We all love the refreshing and crispy taste of cucumbers during the summer, but these vegetables are incredibly healthy too, despite being delicious.
Namely, they are loaded with nutrients, water, and electrolytes, and low in calories.
This plant is one of the oldest crops, originating from the northern Himalayan plains in India. It is a vine, which belongs to the Cucurbita family, together with pumpkins, melons, courgettes, etc.
Cucumbers are grown all over the world, and they can vary in size, color, shape. Yet, generally, they are dark green, with crunchy flesh, full of seeds.
We give you several great reasons to consume cucumbers on a daily basis:
Vitamins
Cucumbers are full of vitamins, such as vitamin C, B, and A, and thus energize the body and strengthen the immune system.
Minerals
They are also rich in minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and silicon, which are involved in numerous processes in the body.
Detoxification
The high water content cleanses the body from toxins and dissolves kidney stones.
Digestion and weight loss
Since they are low in calories and water, cucumbers help weight loss. Moreover, the fiber in them helps digestion and prevents constipation.
Fight diabetes, lower cholesterol, and control blood pressure
Cucumbers contain magnesium, fiber, and potassium, all of which regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels. Moreover, they contain a hormone which stimulates the pancreatic cells to produce insulin.
Moisturize the body
Cucumbers hydrate the body and thus support overall health.
Improve kidney function
Cucumbers lower uric acid levels in the body and support the health of the kidneys.
Promote joint health
Cucumbers are rich in silicon which boosts the joints and the connective tissues and treats gout and arthritis.
Reduce dark circles
Cucumbers are the best way to eliminate the swellings and dark circles around the eyes.
Hair and nails
The sulfur and silicon in these vegetables strengthen the nails and hair and speed up their growth.
Treat hangover
Cucumbers are high in vitamin B, sugar and electrolytes, which treat hangovers and headaches.
Healthy gums and fresh breath
The juices in cucumbers treat inflammation and refresh the gums. Cucumbers also contain phytochemicals which kill bacteria in the oral cavity and fight bad breath.
Relieve sunburn
Cucumbers also treat sunburns, as they effectively regulate the acidity of the skin.
We have one delicious, easy, low-calorie cucumber recipe to suggest:
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 one bowl, and the other 5five in another. Stir well, and then add the first mixture to the second bowl. Stir once again, and serve it with whole-grain toast.
Enjoy!
Source: myhomemedicine.com