CUCUMBER: THE
HEALTH BENEFITS
Consuming fruits and vegetables of
all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many adverse health
conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant
foods like cucumber decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy
complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight
Cucumbers are known to humankind for thousand
years. Their motherland is India where
they can still be found in the wild though some scientists believe that they
originally came from Bulgaria. Cucumbers were probably cultivated about 3 thousand years ago in Western Asia
Possible
health benefits of consuming cucumbers
1)
Hydration
Made up of mostly water and full of
important electrolytes, cucumber is a perfect food to have on hand during the
hot summer months to prevent dehydration. Adding cucumber to water is a great
way to increase water consumption as well.
2)
Cancer
As a member of the Cucurbitaceous family of plants, cucumbers contain
high levels of nutrients known as cucurbitacins .Cucurbitacins
are known to block the JAK-STAT and MAPK signaling pathways that are used by cancer cells to proliferate and
survive. Cucumbers contain cucurbitacins A, B, C, D
and E.
3)
Bone health
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption can be achieved by
eating a proper intake of fruits and vegetables (one cup of cucumber provides
11% of your daily needs) and is important for improving calcium absorption
essential for optimal bone health.
4) Skin:
When used topically, cucumber has a cooling and soothing effect
that decreases swelling, irritation and inflammation. Cucumber slices
can be placed on the eyes to decrease morning puffiness or placed on the skin
to alleviate and treat sunburn
Nutritional
breakdown of cucumber
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, 1 cup of raw
sliced cucumber with peel (approximately 119 grams) contains 115 grams of
water, 16 calories, 0.8 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of
fat and 2.9 grams of carbohydrate (including 0.9 grams of fiber and 1.8 grams of sugar.
One cup of cucumber provides 11% of
vitamin K, 4% of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and manganese and 2% of
vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron,
phosphorus, zinc and copper needs for the day.
Cucumbers also contain lignans, which
research has shown may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as
several types of cancer.
How
to incorporate more cucumber into your diet
Cucumbers should be stored in the
refrigerator for up to one week to maintain their freshness. Some cucumbers are
treated with a wax coating after they are picked; do not wash these before
storing but make sure to wash thoroughly or peel before consuming. Avoid
cucumbers with ends that are shriveled or withered.
Cucumbers are best when consumed raw
and have a mild taste and cool crunch that make them a great addition to any
salad or sandwich.
§ Try mixing sliced
cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese for a Greek style side dish
§ Jazz up your water
by adding mint leaves and cucumber for a refreshing treat
§ Slice cucumbers
into thick slices and dip them in your favorite hummus.
Nutritional Value of Cucumber During
Pregnancy.
What are the Health Benefits of Cucumber During Pregnancy ?
Water
Cucumber contains a lot of water are useful to prevent dehydration in pregnant women. Water also serves as a detox that can smooth urination, get rid of toxins in the body, and eliminate the bacteria attached to the bowel and bladder.
Fiber
Cucumbers are rich in fiber and low in calories. Therefore, diligently eating cucumber can help maintain a healthy weight, prevent constipation atapun constipation in pregnant women.
Mineral
Cucumber contains minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. This mineral is useful as a natural remedy to prevent hypertension. In addition, potassium minerals contained in cucumbers is also useful for removing excess uric acid and metabolic waste through the kidneys. By doing so, eating cucumber helped break down kidney stones and prevent the buildup of toxins.
Saponin
Saponin is a phytochemical compounds useful for lowering cholesterol, improving the immune system and prevent cancer of the pregnant woman.
Vitamin B
Cucumber contains vitamin B once carbohydrates. Both of these nutrients beneficial to generate energy for pregnant women. By eating cucumber then pregnant women will still have the energy to move.
Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid
The content of ascorbic acid and caffeic acid in useful cucumber rough reducing water retention which can be used to reduce the swelling in pregnant women, especially in the eye area.
Cucumber contains a lot of water are useful to prevent dehydration in pregnant women. Water also serves as a detox that can smooth urination, get rid of toxins in the body, and eliminate the bacteria attached to the bowel and bladder.
Fiber
Cucumbers are rich in fiber and low in calories. Therefore, diligently eating cucumber can help maintain a healthy weight, prevent constipation atapun constipation in pregnant women.
Mineral
Cucumber contains minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. This mineral is useful as a natural remedy to prevent hypertension. In addition, potassium minerals contained in cucumbers is also useful for removing excess uric acid and metabolic waste through the kidneys. By doing so, eating cucumber helped break down kidney stones and prevent the buildup of toxins.
Saponin
Saponin is a phytochemical compounds useful for lowering cholesterol, improving the immune system and prevent cancer of the pregnant woman.
Vitamin B
Cucumber contains vitamin B once carbohydrates. Both of these nutrients beneficial to generate energy for pregnant women. By eating cucumber then pregnant women will still have the energy to move.
Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid
The content of ascorbic acid and caffeic acid in useful cucumber rough reducing water retention which can be used to reduce the swelling in pregnant women, especially in the eye area.
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