The cucumber is one of the oldest cultivated crops, and is believed to originate in the northern sub-Himalayan plains of India. Since its humble beginnings, it is now one of the most common vegetables grown around the world. It is the 4th most cultivated vegetable in the world. It is a staple in most vegetable gardens, and no grocery store that stocks vegetables will be without cucumbers gracing its aisles.
The cucumber belongs in the same family as melons and squashes. It is easy to grow, does well in most climates during the summer growing season, and its ability to climb allows cucumbers to be planted in small areas that provide a wall or trellis for the vines to take hold of. This method also keeps insects off the plants and makes for easier harvesting. After planting, a ready-to-pick crop is available after 50-70 days, making it a good garden vegetable especially for areas with a short growing season. One plant can produce anywhere from 10-15 cucumbers, which also make it a good, cost-effective crop. With the hundreds of varieties available, there will be one that suits everyone’s palate.
The cucumber is a staple ingredient in our salads, but how many of us are even aware of the health benefits of the cucumber? Not only is it healthy as a food, but it also has health benefits and uses that go beyond its basic nutritional content.
Cucumber juice is low-calorie and with its high vitamin and mineral content, it makes a nutritious drink and a good choice when you need a little extra hydration. Because of its high water content, it contains enough water to make it ideal for juicing. Remove the skin, chop up the cucumber and place it into a blender, strain out the pulp, and you will have a drink that will leave you feeling cool and refreshed.
Cucumbers do not need to be limited to salads. Cucumber sandwiches are also popular. Cold cucumber soup is refreshing on a hot day. Combined with yoghurt, cucumbers make a nice sauce to liven up other dishes. They are also easily carried on the go, cucumber slices make a tasty snack that can be prepared at home.
The term “cool as a cucumber,” referring to someone who is calm and unruffled, originates with the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the body. They are also typically cool to the touch. In addition, when applied to the skin, cucumbers reduce swelling, and the heat associated with it.
Cucumbers are, surprisingly, one of the best foods for your body’s overall health. It has a host of nutrients that target many areas of our body in terms of its benefits. Cucumbers pack a nutritional punch with very little calories, making it a favourite for those on reducing diets. A half cup of cucumbers contains 8 calories. However, even if one is not trying to lose weight, the health benefits of cucumbers are worth giving this vegetable another look. Cucumbers contain Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
Cucumbers also contain a number of phytonutrients, the main ones being cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrients found in cucumbers provide us with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. Antioxidants help in preventing free-radical damage to our bodies, and are key to reducing the risk of age-related illnesses. The beta-carotene content in cucumbers help protect eyesight. They also contains a high amount of Vitamin K, which is a natural blood-thinner.
Frequently cucumbers are peeled before eaten because the skin can be tough, making it difficult to chew and digest, but most of the nutritional value of a cucumber comes from the peel. Cucumber peels are rich in fiber which helps to prevent constipation. So, to reap the nutritional benefits from a cucumber, leave the peel on.
Not only is the cucumber healthy for our system, but did you know that it can also be used externally to benefit one’s eyes, skin, and hair? Many skin care products contain cucumber as an ingredient.
Let us look in detail as to the health benefits of cucumbers:
- Good source of Vitamin B’s (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Folic Acid). Because of this, cucumbers can provide a quick burst of energy.
- Rehydrates the body and replenishes daily vitamins. Cucumbers are 95% water, so it helps to prevent dehydration. Cucumbers have most of the vitamins that we need in a single day. The skin is the part that contains most of the Vitamin C, so don’t peel your cucumber before you eat it.
- Skin care. Placing a cucumber directly on the skin can ease irritations. It can also treat sunburns, with its cooling effect on the skin and its anti-inflammatory properties. Cucumber alone is hydrating to the skin. However, a cucumber puree combined with various other ingredients can be used to treat different skin ailments. A face mask of cucumber puree, combined with oats and honey is good for acne-prone skin as it soaks up excess oils, acts as a gentle exfoliant, and deep cleans pores. A combination of cucumber and yogurt will hydrate dry skin. Also, cucumber puree combined with lemon and aloe is good for aging skin, to help fade blemishes and dark spots, and to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Leave all masks on for 15 minutes and then wash off.
- Eye benefits. Put a slice over the eyes to help reduce puffiness.
- Hair care. Cucumbers contain silicon and sulphur, which promote hair growth. Mash up a cucumber into a puree or use the juice. Leave in your hair for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. You will also have the added benefit of very shiny hair.
- Fight cancers. Cucumber is known to contain several phytochemicals known as lignans, which are cancer-fighting chemicals. They reduce the risk of specific cancers such as: breast, ovarian, uterine and prostate.
- Home care. Before taking a shower, rub a cucumber slice along a mirror and it will avoid the mirror fogging up. Rubbing a cucumber along the squeaky hinge of a door will stop the squeaking.
- Relieves bad breath. Take a slice of cucumber, press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth which causes bad breath.
- Assists in weight loss and digestion. Because of its low calorie count and high water content, it is ideal for those people who want to lose weight. The high water content and fiber are effective in ridding the body of toxins. It can also help chronic constipation.
- Helps to improve diabetes. Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the pancreas to produce insulin. Increased insulin production from the pancreas means that the person will not need to rely on as much medication.
- Reduces cholesterol. A compound called sterols in cucumbers may help to lower cholesterol levels.
- Regulates blood pressure. Cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These work together to regulate blood pressure so it can be used by people who have high or low blood pressure.
- Promotes joint health. Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which helps promote joint health by strengthening the connective tissues in the joint. A benefit to those with arthritis.
- Stressed? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma.
Cucumbers have not received as much press as other vegetables in terms of health benefits, but its unique combination of nutrients are why it is considered one of the healthiest foods readily available world-wide. So, when thinking of a delicious and nutritious food, think “cool” and reach for a cucumber.