עברית
Cucumber’s refreshing taste made it a constant ingredient in every salad, but it also brings with it a wealth of health benefits and aids in the treatment of various medical conditions such as heartburn, inflammation, and even sunburn
Cucumber belongs to the gourd family, which also includes zucchini, squash, pumpkin, watermelon, and cantaloupe.
Health Benefits of Cucumber
What’s so good about cucumber?
1. Great for Weight Management: If you’re interested in losing or maintaining weight, incorporating cucumber into your diet can help. Cucumbers are rich in fluids (about 95% water) and low in calories – a medium-sized cucumber contains approximately 15 calories. Adding cucumber to your meals can increase the portion size without adding many calories.
2. Rich in Chlorophyll: The cucumber peel contains chlorophyll, which is often referred to as “Mother Earth’s cleansing agent.” Chlorophyll is believed to contribute to protection against colorectal cancer. Research suggests that combining chlorophyll-rich vegetables with red meat, which contains the red pigment (heme) linked to colorectal cancer, can provide extra protection.
3. Vitamin K: Cucumber is a good source of vitamin K, an essential component for blood clotting and bone health. Did you know that 100 grams of cucumber provides about 16% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K? However, people taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin should consult a doctor before significantly increasing vitamin K intake.
4. Minerals and Phytochemicals: Cucumber contains minerals like potassium, which can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease while contributing to bone strength. The cucumber peel also contains phytosterols, plant compounds that compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, thereby reducing overall cholesterol absorption in the body. Additionally, cucumber contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, which may help prevent diseases like heart disease, vascular diseases, and cancer.
5. Dietary Fiber: Cucumber also provides dietary fiber, which aids in regulating digestive activity, promoting a feeling of fullness, and slowing down the absorption of sugar and cholesterol.
In addition, it also contains additional vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, vitamin C, A, folic acid, and iron.
Nutritional Values of a Medium-sized Cucumber (per 100 grams):
– Dietary Fiber: 0.5 grams
– Calories: 15
– Carbohydrates: 3.63 grams
– Protein: 0.65 grams
– Vitamin C: 2.8 mg
– Calcium: 16 mg
– Vitamin A: 5 mcg
– Fat: 0.11 grams
– Magnesium: 13 mg
– Potassium: 147 mg
Cucumber’s Healing Properties
Cucumber is particularly beneficial in treating heartburn. It acts as a diuretic and can assist in treating edema and fluid retention.
The cucumber is an ancient and common vegetable that has been used from a medical source in the world for thousands of years. In traditional medicine, the cucumber was best known for its cooling and soothing properties, which was widely used as a natural treatment for a variety of medical conditions.
One of the famous uses of the cucumber in medicine is its use as a natural treatment for soothing and irradiating the skin. Thanks to the refreshing and cooling properties of the cucumber, it has the ability to relieve skin irritations such as burns, stings and acid irritations. It is customary to apply a cut piece of the cucumber to the infected area and let it float for a certain time. You can also apply it to your eyes to relieve tired or sore eyes.
In addition, the cucumber contains high levels of water, so it is used as a natural way to hydrate and refresh the body. It has the ability to nourish the skin and give it natural moisture, thus helping to prevent dryness and skin irritations. Applying thin peels from cucumber on the skin or using natural preparations based on cucumber may improve the texture of the skin and give it a fresh and concentrated appearance.
In addition, the cucumber contains active components such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The vitamin C found in the cucumber is used to strengthen the immune system and protect against oxidative damage. Ingredients such as antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage in the body and serve as protective agents against potential risks to the body.
Recently, research is being done in the field of modern medicine that results in increasing the health benefits of the cucumber. There are data that show the cucumber’s potential ability to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. However, despite the potential benefits of the cucumber in medicine, it is important to remember that its every contribution should be considered as part of a balanced nutritional menu and not as a substitute for professional medical treatment.
In summary, the cucumber is a traditional medicinal plant that offers a variety of health benefits. From its ancient use in tradition to modern science cards, the cucumber is recognized for its refreshing, cooling and nutritional properties. Whether used externally as a natural treatment for the skin, internally used as part of a balanced nutritional menu or as an active ingredient in medical preparations, the cucumber provides a significant health contribution to the human body.
Cucumber in Cosmetics
Cucumber is excellent for treating sunburn, balancing oily skin, and reducing puffiness, including in the eye area.
Cucumbers have long been celebrated for their skincare benefits. Their cooling and soothing properties make them a popular ingredient in many skincare products. The natural antioxidants and silica found in cucumbers help nourish the skin, reduce puffiness, and alleviate skin irritation and inflammation. Placing cucumber slices on tired eyes can provide a refreshing and revitalizing effect, reducing the appearance of dark circles.