Such a familiar vegetable to many as a cucumber is a real folk healer. The plant is famous for its dietary properties, so it is useful for those who want to lose weight. Women who dream of maintaining youth and beauty use cosmetics made from green fruits. Of course, the cucumber deserves world fame. And for a long time many people have known about its benefits and harms.

Botanical description and distribution

Common cucumber (cucumber) – herbaceous plant, belonging to the species of the genus “Cucumber” of the “Pumpkin” family. The name of the vegetable is borrowed from the Middle Greek language and goes back to the word “unripe”. This is understandable: unlike melon, green fruit It is preferable to eat it unripe.

There is another version of the origin of the name of the plant. In Sanskrit, the word “cucumber” is close in sound to the name of the famous Indian prince Buta (“buta” means “fire”), who had 60,000 children. The large number of seeds in the fruit symbolizes the descendants of the ruler.

The plant was originally discovered in the subtropical and tropical regions of India and at the foot of the Himalayas. The Bible mentions the fruit as a vegetable of Egypt.

Cucumber has been popular since ancient times. The Greeks first started talking about him, who then passed on valuable information to the Romans. During the reign of Charlemagne, the fame of the plant spread throughout Central Europe.

The first mention of cucumber was made by S. Herberstein (German ambassador) in the first half of the 16th century. He recorded valuable information in his notes about his trip to Muscovy.

The cucumber has a creeping, rough stem. The fruit ends with tendrils, with the help of which it can cling to a support, stretching 1-2 centimeters.

The leaves of the plant are heart-shaped. The fruit is green, juicy, bubbly, containing a large number of seeds (the latter property is characteristic of vegetables of the “Pumpkin” family). Its size and shape are determined by the variety.

Composition and calorie content of cucumbers

Calories: 100 g of cucumber contains about 14 kcal.

Nutritional value (per 100 g):

– fats – 2.5%;

— proteins – 14.8%;

- carbohydrates - 82.7%.

The fruit consists of 95-97% water, which causes a low amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in its composition. The remaining 3-5% of the vegetable mass contains carotene, vitamins PP, group B, ascorbic acid, various macro- and microelements, as well as potassium and magnesium.

Application

1. In medicine.

Cucumber contains complex organic matter, participating in metabolism, stimulating appetite, promoting rapid absorption of food and normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. When consumed fresh vegetable acidity increases gastric juice. Therefore, people suffering from gastritis with high acidity and peptic ulcers should limit the amount of cucumbers included in their diet.

The fruit contains potassium. This substance promotes normal operation kidneys and heart. Like many other vegetables, cucumber contains fiber, which is responsible for the functioning of the intestines and the removal of excess cholesterol. Thus, eating green fruits prevents the development of atherosclerosis, diseases of the kidneys, liver and other organs.

About amazing properties Hippocrates also said about cucumber. It is thanks to its valuable qualities that this vegetable has spread throughout Ancient world. Egyptians mixed cucumber juice with rose water and took this drink to improve their health. They used mono-component juice in pure form to reduce temperature.

Old Russian herbalists knew about treatment with cucumbers. They included information about valuable vegetables in their medical books. Thus, a mention of green fruits was found in the 17th century manuscripts “Cool Vertograd”.

Healers recommended drinking cucumber decoction instead of water and attributed to it diuretics, laxatives and choleretic properties. Decoctions and infusions of autumn leaves (tops) were taken for bleeding caused by for various reasons. Fresh cucumbers were used to lift vitality and quenching thirst.

To treat diseases, it is advisable to use cucumbers from your garden. The fact is that after separating a vegetable from the stalk, it begins to lose its medicinal properties. The collected fruits dry out within 15 minutes after collection. During this time, the content of useful substances in them decreases by 15-30%. After a couple of days the concentration useful compounds falls almost 2 times.

Cucumber pickle is valuable for those who want to get rid of a hangover. This “drink” can be used for spasms and cramps in the legs. It’s good if the brine contains mint, currant or cherry leaves, dill sprigs, tarragon and garlic.

1. In cooking.

Cucumber is a valuable dietary product, since most of it consists of water. When eating 950 g of vegetable, the body is saturated with only 136 kcal.

Fresh vegetables have a neutral taste and pleasant aroma. A high-quality fruit crunches when eaten and has small seeds.

Cucumbers can be combined with various vegetables, for example, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes. Nutritionists advise eating green fruits with meat and fish dishes, as this promotes better absorption proteins.

In cooking, cucumbers are used in the preparation of salads and various snacks. The fruits of the plant are salted and pickled, adding garlic, currant and cherry leaves, and various seasonings.

To prepare high-quality canned food, it is advisable to soak cucumbers for 1-3 hours. This is necessary so that the vegetables absorb water, and after salting or pickling they do not become saturated with brine, emptying the jar halfway.

Overripe or yellowed fruits should not be used for preservation. For home preparations, you need to take only special “pickling” varieties of cucumbers. These fruits are medium in size and have black thorns. It is optimal to use the following varieties: “Nezhinsky”, “Muromsky”. They are the most common, characterized by medium size, dense and elastic pulp, and thin skin.

How to choose the right cucumbers? It turns out that when buying green fruits you should pay attention to their appearance. The skin of the vegetable should be evenly colored, dark or light green (depending on the variety). It is best to purchase hard and heavy fruits of the plant without yellow spots, lethargy and other damage.

A lot has been said about the rules for storing cucumbers. It is the conditions in which vegetables are located that determine their appearance and healing properties. If you put the fruits on open air, without covering them with anything on top, and maintaining the temperature in the room at 18-20 degrees, then they will soon wither. Cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator (at normal humidity) for 2 to 3 weeks. This rule does not apply to all vegetable varieties. It is advisable to keep cucumbers in plastic and sealed bags.

1. In cosmetology.

Decoctions and infusions from the tops are used externally to eliminate burns, fight rashes, including acne, and treat skin ailments. Fresh cucumbers are included in cosmetic masks for the skin, designed to increase its elasticity and whiten. Cosmetologists advise treating oily skin with alcoholic cucumber tincture.

Women who want to remain beautiful very often use cucumber pulp for cosmetic purposes. Firstly, natural juice perfectly moisturizes, cools and whitens the skin. Secondly, it tightens pores and protects the epidermis from negative impact ultraviolet rays.

To prevent acne and pimples, it is advisable to eat 1 cucumber at least 3 times a day half an hour before meals. In this case, salt cannot be used.

Swelling of the periocular tissue is indicated by bags under the eyes. To eliminate this problem, you can make applications of freshly squeezed cucumber juice on the entire surface of the skin around the eyes. The procedure must be performed for at least 10-15 minutes. If the swelling was not caused by kidney disease, it will soon decrease.

Benefits and contraindications for eating cucumbers

Benefit:

Our ancestors knew about the general strengthening properties of cucumber. Today, the fruits of the plant are recommended to be consumed to improve the condition of upper catarrh. respiratory tract, tuberculosis. By the way, it is advisable to eat cucumber together with protein foods, as it promotes its absorption. A vegetable can be not only tasty, but also a healthy addition to meat or fish. Proper nutrition, in turn, is important factor containment of tuberculosis.

100 g of cucumber contains 3 mcg of iodine. This is, of course, a tiny amount. However, it is iodine, which is part of green fruits, that is completely absorbed by the thyroid gland, normalizing its functioning.

Cucumbers are rich folic acid. This substance reduces appetite. The fruit also contains insulin-like compounds that help normalize blood glucose and prevent the transformation of carbohydrates into fats. Thus, eating cucumbers helps improve metabolism and prevents the development of diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Green fruits are indicated for colitis, especially of a spastic nature. This is due to the fact that cucumbers contain a huge amount of fiber, which relieves inflammation and normalizes intestinal function.

The dietary properties of cucumber are determined by its chemical composition. Since the vegetable consists of 95-97% water, when consuming it, you experience a feeling of fullness in the stomach and satiety. In addition, the body is saturated with nutrients, vitamins, macro- and microelements. All this makes cucumber one of the most popular and healthy vegetables for those who are on a diet.

The fruits of the plant contain no plain water, but a real natural absorbent that can break down many poisons. That is why it is advisable to eat cucumber in recovery period after poisoning. This “therapy” helps remove toxic substances and the return of a person to normal life activities.

Not only the water in cucumber helps cleanse the body of poisons. The vegetable contains sodium and potassium ions. Plant fruits are leaders in the content of these substances.

Due to its chemical composition, cucumber has a mild diuretic effect. The vegetable not only helps remove excess liquid and that's all harmful substances from the body, but also contributes to treatment cardiovascular diseases accompanied by swelling.

Harm and contraindications:

Cucumber does not contain harmful natural compounds. When included in the diet, it almost never causes allergies. It should be remembered that pickled and salted fruits are not used to treat diseases.

People suffering from ailments should avoid eating such products:

• kidney,
• liver,
• cardiovascular system,
• hypertension,
• atherosclerosis,
• as well as women during pregnancy.

It is not recommended to give cucumbers to children under 3 years of age. . This is due to the fact that fertilizers are often used when growing fruits. Vegetables may contain nitrates. The entry of these substances into the body can cause fever, indigestion and stomach cramps. It is much easier for an adult to cope with the consequences of poisoning than for a child.

Cucumber juice

Cucumber juice contains calcium, sodium and phosphorus. It is recommended to use it to improve memory, normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, strengthen teeth and gums, and maintain healthy skin. If you regularly drink this drink, then stones in the bile ducts and gallbladder will become much smaller.

The main thing is not to get carried away with the folk remedy, since its uncontrolled use can cause the movement of stones inside the body and provoke various pathologies. Maximum daily dose cucumber juice is 1 liter. Traditional healers It is recommended to take no more than 100 ml of the drink at a time.

How to make cucumber juice? There are several ways to get this amazing drink. The fruits of the plant consist almost entirely of water, so you can simply grate them or pass them through a meat grinder. The main thing is that folk remedy was obtained immediately before use. Already 30 minutes after preparing the juice, most of the beneficial components will “evaporate” from it.

The drink should be made from washed cucumbers. It is not recommended to remove the skin from them, as it contains valuable substances. It is important to consider that vegetables must be fresh and not overripe.

Cucumber juice can be combined with other fruits and vegetable juices, for example, grapefruit or apple. The benefits of drinking such cocktails will be very great. In addition, if you add dill or garlic to a mono-ingredient drink, you will get a complete meal.

It should be remembered that cucumber juice should not be consumed if you have gastritis with high acidity or peptic ulcer. If there are stones in any organ, the drink should be taken in small portions, gradually increasing its quantity. Otherwise, the body may react negatively to such therapy.

Cucumber juice used in for cosmetic purposes, preferably stored in the freezer. Products used to treat the face can be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Folk recipes

1. For sore throat and fever.

Chop 200 g of garlic and pour in 1 liter of cucumber brine. Infuse the product in a sealed container for about 2 weeks (shake daily). Take 30-40 ml of the drink 30 minutes before meals 3-4 times a day.

1. For inflammatory eye diseases.

Grind (preferably in a coffee grinder) 100 g of dried cucumber seeds, pour 1 liter of boiling water over them and leave for about an hour in a thermos. Then strain the infusion through a sieve or cheesecloth and drink throughout the day. Treatment course should last 2 weeks.

1. For skin diseases.

Pour 50 g of fresh cucumber into 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for about 2 hours, then pass through a sieve and take 100 ml 3-4 times a day before meals.

1. For bleeding hemorrhoids.

Pour 50 g of cucumber lashes into 0.5 liters of cold water. Place the product on the burner, bring to a boil and keep for another half hour, then remove from the stove and leave to steep for 1 hour. Take 120 ml of decoction 3-4 times a day.

1. For liver diseases.

Chop 100 ml of overripe cucumber, pour in 0.5 liters of boiling water, put on low heat and cook for 20 minutes, then remove from the burner and leave for about 10 minutes. Take 120 ml of the product 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

1. For obesity.

Take 30 ml of cucumber pickle 3 times a day, adding 15 ml of apple cider vinegar to it for 2 weeks. Then take a break for 1 month and repeat the course.

1. For constipation.

Take 30 ml of cucumber pickle 3 times a day 30 minutes after meals.

Dry the cucumber peel and grind it to a powder. Take 15-20 g of the product 3-4 times a day half an hour before meals with a glass warm water(boiled).

1. For tumor diseases of the spleen.

Dry the cucumber seeds (yellowed) and then grind them in a coffee grinder. Take 15 g of the resulting powder 3 times a day half an hour before meals with a glass of water (warm).

Cucumber: photo

1. In 2011, the installation “Cucumbers” was installed in the city of Salzburg.
2. Botanists classify the fruit of the plant as a pumpkin, which brings it closer to a berry. Thus, with scientific point From a culinary point of view, a cucumber is a fruit, but from a culinary point of view, it is a vegetable.
3. Monuments to the cucumber are located in various cities (Shklov, Nezhin, Lukhovitsa).
4. The village of Istobensk has been celebrating the cucumber holiday for several years now.
5. Residents of Iran classify the fruit of the plant as a fruit, and therefore present it to the table along with sweets.
6. There is International Cucumber Day. It is celebrated on July 27th.

A lot has been said and written about cucumber. This vegetable is consumed everywhere, despite the fact that most of it consists of water. Numerous time-tested recipes testify to the medicinal properties of the plant’s fruits.

kerescan - Jun 23rd, 2015

The common cucumber is the name given to an annual herbaceous plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. This amazing fruit was known more than 6 thousand years ago. Their homeland is considered to be the tropical and subtropical regions of India and China.

The calorie content of cucumbers is low, 15 kcal per 100 grams of product.

IN fresh cucumbers contains 95% water, very few carbohydrates and proteins.

The remainder includes vitamins C, B1, B2, P, carotene and macro and microelements. This is why cucumbers are so useful, because these substances are essential for maintaining the metabolic process. Cucumber also contains a lot of potassium, which helps quickly remove excess water from the body.

Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Benefit fresh cucumbers multifaceted for the body, they have choleretic, diuretic, laxative effects, and improve appetite.

They are used for diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, obesity, gout and many others.

Cucumbers contain enzymes that promote better absorption of animal proteins and prevent carbohydrates from being converted into fats. Because of this property, nutritionists believe that it is better to combine meat dishes with cucumber salad.

Fiber, which is abundant in cucumbers, removes “bad” cholesterol from the body. Fresh cucumbers are recommended for atherosclerosis.

Cucumbers also help with burns, and they are also used against acne and certain diseases skin.

Cucumber is rich in alkaline salts that neutralize acidic compounds, thereby improving metabolic processes, obstruct premature aging, deposition of stones in the liver and kidneys.

Also a cucumber good source iodine, into a compound that is well accepted by the body.

Fresh cucumber is an indispensable assistant for those who want to lose weight; it can be eaten in large quantities, and add to any dietary ration. It quite effectively controls appetite, improves digestion, and creates a feeling of fullness.

Cucumbers are also used in cosmetics; extracts from fresh cucumbers are included in whitening products; alcohol-based cucumber tincture is also used for oily skin.

IN winter period Pickled cucumbers are useful. They remove toxins and waste well and help in the absorption of protein. Pickled cucumber brine is used as a laxative.

Harm and contraindications of cucumbers

Harm from cucumbers can affect increased stomach acidity. Therefore, cucumbers are contraindicated for peptic ulcers of the digestive system.

There are restrictions on pickles. They are not recommended for people with liver, kidney, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, or during pregnancy.

We all know about the universal green vegetable - cucumber. It is eaten in fresh just like that or as part of salads, pickled, salted and even fried. In addition, the value of cucumber lies in its rejuvenating properties and beneficial effect on the skin, due to which the fresh vegetable is used to make cosmetic masks. So which one does it carry? cucumber benefits and harm to the body person really?

Chemical composition

Almost a cucumber 95% consists of water, so its calorie content is only 15 Kcal per 100 grams. Thanks to this, the vegetable is ideal for weight loss, because it is able to saturate the body without loading it with fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The main components of cucumber are enzymes. These substances help the digestive system process food faster and easier. animal food. It was this property of the vegetable that became the basis for regularly combining it with meat dishes.

Besides enzymes composition of cucumbers includes:

• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• iron;
• vitamins C, A, B and others.

Useful properties of fresh vegetables

Benefits of cucumber for the body primarily in enrichment essential microelements and vitamins. Fresh fruits help improve the functioning of the kidneys, liver, heart and blood vessels, as well as the digestive system.

Thanks to high concentration fiber in vegetables medicinal properties of cucumbers are clearly demonstrated by improving intestinal motility, which contributes to the quality and fast digestion food. Fiber also accelerates the removal of toxins from the body and prevents the formation of blood clots on the walls of blood vessels, which means that cucumbers help prevent atherosclerosis and ischemic diseases of the heart muscle.

Potassium, which is also sufficient in cucumber, also helps remove toxins. This trace element helps relieve swelling, reduce blood pressure and nervous tension.

The vegetable also contains iodine in small quantities, which has a beneficial effect on the condition. thyroid gland.

Most often, cucumbers are served separately with meat dishes to improve their digestibility, but with their help you can significantly reduce the calorie content of any salad. The taste of the vegetable allows it to be combined with almost all products, increasing their absorption by the body.

Useful properties of canned cucumbers

These include salted, pickled and pickled fruits. All of them are also low in calories, but do not always contribute to weight loss. So, the pickled product not only improves the functioning of the digestive system, but also stimulates the appetite, which is not beneficial for those who want to lose excess weight.

Pickled cucumbers also have a beneficial effect on digestion, and can significantly reduce blood pressure when consumed regularly. This is due to the content of lactic acid in them, which, in turn, reduces the concentration of fats in the blood. Cucumber pickle has a laxative effect and also has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora.

Pickled vegetables, in addition to the above, are useful in that they improve the work protective functions body.

This liquid ideally close in composition to the purest mountain springs. Thanks to its ability to remove excess fluid and sodium from the body, it is simply irreplaceable when losing weight. Regular consumption of cucumber juice helps normalize the acid-base balance, reduce blood pressure, normalization of the thyroid gland and prevention cancer diseases. In addition, rinsing the mouth with juice will speed up the healing of existing wounds and diseases of the gums or teeth.

Healthy cucumber juice and in combination with honey. This mixture will help quickly cure dry cough. For rheumatic diseases, cucumber juice should be used in a mixture with carrot juice, and to speed up hair growth, add spinach and lettuce juices to the resulting liquid.

Harm to the product

The negative effect of fresh cucumber on the body is limited to its diuretic effect. This is not a problem for most, but for people with enterocolitis, kidney stones and peptic ulcers leads to a ban on use. Salted vegetables pose a danger only in cases of problems with removing fluid from the body, since the accumulation of salts will aggravate the existing situation.

Benefit for adults

What are the benefits of cucumbers? for the fairer sex? Primarily because they promote weight loss. This is due not only to the low calorie content of the product, but also to its composition, which helps remove excess fluid, waste and toxins from the body. It is also impossible not to remember the excellent anti-aging cucumber masks. They can be made directly from a fresh product, without any fear of contraindications during pregnancy, skin sensitivity or others. Promotes skin whitening, brightening age spots and freckles and increase elasticity regular procedures in the form of:

• masks;
• compresses;
• rubbing with juice.

For representatives of the stronger sex useful information It will be that regular consumption of cucumber juice helps reduce the risk of baldness.

Are cucumbers good for children? Undoubtedly, they contain silicon, the deficiency of which in a growing body can cause anemia. Also, fresh vegetables help strengthen muscle and bone tissue child, his nervous and digestive systems. If there is a lack of iodine, a growth disorder will form, which regular consumption of cucumber will also help to avoid. Despite all its positive qualities, a baby is allowed to try the product for the first time no earlier than one year, since digestive system Until this age, it is not able to process this vegetable.

Benefits during pregnancy

Fresh cucumbers during pregnancy are simply necessary to avoid the appearance of swelling, because they quickly and easily remove excess fluid from the body, maintaining normal acid-base balance. Natural and light laxative effect Vegetables help normalize intestinal function, which often causes problems with bowel movements during pregnancy. Cucumber also helps remove waste and toxins, which is important at this time.

Source of beauty

Cucumbers, beneficial properties and contraindications which were described above for food purposes, are also often used in the form cosmetic product externally. To do this, fresh vegetables are cut into circles and applied to the eyes to relieve puffiness and other signs of fatigue. Sliced ​​cucumber can be rubbed on other parts of the face to rejuvenate it by giving the skin elasticity. Cucumber juice perfectly moisturizes dry and sensitive skin and removes shine from oily skin, allowing it to be used by absolutely everyone without restrictions.

As cucumber season begins, everyone loves to crunch on these juicy vegetables. They are perfectly refreshing, quench thirst and can be used to prepare all kinds of dishes. Fresh cucumbers are added to salads, boiled, fried and stewed, pickled and pickled. They are delicious in any form, it’s hard to imagine without them. summer menu. In addition, this vegetable is low in calories and is especially useful for those who want to lose a few extra pounds. It creates a feeling of fullness and also speeds up metabolism. Cucumbers have a beneficial effect on the entire body and the functioning of many organs and systems, and increase immunity.

Cucumber contains more than 95% water, and only 14 calories. This vegetable belongs to the pumpkin family, which also includes zucchini, melon, etc. Cucumber is one of the few plants whose fruits are used as food when unripe. It is in this state that it achieves its best taste.

Healthy and tasty vegetable

Despite the fact that some people take it upon themselves to say that cucumbers are a rather useless product for the human body, this is far from the case. And others argue that they are only harmful to health. However, in fact, eating these vegetables cleanses the body of toxins and thereby rejuvenates it. In addition, fresh cucumbers contain a lot of useful substances: fiber, organic acids, vitamins C, B, A, PP and E, as well as sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium, silicon, etc. This vegetable is a source of iodine, which is why its consumption is necessary for people with thyroid problems. There is no doubt that cucumbers grown in open ground, more useful than greenhouse ones. Their chemical composition maximally saturated with essential substances.

Fresh cucumbers normalize blood pressure and the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Their juice is used to treat diseases of the liver, gall bladder and prostate gland. Benefits of cucumbers for human body also lies in the fact that they have analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic and antitumor properties.

This vegetable is also extremely valued for its dietary properties. Regular consumption of it allows you to normalize your weight and lose unnecessary pounds. This is due to the content of tartronic acid in fresh cucumbers, which prevents the conversion of carbohydrates into fats, and, accordingly, their accumulation for future use. You can arrange cucumber fasting days to achieve the desired weight loss result. Weight loss will also occur due to cleansing of waste and toxins. However, consuming them in excess can be harmful, as vegetables have a laxative effect.

The benefit of the product for human health lies, among other things, in the fact that its juice has diuretic properties. Its systematic consumption in food promotes the breakdown of stones in the gallbladder and its ducts, and the removal of sand from the kidneys. Cucumber juice also has beneficial properties that relieve all kinds of inflammation from the gums. To do this, you need to rinse your mouth with it several times every day.

Also very useful. For this purpose, both its juice and the vegetable itself in crushed form are used. It is known for its moisturizing and whitening properties. Besides, alcohol tincture the product is used as effective remedy for problematic and oily skin. Also cucumber water used for washing.

However, it is worth remembering that all the healing properties of a fresh vegetable do not apply to its salted or pickled versions. They do not harm the body healthy person, but there are practically no vitamins and minerals in them.

Contraindications and harm of cucumbers

The benefits of cucumbers are undoubtedly great, but their constant consumption can be harmful to the human body.

• Despite everything unique properties cucumbers, at the beginning of the season you should be extremely careful and carefully select these vegetables from sellers. When growing them, nitrates can be used, which accumulate in the fruits and can cause severe poisoning, as well as damage to the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
• Moreover, people who have kidney disease should be extremely careful when consuming them. In this case, in order not to harm the body, the volume of cucumbers must be reduced to 150 grams. per day.
• Constant use of this vegetable increases acidity in the stomach. Therefore, it must be used with caution. It can be especially harmful to those who suffer from various diseases. duodenum and stomach.
• Salted cucumbers should not be consumed by those who have impaired water-salt balance. If you suffer from edema, hypertension or atherosclerosis, this product is not indicated for you.

The benefits of cucumbers are great; they are one of the most important and indispensable vegetables in the diet of any person.

One of the most common vegetables in our dachas and gardens, unpretentious and very juicy, and at the same time the most ancient vegetable crop. What is this? Of course, cucumber.

This vegetable was given to us by mysterious India, where wild cucumbers are a tropical vine growing in forests. The name itself was given to the vegetable back in ancient times; the Greeks called this vegetable “aguros,” which literally means “unripe, unripe.” Indeed, the smaller, greener and more immature the cucumber, the better and tastier it is.

The ancient use of cucumbers by mankind is evidenced by cucumber seeds found in the ruins of the Khazar city of Sarkep. And in Ancient Egypt cucumbers were depicted on sacrificial tables and placed in the tombs of the most famous pharaohs.

The wide popularity and prevalence of cucumbers is due, first of all, to their unique beneficial properties, which are used traditional healers for the treatment of many ailments. Moreover, not only fresh cucumbers are used, but also cucumber juice and seeds.

Composition of cucumber

Cucumber is the most dietary of all dietary products. The thing is that its composition is 95-98% water, which means it contains a minimum of calories. But in addition to water, cucumber is a source of valuable alkaline salts, vitamins, fiber and other nutrients.

Not everyone knows that the small spines that cover cucumbers serve to remove excess moisture.

100 g of cucumbers contain the following substances:

15 Health Benefits of Cucumber

1. Cosmetic properties

   Cucumber is rich in silicon, which is an important component, helping in the development of strong and healthy connective tissues of muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones. Cosmetologists often recommend cucumber juice to give the skin a healthy and glowing effect. Thanks cucumber high content water also has excellent moisturizing properties and is often used externally for treatment various types skin diseases, including sunburn and swelling under the eyes. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid found in cucumbers are vital compounds that prevent water loss from the body.

2. Healthy Digestion

   Cucumbers due to their perfect combination dietary fiber and waters help protect your body from constipation and cope with ailments such as ulcers, increased acidity gastric juice, gastritis. Cucumber improves intestinal motility, and also facilitates the work of the pancreas and is easily absorbed in digestive tract and without her participation.

3. Healthy heart and blood vessels

   Numerous studies show that consuming foods high in magnesium, potassium and fiber can normalize blood pressure.

4. No to diabetes

   Cucumbers are an excellent food that normalizes blood sugar levels. Besides glycemic index of this vegetable is zero, and the carbohydrates contained in cucumbers are easily digested and do not increase the level of glucose in the blood of patients with diabetes.

5. Healthy bones and joints

   Due to the content of silicon, vitamins A, B1, B6, C and D, calcium, magnesium and potassium, cucumbers have a diuretic property and can actively remove accumulated metabolic products and toxins from the body. All these substances help strengthen joints and bone tissue. Cucumbers have been proven to be effective in treating arthritis and rheumatic diseases, and when combined with carrot juice can reduce the symptoms of gout.

6. Prevention of cancer

7. Helps with hangover

   Due to their high content of water, sugar and vitamins, cucumbers cope well with hangover syndrome And unpleasant symptoms, his accompanying people.

Cucumbers are extremely low in calories, do not contain fat, but only water, vitamins and mineral salts. Therefore, the product is an ideal ingredient in any diet salad or smoothie. Moreover, you can, without fear, eat cucumbers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

8. Healthy teeth and gums

   Cucumber juice is effective in treating gum inflammation and periodontitis, and eating raw cucumber increases salivation and reduces the harmful effects of acids and other substances contained in the food consumed on tooth enamel. In addition, eating cucumber after the main meal will reduce bad smell from the mouth.

9. Gets rid of worms.

   It is believed that cucumber seeds, ground into powder, - natural remedy prevention and control of tapeworms in the digestive tract.

10. Beautiful and healthy hair

    Cucumber juice stimulates new hair growth due to the silicon and sulfur content in its composition. Hair especially needs these nutrients, so experts recommend drinking half a glass of freshly squeezed cucumber juice. For best results It's worth trying to combine cucumber juice with carrot juice, lettuce juice or even green spinach Which useful substances contained in Spinach and how it helps our body. For what diseases is it recommended to consume spinach and its chemical composition? Harm and contraindications for use. .