The Healing Power of Cucumber

Cucumber is a vegetable that belongs to the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis and other squashes. It has a dark green skin, which reveals whitish or very light green flesh, when peeled. There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties and the slicing varieties. Of these, the pickling variety is relatively small, around 2 - 4 inches long. Most of us know that cucumbers have cooling properties and are extremely good for bringing relief to the eyes in summers. However, they are associated with a number of other health and nutrition benefits too. To know about them, read on.

• Raw cucumber, when applied on the skin, can help reduce heat and inflammation.
• The diuretic, cooling and cleansing property of cucumber makes it good for skin.
• Fresh cucumber juice can provide relief from heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis and even ulcer.
• Placing a cucumber slice over the eyes not only soothes them, but also reduces swelling.
• Daily consumption of cucumber juice helps control cases of eczema, arthritis and gout.
• Cucumber has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from lung, stomach and chest problems.
• The potassium in cucumber makes it useful for the problem of high and low blood pressure.
• Cucumber contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.
• Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.
• Cucumber juice, when mixed with carrot juice, is said to be good for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body.
• Cucumber can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from diseases of the teeth and gums, especially in cases of pyorrhea.
• Being rich in minerals, cucumber helps prevent splitting of nails of the fingers and toes.
• Cucumber has been associated with healing properties in relation to diseases of the kidney, urinary bladder, liver and pancreas.
• Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.

Nutritional Value of Cucumber

Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of raw, unpeeled cucumber

• Carbohydrates - 3.63 gm
• Sugars - 1.67 gm
• Dietary Fiber - 0.5 gm
• Fat - 0.11 gm
• Protein - 0.65 gm
• Thiamin (Vitamin B1) - 0.027 mg
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - 0.033 mg
• Niacin (Vitamin B3) - 0.098 mg
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - 0.259 mg
• Vitamin B6 - 0.040 mg
• Folate (Vitamin B9) - 7 μg
• Vitamin C - 2.8 mg
• Calcium - 16 mg
• Iron - 0.28 mg
• Magnesium - 13 mg
• Phosphorus - 24 mg
• Potassium - 147 mg
• Zinc 0.20 mg
• 
  

Cucumber Nutrition Facts – How Many Calories Are In Cucumber?

If you’re looking for a low calorie vegetable, look no further than to the cucumber. This vegetable is extremely good to add to your diet since it has a very high water content and help take the edge of your hunger.

Let’s take a quick look at the nutritional information to know about cucumber.

Major Nutrients Found In Cucumber

Since the cucumber is composed of mostly water, you aren’t going to get the same volume of nutrients that you’d find in some other vegetables. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still include it in your diet however, as it does provide extra bulk to your meals and will help with keeping your weight under control.

The nutrients that cucumber is rich in include Thiamin, vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, copper, as well as Vitamin C and vitamin K.

Storing/Selecting

When selecting cucumber you want to look for one that is very firm to the touch and is dark green colored with no sunken or brownish spots. Store it somewhere that’s sectioned off in the fridge so it maintains its crispness and stays good for the maximum period of time.

When stored properly cucumber will usually last around one week, however it also depends on how fresh it was when purchased.

Eat It With:

Ccucumber is often served raw either by itself or with salads, on top of sandwiches, in wraps, or with appetizers. It typically doesn’t cook up all that well so you’ll want to refrain from using it in heated dishes.

Burn Off Cucumber

To burn off the number of calories in a serving of cucumber you would have to do:

• 2 minutes of snow shovelling
• 10 minutes of showing
• 5 minutes of vacuuming

====================

For more Details:- 

                 SutharyA Health Cares,

                 sutharyahealthcares@gmail.com