Did you know that the Cucumber is a fruit not a vegetable?
This nutritious fruit holds the honor of having the highest water content of any solid food making them a great way to keep yourself hydrated in the hot Summer months while they are plentiful. According to the USDA, one medium cucumber contains 194 grams of fluid. That equals nearly seven ounces, just an ounce shy of a cup. Cucumbers are also high in beneficial nutrients, as well as plant compounds and antioxidants. The nutritional content is based on with its skin. Removing the skin means missing out on fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Cucumbers are a low-calorie, low-fat food, rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin K. They also contain vitamin E, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9 (folate), Potassium, Copper, Manganese, and Magnesium.
Health Benefits:
Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals which reduces the risk of oxidative damage. The potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber in cucumber help to regulate blood pressure. They promote regularity due to their fiber and water content while soothing digestive problems because they act as a natural coolant. This is also the reason it used to provide a soothing effect for the skin. The vitamin E in cucumbers enhances collagen production making it a natural anti-wrinkle agent. The antioxidants we discussed earlier are the best cure for dark circles that form around the eyes, and skin irritation while the vitamin C lighter dark spots and even out skin tone.
Did you know that Calcium isn’t the only nutrient that keeps bones strong? Vitamin K also promotes bone strength and there is an abundance of it in cucumbers. There is also ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, both of which help strengthen the body’s ligaments, cartilage, tendons and bones, and silica which helps in the formation of connective tissue helping to strengthen weakened bones.
Placing cucumber slices in your mouth can help you to get rid of bad breath by eliminating bad odor causing bacteria.
Hopefully that’s enough to convince you that cucumbers are filled with nutrients and vitamins essential for overall physical and mental health. Find them locally and eat as much as you can while their season lasts!
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