Cucumbers contain the antioxidant compound lignan, which can reduce the risk of breast, colon, esophageal and stomach cancers.
Cucumbers have high water content, more than 96%, many nutrients and are low in calories, bringing many health benefits. A medium-sized melon has 2 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates, 5 g sugar, 1.5 g fiber, 442 mg potassium, 8 mg vitamin C, 49 mcg vitamin K… Some studies show that eating Cucumber can reduce the possibility of developing malignant tumors.
According to a 2019 meta-analysis by Jaen University, Spain and several units, based on 131 studies, cucumbers contain lignans – plant polyphenol compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. This compound offers many benefits including reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Postmenopausal women with breast cancer who consume more lignan are less likely to die from the disease. Dietary lignan intake is also associated with a reduced risk of other types of malignancies such as esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma and colon cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol, quercetin and plant-based lignans may limit the risk of developing these cancers.
The researchers concluded that due to their different biological activities, eating foods rich in lignans such as cucumbers and other vegetables, tea, whole grains, and seeds can prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women. colon cancer, while also reducing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
A 2009 review by University College London, UK, among others, based on 27 studies, also found higher lignan intake (from cucumbers, vegetables, soybeans, flaxseed, tea, coffee). , other plants) limits the risk of developing estrogen receptor breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal people.
Lignan has a similar structure to phyto-oestrogen, has the ability to bind to estrogen receptors, and has anti-cancer properties. High intake of plant lignans is associated with a 15% reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Women who consumed greater amounts of plant lignans had higher circulating enterolactone concentrations. High enterolactone concentrations are associated with lower colorectal cancer mortality rates in women, especially those who do not use antibiotics. Because antibiotics may affect serum enterolactone concentrations. Doubling plasma enterolactone concentrations in women reduces the risk of death from this cancer by 12%.
People with digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or enteritis, should eat small amounts of cucumber or be careful when using it. In some people, consuming this vegetable can cause bloating and indigestion.
In case of blood clotting disorders or taking blood thinners, do not eat too much cucumber. Because this food is rich in vitamin K, it can hinder the blood thinning process.
People with allergic rhinitis can develop oral allergy syndrome when eating cucumbers. Oral allergy syndrome occurs when eating fresh fruits or vegetables that contain proteins similar to pollen, disrupting the immune system and causing an allergic reaction.