CUCUMBER
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are refreshing, low-calorie vegetables (technically fruits) packed with water and essential nutrients. They’re great for hydration, skin health, and digestion.
Cucumbers are more than just a salad staple! This crunchy, hydrating fruit (yes, it’s botanically a fruit!) has been cultivated for millennia and offers surprising benefits beyond its refreshing taste. Let’s dive deeper into its fascinating story, science-backed benefits, and creative uses.
Science-Backed Health Benefits (Beyond Hydration)
Cancer Prevention Potential
- Contains cucurbitacin (compounds studied for anti-tumour effects, especially in breast and prostate cancer).
- Lignans (in seeds) may reduce estrogen-related cancers.
Brain Health Booster
- Fisetin (a flavonoid in cucumbers) is linked to:
- Reduced Alzheimer’s risk
- Improved memory (studies in mice show promise).
Joint & Bone Support
- Silica strengthens connective tissues (may help arthritis).
- Vitamin K (1 cup = 20% DV) improves calcium absorption.
Hangover Helper
- Electrolytes (potassium, magnesium) + water fight dehydration from alcohol.
- Try blending cucumber into a post-party smoothie!
Gut Health Guardian
- Fiber + water prevent constipation.
- Pickled cucumbers (fermented) provide probiotics for gut flora.
- Cucumber Hacks You Were Unaware Of 💡 Home & Beauty Tricks Shoe Deodorizer: Overnight, place cucumber peels in odorous shoes. After taking a shower, apply a slice to the bathroom mirrors to prevent fogging. Garden pests are repelled by aluminium foil and cucumber slices. 💡 Cooking Advice: Soak for 10 minutes in ice water to revitalize lime slices. While chopping onions, keep a slice of cucumber in your mouth as a “no-cry onion trick.”
Easy Ways to Use Cucumber:
- Add slices to regular water for infused cucumber water
- Eat fresh cucumber slices as a snack
- Include in salads and smoothies
- Make cucumber and lemon water for extra digestive benefits
Try This: Cucumber Elixir for Glowing Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber (blended)
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp honey
Apply as a 15-minute face mask → reduces redness and acne!
Cucumber Nutrition Facts (Per 100 g, Raw with Peel)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 kcal | 1% |
| Water Content | 95.2 g | — |
| Protein | 0.65 g | 1% |
| Total Fat | 0.11 g | 0% |
| • Saturated Fat | 0.03 g | — |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3.63 g | 1% |
| • Sugars | 1.67 g | — |
| • Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2.8 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 16.4 µg | 14% |
| Potassium | 147 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 13 mg | 3% |
| Folate (Vitamin B9) | 7 µg | 2% |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.28 mg | 2% |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |