell growth. The high content of minerals makes it a natural source of antioxidants.
One of the most preferred and loved spring vegetables - cucumber, belongs to the family, which includes not only zucchini, but also pumpkin and watermelon. It originated in India and was cultivated in West Asia as early as 2000 BC.
90% of the content of cucumber is water, which makes it a refreshing agent, especially needed on hot summer days. The phrase "fresh as a cucumber" is actually a scientific fact: the temperature in the flesh is usually 20 units cooler than the air temperature.
Due to its predominantly water content, half a serving of cucumber counts only 10-12 calories, which makes vegetables an ideal product for weight loss. However, this benefit has an unpleasant downside - the amount of nutrients is also relatively small. The main vitamins that are part of fresh vegetables are vitamin A and C - only 2% of daily needs for the latter.
On the other hand, of the 2 g total carbohydrate content, only one of them is sugars. There is no fat and the energy value per 100 g is negligible.
Cucumber is more valuable because of its fiber content. 20 cm of vegetables provide 12% of the fiber needed for the day.
Cucumber peel contains silicon dioxide - an essential component of connective tissue, including bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage. Other minerals found in the peel of vegetables are magnesium and potassium. They, along with sodium, help regulate blood pressure.
The water content of cucumber helps to hydrate the body, as well as the release of toxic elements in the body.
The natural product contains caffeic and ascorbic acids, which prevent water retention in the body. Vegetables promote good digestion and absorption of fats and proteins.
The content of vitamins A, B and C in cucumber helps maintain healthy and delicate skin. Silicon dioxide promotes the formation of stronger connective tissue on the skin of the face.
The vegetable is also useful for skin problems, sunburn, and favors the treatment of swelling under the eyes. Putting two slices of cucumber on the eyes for 10 minutes can significantly reduce puffiness. And the use of cucumber oil, in combination with olive oil, helps to remove blackheads.
Cucumber is rich in silicon and sulfur. Therefore, regular consumption of vegetables promotes healthy hair growth.
Cucumber contains natural salts and vitamins that are useful for cell growth. The high content of minerals makes it a natural source of antioxidants. It is known for its diuretic properties.