Cucumber

Given that the cucumbers peak season in the summer months, it is not surprising that this is the most refreshing using raw vegetables and well chilled in combination with a variety of foods.

Description and Origin

If you want to get the most out of this refreshing vegetables, use it until two days after purchase.

Cucumber fruit is oblong in shape and dark green. On the surface has warts, and when ripened, has a smooth surface. The fruit is full of seeds žućkastobijelih.

Cucumbers originated in Asia, where they drank the juice as a refreshing during the hot summer days. There are already grown 5000 BC, and his relatives gourd and watermelon. It is believed that his origin from India, which are relayed to Greece and Italy, and later in China. The healing properties of cucumber was known physicians in the time of ancient Egypt.

Salubrity

A large proportion of water makes cucumber excellent diuretic, effectively removes accumulated toxins, stimulates the kidneys and gall bladder. In combination with dietary fiber which itself contains stimulates the colon and protects the body from cancer-causing substances.

Mineral composition of cucumber interesting though is the amount of something simpler. Potassium, which has the highest of all minerals promotes flexibility of muscles and helps in regulating blood pressure.

Cucumbers are an excellent complement to the dairy so that in many cuisines of Southeast Europe prepared salad of cucumbers with added yogurt or buttermilk.

Numerous references recommends the juice of the cucumber useful silicic acid, which contains trace. Silicic acid is very important for maintaining the health of connective tissue of muscles, ligaments, cartilage, bones, improves the complexion and maintains the health of skin and is associated with water, naturally hydrates and gives the skin a healthy glow.

Cucumber can be applied to the skin in the case of swollen eyes, skin irritation or burns. Cucumber extracts are used in products for skin rejuvenation. Soothing and mild effect of this vegetable is attributed to kafeinskoj acid and vitamin C to prevent water retention and give the feeling of cold typical of the cucumber. It was recently discovered that the caffeic acid antioxidant and anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity, which is an additional plus for cucumber.

Cucumber juice is also beneficial for diseases of the teeth and gums, especially in cases of bleeding gums. Cucumber supposedly helps with rheumatism, although not revealed in any way.

Peel of cucumber can be used to soothe skin after washing of exposure to strong detergents and hot water.

For those who aspire to digest a cucumber, it is recommended that you cut into small pieces, salt sea salt and leave for several hours in the refrigerator before eating.

Energy and nutritive value

Energy value of 100 g of fresh peeled cucumber is 12 kcal / 52 kJ. Since it contains 2.16% carbohydrate, 0.59% protein and 0.7% fat.

Cucumber contains minerals from potassium (136 mg), phosphorus (21 mg), calcium (14 mg), magnesium (12 mg), iron (0.22 mg), zinc (0.17 mg), manganese (0.07 mg ), copper (0.07 mg) and selenium (0.1 mg).

Since vitamin fresh cucumber contains Vitamin C (3.2 mg), vitamin B complex, thiamine (0.03 mg), riboflavin (0.03 mg), niacin (0.04 mg), pantothenic acid (0.24 mg), pyridoxine (0.05 mg), choline (5.7 mg) and vitamin K (7.2 mg).

In 100 g of fresh peeled cucumber is 0.7 g fiber, beta-carotene, 31 mg, 18 mg cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, 16 mg.