What you don’t know about cucumbers:
Cucumbers, like all vegetables, are chuck full of micronutrients and fiber, that is basic knowledge. The watery crunchers have also been found to bear some other health benefits which most of you may not know. Well, what am I here for!?!
Before we get into this, let me clarify some things. Although vegetables are used as a vegetable, cucumbers fit the technical definition of fruits due to their content of seeds. Further, a lot of people do not know that pickles are cucumbers soaked in brine (salt water or water with vinegar). Now let us get into it!
What You Know
Cucumbers like watermelons are 95% water and are full of micronutrients with little room for calories, carbohydrates and fat. They are also marvelous detoxifiers and are great to get the urinary system moving. The potassium, magnesium and fiber content of the veggies are great in combating high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems. They keep the digestive system going and help in alleviating constipation. Cucumbers are also great for weight watchers and losers: an absolute miracle.
What You Probably Don’t Know
Cucumbers have been found to contain three lignans (lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secooisolariciresinol) that research has shown to keep the heart healthy and strong.
Compounds in cucumber seeds have been shown to contribute to blood sugar control. Further, this fruit has been found to be beneficial for the skin and nails are great for your nails. This may be attributed to a large amount of silica it possesses which can help in getting rid of split-end in nails. This is also relevant in hair growth and sheen; in lieu of its Sulphur and silicon content, hair specialists recommend a mixture with carrot and spinach and lettuce to work wonders!
In addition, cucumbers have been shown to contribute to dissolution of kidney stones. According to Clinical Nutrition Research, cucumbers contain a moderate amount of citrate, a compound known to inhibit the formation of certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate. Further, the high-water content of these fruits leaves your kidneys hydrated and happy. It also helps in reduction of uric acid levels and when mixed with carrot juice can do a lot for the person with joint pain and arthritis.
Recently, cucumbers have been found to contain a phytonutrient known as CUCURBITACIN. Cucurbitacin A, B, C,D and E have been found by researchers to block several different signaling pathways required for cancer cells to grow.
Guess what???..It can be used to prevent hangovers!.m. Nutrients like B vitamins, sugars and electrolytes greatly reduce the intensity of a hangover after a drinking bout.
How To Enjoy:
- Use half-inch thick cucumber slices as petite serving dishes for chopped vegetable salads.
2. For refreshing cold gazpacho soup, simply puree cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers and onions then add salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled!
3. Cucumber juice extracts also taste great with carrot juice.
4. Take a knife and indulge in this crunchy, watery guy.. don’t forget to take everything including the outer greenish flesh, that’s where most of the wonder is!
5. You can also blend some cucumber and use as a facial mask to regenerate your skin with its rich antioxidant, water and vitamin profile.
Have a great evening!
