The humble and crispy cucumbers can be a really refreshing miracle in the hot summer days, but despite this, they offer numerous health benefits.
Cucumbers are high in nutrients, low in calories, and rich in water and electrolytes. They are ones of the oldest crops and originate in the northern Himalayan plains of India.
The cucumber plant is a vine, a member of the Cucurbita family, along with melons, pumpkins, courgettes, etc.
They are easy to grow and are grown all around the world. They can be of various colors, shapes, and sizes, but in general, they have a dark green color, under which there is a rich, crunchy flesh, rich in small seeds which are edible.
If you leave it to grow, it will increase its size, and the skin will become harder, yellow, while the seeds will turn yellow, and should not be eaten.
You can find fresh cucumbers throughout the entire year, and here are some of the reasons you should consume them very often:
Minerals
Cucumbers are high in minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and silicon, which are needed for numerous functions in the body.
Eliminate toxins
Cucumbers are loaded with water which eliminates the waste from the body, and even dissolves kidney stones.
Fight diabetes, lower cholesterol, and control blood pressure
Fiber, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are found in high levels in cucumbers, regulate blood pressure. The juice of cucumbers is rich in a hormone that is needed for pancreatic cells to produce insulin.
Vitamins
Cucumbers contain the needed amounts of vitamins during the day. They are rich in vitamin C, A, and B, which boost immunity and energize the body.
Moisturize the body
A fresh cucumber is 90 percent water, so it hydrates the body and moisturizes the skin.
Fight against cancer
Cucumbers are high in three lignans, secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol, which prevent various cancer types, such as breast, ovary, prostate and uterus.
Promote joint health
Silicon in cucumbers strengthens the joints and the connective tissues, and if mixed with carrots, it treats gout and arthritis pain by reducing uric acid.
Support the health of the kidneys
They reduce uric acid in the body and keep the kidneys healthy.
Digestion and weight loss
Cucumbers are high in water and low in calories, so they are excellent for weight loss. Moreover, they are also rich in fiber and thus help digestion and prevent constipation.
Healthy gums and fresh breath
The juices released when you chew the cucumber refresh the gums and heals inflammation. Cucumbers are also high in phytochemicals which fight bad breath and destroy bacteria.
Perfect hair and nails
Cucumbers contain silicon and sulfur which make the hair and nails healthy and strong and accelerate their growth.
Fight solar damage
The consumption of cucumbers controls the skin acidity, and their application to the skin heals sunburn.
Heal hangover
The high vitamin B, sugar and electrolyte content treats headaches and hangovers, so make sure you eat a few slices of cucumbers before you go to sleep if you have drunk alcohol.
Ends with dark circles
Their potent anti-inflammatory properties remove dark circles or “bags” and swellings under the eyes.
Amazing taste
Cucumbers are really delicious, and due to the numerous nutrients and health benefits, they are the fourth most harvested vegetable in the world. Add them to salads, juices, and appetizers, and enjoy their refreshing flavor.
We advise you to try this low-calorie cucumber recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups finely chopped peeled and seeded cucumber
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup seeded tomato cut into small pieces
4-1 / 2 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 chili (jalapeño, tree, etc.) without seeds and chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (you can also use cottage cheese/ricotta)
1-1 / 2 teaspoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1-1 / 2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Mix the first 7 ingredients in a small bowl, and the other 5 in another one. Then, pour the cucumber mixture in the second bowl, stir, and cover. Serve it whole-grain toast.
