Cucumber is the fruit of the plant cucumis sativus, native to India, has an elongated shape and is green on the outside, its pulp is whitish and it has a large number of ovoid seeds throughout its interior. Since the cucumber develops from a flower and contains seeds, it is really a fruit and not a vegetable.
This fruit is usually eaten raw alone or as part of the ingredients of a salad or juices. Small cucumbers can be prepared as a pickle, receiving the name of gherkin that is often used in the preparation of hamburgers, sandwiches, sauces or appetizers. It is an ingredient widely used in Greek, Arab and Mediterranean cuisine, it has recently gained popularity as a fundamental ingredient in juices used as cleansers and for weight loss.
Cucumber is made up mainly of water
This vegetable is made up of 97% water, the nutrients it provides include potassium, phosphorus, calcium, folic acid, vitamins A, B and C. It also provides vegetable fiber and silicon.
Another substance present in the cucumber is curcubitacin, this is responsible for its slightly bitter taste while it is related to several of its benefits for the body.
Cucumbers have several properties in addition to their diuretic effect.
The most recognized health effect of cucumber is its ability to stimulate urine production, which gives it its diuretic property, this is related to its high water and potassium content. This effect is enhanced when combined with fruits such as pineapple.
Your content of vitamin C It helps to increase the production of collagen, which helps improve the appearance of the skin, heal wounds and contribute to the growth of structures such as nails and hair. This effect is favored by its silicon content.
Cucumber is often used cold in slices directly on inflamed skin to relieve congestion, especially on burns or directly on the eyelids. It also helps relieve discomfort such as itchy skin.
The curcibitacin present in cucumber contributes to its diuretic effects and also contributes to increasing intestinal peristalsis, which speeds up digestion and stimulates defecation, which in some people can have a laxative effect. This substance has recently been associated with antitumor properties, especially against brain and kidney tumors and malignant melanoma.
Photos: iStock – milanfoto / skynesher
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