Cucumber – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/23/2017 / By Bridgette Wilcox

Cucumber, sometimes referred to as gherkin, is a common vegetable that is native to many parts of the world. It has an elongated shape with rounded edges, and typically has dark green skin, though other colors are also available. According to WHFoods.com, it grows in many different kinds of climates, from temperate to tropical. They belong to the plant family called curcubitaceae, along with melons and squashes. In the United States, Florida and California are the top producers of cucumbers, with some amounts being imported from Mexico. Globally, China produces the highest volume of cucumbers, followed by Iran, Mexico, and Spain.

The best cucumbers are those that have a firm body, with bright skin. Cucumbers that are puffy, yellowing, or have mushy areas should be avoided.

List of known nutrients

According to Nutrition-and-You.com:

Calcium
Carbohydrates
Dietary fiber
Folates
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Protein
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for cucumber

Perhaps the most famous nutritional advantage of cucumber is its effect on the complexion. The vegetable is a good source of silica, OrganicFacts.net said. The compound is associated with having brighter, more glowing skin. It also has high water content of about 96 percent, which allows it to keep the skin hydrated and naturally moist. Cucumber extract is also used to treat skin ailments, such as sunburn, and under eye bags.

With its combination of water and fiber, cucumber aids digestion and is effective in preventing constipation. The water in cucumber is of better quality than regular water, as it is naturally purified. Cucumber is also a natural diuretic. This makes cucumber good for the kidney, particularly at preventing kidney stones.

Cucumber can control blood pressure, due to its generous amounts of magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

The vegetable has also been used to manage the health of diabetics. With a rating of zero on the glycemic index, the carbohydrates in cucumbers can easily be digested by diabetics, and allows them to get nutrition while keeping their glucose levels in check.

Cucumber may also be efficient against:

Burns
Edema
Gout
High cholesterol
Inflammation
Intestinal parasites
Pink eye
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sore throat
Ulcerative colitis

Body systems supported by cucumber

Here are the body systems that benefit from cucumber, according to MedicalNewsToday.com:

Cardiovascular system
Digestive system
Skin
Urinary system

Ways to use cucumber

Cucumber has a cool, clean taste that makes any dish instantly refreshing. Even when added to dishes, cucumber is often used raw, to get the most out of its distinct taste. Based on recipes on RealSimple.com, the vegetable is often used in salads, and goes particularly well with dill. Chopped up, it can be added to sauces and dips to add a hint of freshness. It can also be used as a side dish when mixed with other vegetables. Cucumbers can also be pickled and added to sandwiches and meat dishes. Outside of food, cucumber juice or extract can also be applied directly onto the skin to provide relief from sunburn and other skin irritations,