It is still not known since when cucumbers have been used for pickling, but the researchers have speculated that the gherkin variety of cucumber was developed from a native African plant. Spain was one of the countries during the ancient times that started pickling cucumbers since Roman emperors imported them from this Mediterranean country.
The health benefits of cucumber are yet to be widespread amongst all cultures. The taste of fresh cucumber is somewhat bland in comparison to other squashes, but it’s thirst-quenching and the cooling quality of this squash is truly refreshing. Cucumbers often act as antioxidants when you consume it with barbequed and fried foods. You can also drink a glass full of cucumber, carrot or orange juices. This will not only give you its wholesome nutrient value, but it genuinely tastes good.
Cucumber benefits ranges from preventing acidity to keeping skin well-toned. Cucumber has high alkaline levels, thus regulates the body's blood pH and neutralizes acidity. The gastric patients should necessarily consume cucumber frequently. It regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body as in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. During summers, cucumbers help to normalize body temperature. Cucumber juice is diuretic, thereby prevents kidney stones. Cucumbers also counter uric acid, thereby preventing inflammation in joints in arthritis, asthma, and gout. You will be quite surprised to know that this squash also promotes healthy hair growth and can treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc.
A bright and glowing complexion
Cucumber is rich in silica, this is the essential component that aids in keeping strong and healthy connective tissues including muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bone. Doctors often recommend cucumber juice to utilize the silica content and get a healthy, bright skin. The quality of cucumber's high water content makes it naturally hydrating. Its known to all moisture is the best friend of a healthy skin, so why not acquire the hydration naturally. The extract of cucumbers is often used topically through medication for various types of skin ailments, including sunburn and swelling under the eyes. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid are the two vital compounds in cucumbers that prevent water loss from the body. This is the reason why cucumbers are applied topically for varied skin problems.
Prevents constipation and keeps kidney healthy
Cucumber is a perfect blend of both fiber and water. Thus, it helps you to stay away from both constipation and kidney stones. By having cucumber juice, you can consume both fiber and water at the same time. Reports say that majority Americans prefer to have a cucumber rich salad regularly as it is a great way to increase your fiber intake. Cucumber is also a good source of vitamin C, silica, potassium and magnesium; thereby you get all the more nutrition. Cucumber has an extraordinary amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally purified, thus making the water content much better in quality to ordinary water. The cucumber skin contains a high proportion of vitamin A, thus you will gain more nutrition if consumed with the skin.
Control blood pressure levels –
the studies done at DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), the people consumed foods high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber, their blood pressure came down to normal levels. The group eating a diet rich in these complexes along with the other foods on this diet like seafood, low fat dairy foods, lean meat and poultry checked their blood pressure to have fallen by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic).
Checks Diabetes
Cucumber has been useful for diabetic patients since ages. Cucumber possesses a hormone required by the beta cells during the insulin production. The Glycemic Index of cucumber is found to be zero. The existence of the nutrient carbohydrate and its result on the body is measured by the quantity Glycemic Index. Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The carbohydrates contribute in raising the glucose level, however the carbohydrates present in the cucumber can be easily digested by diabetic patients. Thus, consumption of cucumber keeps the glucose level in check. Nowadays most of the commercial stores have the cucumber supplements as spiny sea cucumber extract powder, which is very effective in combating diabetes.
Keeps healthy body in long run
Cucumber has excellent cleaning properties, thereby removing amassed waste and toxins from our body. In many cases cucumber is been seen as effective treatment for arthritis since it removes uric acid. Aiding in urine secretion, cucumber has proved to be a natural diuretic. Cucumber is very good for urinary bladder, kidney, liver and pancreatic functions. Cucumber juice along with carrot juice is extremely effective for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body. It is good for digestion especially proteins and controls blood pressure. It is good for controlling Diabetes mellitus also. Cucumber juice on regular basis also helps in curing gout and eczema. If you are having lung and stomach problems, ensure having cucumber in your diet. It also promotes muscle flexibility. The magnesium content of cucumber ensures proper blood circulation and relaxed nerves. Since cucumber is rich in minerals, it prevents splitting of nails of the fingers and toes.
