Concept in Definition ABC

Cucumber is the fruit of the plant Cucumis sativus, originally from India, has an elongated shape and is green on the outside, its pulp is whitish and has a large number of ovoid seeds throughout its interior. Since cucumber develops from a flower and contains seeds it is really a fruit and not a vegetable.

This fruit is usually eaten raw alone or as part of the ingredients of a salad or juices, the small cucumbers can be prepared as a pickle receiving the name of pickle that is often used on the preparation hamburgers, sandwiches, sauces or antipasti. It is an ingredient widely used in Greek, Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine, it has recently gained popularity as a fundamental ingredient in juices used as cleansers and to lose weight.

Cucumber is made up mainly of water

This vegetable is 97% constituted by Water, the nutrients It provides include potassium, phosphorus, calcium, folic acid, vitamins A, B and C. It also provides vegetable fiber and silicon.

Other substance present in cucumber is curcubitacin, this is responsible for its slightly bitter taste while being related to several of its benefits for the body.

Cucumbers have several properties in addition to their diuretic effect

The most recognized health effect of cucumber is its ability to stimulate the production urine, which gives it its property as a diuretic, this is related to its high contents of water and potassium. This effect is power when combined with fruits such as pineapple.

Your content of vitamin C It helps to increase the production of collagen which helps to improve the appearance of the skin, heal wounds and contribute to the growth of structures such as nails and hair. This effect is favored by its silicon content.

Cucumber is often used cold sliced ​​directly on inflamed skin to relieve congestion, especially on burns or directly on the eyelids. It also helps to relieve discomfort such as itchy skin.

The curcibitacin present in cucumber contributes to its diuretic effects and also contributes to increasing intestinal peristalsis, which speeds up the digestion and it stimulates defecation which in some people can have a laxative effect. This substance has recently been associated with antitumor properties, especially against brain and kidney tumors and malignant melanoma.

Photos: iStock - milanfoto / skynesher