Although the cucumber has not received particularly warm public relations, it turns out that it is a healthy and nutritious vegetable that is very suitable for inclusion in the diet. It goes great in salads, smoothies and has a wonderful cooling capacity on hot summer days. The cucumber (or garden zucchini) is actually a climbing plant from the gourd family, which also includes melon and pumpkin. It originates from India, where it was customary to grow cucumbers for food purposes as early as three thousand years ago. Since it contains seeds, it is considered a fruit, but since its taste is neither sour nor sweet, from a culinary point of view it is usually defined as a vegetable. Here are some great reasons to start consuming it on a daily basis:
Available anytime: The undisputed king of the Israeli salad, it is a basic vegetable, seasonally available and usually cheap, which is regularly found in the vegetable drawer of every home refrigerator.
Rich in many vitamins and minerals: The cucumber contains many vitamins and minerals – especially vitamin C which helps iron absorption, improves skin elasticity and contributes to wound healing; And potassium – an essential mineral for maintaining the proper functioning of the heart muscle.
Rich in water: The cucumber contains about 90% water, so among other things it helps prevent dehydration and to a certain extent it can contribute to people who rarely drink.
Contributes to skin health: The cucumber contains many antioxidants, so it is also common and used in the cosmetics industry to protect and improve the texture of the skin. If you suffer from puffy and tired eyes, try placing two slices of a chilled cucumber on your eyelids – it will bring quick relief.
Rich in fiber: If you are interested in losing weight, know that the cucumber is highly recommended. It contains a large amount of fiber that contributes to increasing the feeling of satiety, as well as to the slow absorption of sugar into the blood and reducing the time the food passes through the intestines. The cucumber is low in calories – only 15 kcal per 100 grams.
Contains antioxidants: Various studies have indicated that due to its high antioxidant content, the cucumber helps reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer and breast cancer.
Contributes to refreshing the mouth: A few slices of cucumber on the tongue will help achieve a fresher mouthfeel.
The most recommended way to consume cucumbers is to eat them fresh and not peeled. In this way, the nutritional values are preserved and the health benefits are improved. It is recommended to diversify and use the cucumber not only in the chopped salad: you can put a few slices of cucumber in cold water combined with some mint leaves, or for example easily prepare a nutritious cold soup by mixing 3% organic yogurt with chopped cucumbers, chopped mint leaves, dill and a little crushed garlic. These foods are ideal for hot days.