Mineral composition of cucumber. Composition of cucumbers, useful properties of cucumbers. Calories and nutritional value of cucumber
Based on the above tables, we can conclude that it is most useful to eat cucumbers along with the peel, which contains many useful substances. However, both peeled and pickled, cucumbers retain some beneficial features. True, it should be borne in mind that in a salted or pickled form, the level of sodium in them jumps sharply, which can adversely affect people's health suffering from renal insufficiency. At the same time, the proportion of vitamins decreases, the level of potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium decreases. And too a large number of salt can lead to the destruction of tooth enamel, fluid retention in the body and disruption of the digestive tract.
Medicinal properties
Cucumber is inferior to many vegetables in vitamin content, since it consists almost entirely of water. However, cucumber water is rich in mineral salts and biologically active substances. For example, cucumber fruits contain enzymes that promote the absorption of proteins and B vitamins, as well as maintaining a normal blood reaction. Moreover, cucumbers contain an enzyme similar to insulin, which makes it important product diet for diabetics.
In addition, cucumber water helps to cleanse the body by dissolving toxins. That is, the cucumber should not be used as a standalone food, but it plays a significant role in the absorption of other food, such as meat. Due to their low calorie content, cucumbers are recommended for people prone to obesity.
Although in small quantities, cucumbers contain phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc and iodine (in an easily digestible form). Due to this, they have choleretic and diuretic properties, help improve the activity of the cardiovascular system, and are recommended for people suffering from thyroid diseases. In addition, such a set of trace elements improves the condition of nails, hair, human teeth and reduces the acidity of gastric juice. By the way, fiber, which is part of cucumbers, the best way affects the process of digestion. A mild laxative effect helps to get rid of constipation.
As for vitamins, cucumbers boast the presence of carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, folates, etc. in their composition. The latter are actively involved in regulating the level of homocysteine, an amino acid that is formed in the body during metabolism, and increases the risk of atherosclerotic vascular damage and thrombosis.
Another useful component of cucumber is phytosterol (phytosterol) - a steroidal alcohol that does not dissolve in water. In fact, we are talking about a vegetable counterpart of cholesterol. Its advantage is that it is safe for humans and does not provoke the development of atherosclerosis. Once in the body, phytosterol inhibits up to 10% of cholesterol absorption and instead enters the blood without causing any harm to the body.
Use in medicine
AT traditional medicine cucumber, despite the presence of useful elements and properties, is not used and is not considered a pharmacopoeial plant. Nevertheless, green fruits have been actively and successfully used in traditional medicine and cosmetology.
First, the simplest folk application cucumber - external. When receiving small burns, abrasions or wounds, it is recommended to attach a cut cucumber to the damaged area or lubricate this place with fresh cucumber juice. This guarantees a powerful antimicrobial effect (even in case of suppuration). Secondly, various decoctions, infusions are prepared on the basis of cucumber, compresses are made from them. Moreover, not only the fruits themselves and the juice are put into circulation, but also the flowers, leaves and lashes of the plant (usually in dried form).
Decoctions and infusions
A decoction of fresh cucumbers can help get rid of edema that has appeared due to heart pathologies or varicose veins. To do this, finely chop 100 g of washed cucumber, pour 200 ml of boiling water over it and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Half a cup of this decoction should be drunk before meals three times a day for 7-10 days.
Beverages
Cucumber juice has a lot of useful properties, so it is recommended to drink it in its pure form. However, due to the refreshing effect that cucumber has, it is often added to various summer drinks. For example, a lime and watermelon smoothie (200g watermelon pulp, 1/2 lime, 1/2 cucumber, a bunch of mint and water) or a spinach and celery smoothie (grind in a blender: 100g spinach, 1 green apple, 1 cucumber, 1 stalk of celery, 1 piece of ginger, 2 tbsp. lemon juice). Cucumber water is also popular (1 cucumber, 1 bunch of mint, half a lemon, 1 liter of water).
In cosmetology
Cucumber is considered a good cosmetic product that has a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on the skin. Thanks to phytosterol, moisture is retained and there is a slight lifting effect. And alkaline salts provide nutrition to the skin and have a whitening effect, removing plaque.
Now exists huge selection all kinds of masks, lotions, tonics, cucumber-based gels, but in the summer you can prepare a cosmetic product at home.
In order to refresh the skin of the face after overwork, lack of sleep or stress, you need to take 1 cucumber and 1 chicken protein. You should grate the cucumber on a fine grater and take 2 tbsp. gruel, combining them with whipped to foam egg white. Then apply the mask on the face for 15 minutes and rinse with water. And for the skin around the eyes, it is recommended to mix 2 tbsp. grated cucumber with chopped parsley.
To achieve a rejuvenating effect, you need to mix 1 tbsp. grated cucumber with 1 tsp. white clay. A moisturizing effect is given by a mask prepared from 1 tbsp. grated cucumber, 1 tsp chopped mint and 1 tsp. chopped basil.
Dangerous properties of cucumbers and contraindications
Cucumbers are a dietary product, but even they can sometimes harm the body. It is recommended to refuse their use in such cases:
- exacerbation of stomach ulcers;
- acute and chronic gastritis and enterocolitis;
- acute and chronic nephritis and pyelonephritis, as well as hepatitis and cholecystitis (you should avoid eating pickles);
- feeding the baby (may cause indigestion and colic in the baby).
We have collected the most important points about benefits and possible harm cucumbers in this illustration and we will be very grateful if you share the picture in in social networks, with a link to our page:
One of the first countries where the cucumber was cultivated and began to be eaten was China. There is a legend according to which it was the Chinese who introduced Turkey to this vegetable. Among other gifts, they sent the Turkish Sultan Magomed II as a gift several exotic fruits - cucumbers. The Sultan took a liking to the outlandish vegetable, and he called on seven of the best court guards to guard it. However, one cucumber disappeared, and all the guards denied any involvement in the theft. Then the enraged Sultan decided to arrange a kind of search, giving the order to rip open the stomachs of all seven.
Perhaps that is why the saying appeared in the Turkish language "Look after the cucumber with an ax." True, now such words are usually addressed to a person who commits stupidity. In English and Russian, proverbs about cucumbers have a rather positive meaning. So the English say as cool as a cucumber", which literally translates as " calm as a cucumber” and means absolute equanimity. In Russia, you can often hear the expression " be like a cucumber”, which means to be cheerful and look good. And the Brazilians even use the word " chuchuzinho"(Port. chayote or Mexican cucumber) for an affectionate appeal to loved ones.
By the way, about love. In 2011, a series called Cucumber Love was filmed in Russia, which tells about life in the small village of Gorelkovo, famous for its cucumber fields. In addition, back in 1985, in the Soviet Union, based on the fairy tale of Galina Lebedeva, the cartoon "Cucumber Horse" was created. Green crispy vegetables also play a plot-forming role in the instructive story "Cucumbers" by the children's prose writer Nikolai Nosov. The writers Vladimir Klimenko (the story "Mad Cucumbers") and Vsevolod Ivanov (the story "Nezhinsky Cucumbers") also turned to the topic of cucumbers.
This green vegetable was not spared by the great painters. The still lifes “Cucumbers” by Kondrat Maksimov and Mikhail Makhalov (1), as well as the painting “Still Life with Vegetables” by Ivan Khrutsky, became famous. Moreover, the artists of the Middle Ages began to depict cucumbers on their canvases. So, the Spaniard Luis Mendelez painted a still life "Cucumbers, tomatoes and dishes." And the Italian Giuseppe Arcimboldo used a cucumber to depict the character's nose in the painting "Summer" (2).
And Carlo Crivelli distinguished himself by inscribing cucumbers in the Christian subjects of his paintings. Until now, scientists do not agree on the symbolism of cucumbers on a series of paintings by Crivelli "Madonna and Child" (3) and "Annunciation". Since the cucumber is often located next to the apple on them, it is sometimes interpreted by analogy as a symbol of temptation and original sin. Although some researchers believe that the cucumber, on the contrary, symbolized the Resurrection and vitality.
Apparently, the modern inhabitants of the island of Fiji also believe in the vitality that the cucumber gives. They not only consume cucumbers, but also prepare their stocks in case of crop failure or natural disaster. As a rule, vegetables are wrapped with banana leaves and buried in the ground. In addition, the size of the cucumber supply may help a man to marry, since the parents of girls are usually more willing to marry their daughters to "cucumber magnates."
By the way, in Fiji, as well as in Asia, not only cucumbers are popular in the form in which we are used to seeing them, but also the so-called sea cucumbers. In fact, we are talking about holothurians - invertebrate animals such as echinoderms. The species eaten are usually collectively referred to as "trepangs". These oriental seafood are considered extremely healthy delicacies, so they are often caught illegally and sold on the black market. There, the price for 1 kg of sea cucumbers can reach up to $500.
True, quite legally, our traditional green vegetables also beat their records. In the UK, two pensioners independently grew 1.2 m long fruit in their beds. However, the longest cucumber is considered to be a vegetable that has ripened in one of the greenhouses in Hungary. A record 1.83 m is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
In different parts of the world, people immortalized the cucumber by erecting monuments to it. For example, there is such a monument in Poznan, Poland. Also in Ukrainian Nizhyn there is a monument to a non-female cucumber, and in Belarusian Shklov there is a bronze cucumber "Napoleon". This vegetable is revered in Austria - in Salzburg there is a whole installation "Cucumbers". They are also respected in Russia, because in addition to the monument, in Lukhovitsy near Moscow there is a whole museum dedicated to the cucumber.
But in London, the cucumber was honored on a grand scale. There is no monument here, but in 2004 it appeared high building 30 St Mary Ax (Saint Mary Ax 30), which the British themselves call "The Gherkin" (English cucumber) because of the resemblance and greenish illumination. Interestingly, in fact, the creation of this architectural project was inspired by the creators of the bump.
Story
Cucumber is considered one of the oldest representatives vegetable crops that appeared four millennia ago. Although there are bold assumptions that the cucumber is already more than 6 thousand years old. There is no unequivocal information about the homeland of this vegetable, but most likely it was the tropical and subtropical regions of Ancient India and China. We can definitely say that initially the cucumber grew wild. Only in the second millennium BC. the ancient Indians cultivated it and gradually introduced it into their diet.
Thanks to the increase in cultivation volumes and established trade relations, the cucumber went to conquer the world from India and China. That's how he got to Egypt Ancient Greece and much later to the Roman Empire. There is reason to believe that it is from the Greek name of this green vegetable"ἄγουρος" (goes back to "ἄωρος" - immature) and the word "cucumber" came about. By the way, the English name "cucumber" comes from the French word "concombre", which, in turn, was borrowed from the Latin language ("cucumis").
The fact that in ancient times the cucumber was an important part of the diet of people is evidenced by its images on frescoes in Greek and Egyptian temples. In addition, the beneficial properties of this crunchy vegetable were described by Aristotle and Hippocrates. In ancient Rome, cucumbers were eaten by both the elite classes and the lower classes. And the emperor Tiberius ordered to serve him one cucumber every day of the year. Then cucumbers began to be grown in boxes on wheels so that they could be moved following the sunlight. It is believed that the first salting recipes appeared at the same time.
From the Roman Empire, the cucumber spread throughout Europe (in France - from the 9th century, in England - from the 14th century). In the 15th century, thanks to Columbus, the cucumber reached the shores of the New World, where it also quickly gained popularity among the locals. However, at the beginning of the XVII century. in America, information appeared that eating raw vegetables and fruits is dangerous to health, so the cucumber lost its position for some time and received the mocking nickname “cowcumber” (cucumber for feeding cows). Only about a hundred years later, the green vegetable returned to the tables of Americans.
It is not known for certain when and how the cucumber came to Russia. There is a theory that this vegetable came to us from Europe after the baptism of Russia. Although some scientists believe that our merchants bought cucumbers in East Asia as early as the 9th century. In any case, one of the first written references to this vegetable dates back to the first half of the 17th century. (Notes of the German traveler Elschleger). At the same time, Peter I issued a decree on the cultivation of this crop in the royal garden. It was then that the first greenhouses began to appear.
How to choose
AT summer time years, it is better to buy cucumbers in the morning, before they lose their freshness, lying in the sun. If the cucumbers have already faded a little, then you can “revive” them by leaving them in cool water for 2-3 hours. By the way, soaking in cold water(about 30 minutes) promotes the elimination of nitrates. To heighten the effect, put the cucumbers in a transparent bowl and leave in a bright place (the sun's rays help accelerate the removal of harmful substances).
Buy cucumbers should be dense, without visible damage and yellow spots. When buying cucumbers out of season, you should pay attention to the unnatural shine. Imported vegetables are often covered with a thin layer of paraffin during transportation for better preservation. In this case, before eating the vegetable, it is necessary to cut the peel. And if there are no seeds inside at all, then it is better to throw away such a cucumber, due to the presence of a large amount of hazardous substances in it.
In general, the choice of cucumbers depends on your purpose. Almost all cucumbers can be used for salad, but specially bred smooth fruits with a thick skin, about 13 cm long, are considered the most suitable. They have a rich aroma. You can take cucumbers with white spikes.
The best pickled cucumbers are obtained from fruits 9-12 cm long with dark spikes (they are easily removed when washed, which allows the brine to intensively soak the cucumber). For pickling, it is recommended to take cucumbers up to 9 cm in size (short-fruited gherkins) of a dark green color with light tips or light stripes on the side. Fruits with dark thorns are also suitable.
How to store
As for the storage of fresh cucumbers, they can usually be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. It is important to keep them well ventilated and not store them near ripe fruits and vegetables. To increase the shelf life to 10 days, they are placed in a plastic bag, covered with wet gauze on top and sent to the refrigerator. Cucumbers wrapped in paper towels and placed in an open bag can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks. In order for the vegetables to remain fresh for 3-4 weeks, they are dipped in tails in cool water by 1-2 cm and put in the refrigerator. The water in the tank must be changed every day.
Varieties
Despite the fact that cucumbers need a set of certain conditions for normal ripening, thanks to the efforts of breeders, they are now cultivated in different climatic zones and on soils of different composition. The main thing is to choose the right variety.
Depending on the ripening time, cucumbers are divided into early-ripening, ripening up to 45 days (cupid, artist, Hector, Masha), mid-ripening, ripening up to 50 days (competitor, non-female, table, mother-in-law), and late ripening, ripening more than 50 days (phoenix , Aquarius, Alice). There is also a division of cucumber varieties according to their intended use: for fresh consumption, for pickling or preservation, and universal, suitable for both purposes.
Interestingly, the oblong green vegetable known to us has many exotic relatives that are considered its varieties. For example, the African Kiwano cucumber has a yellow skin with thorns and juicy green flesh, slightly reminiscent of our traditional cucumber. The dragon egg is distinguished by its smoothness and light color of the shell, rounded shape and sweetish taste. And Red Hmong cucumbers turn red when ripe, and taste a bit like melon.
A cucumber called Gak or Spring Bitter has an orange-red skin and soft red flesh. It contains a high amount of antioxidants, which makes it very useful, however, it does not tolerate transportation well, so it can only be found in places where it is grown. There are also decorative wild cucumbers, which are also popularly called hedgehogs. They braid hedges and fences, and their fruits are covered with needles. The peculiarity of these cucumbers is that at the time of ripening, the peel on the fruit stretches as much as possible and bursts. At the same time, seeds and a little mucus fly out of two small holes under pressure.
Growing features
Cucumber is a vine-like plant with a creeping stem that can reach two or more meters in length. Lateral shoots and tendrils depart from the main stem, with the help of which the plant can be fixed on supports, taking a vertical position. Thanks to this, it is possible to grow cucumbers on trellises (usually this method is used in greenhouses and on balconies), although if space in the garden / bed allows, then the stem is allowed to spread along the ground. The length and degree of branching depends on the variety.
During flowering, male (with stamens) and female (with pistils) yellow flowers are formed on the plant. female flowers differ in that there is an ovary under them and they are located singly or in 2-3 pieces on lateral shoots, while male flowers (empty flowers) form inflorescences of 5-7 pieces mainly on the main stem. Fertilization occurs mainly during the opening of flowers (1-2 days). The pollen is carried by bees and other insects, which are attracted by the bright yellow color and the presence of nectar.
In case of cold weather or in conditions greenhouse cultivation the pollination process is becoming more complicated - it is done manually, so breeders began to breed hybrids. They are obtained by artificial pollination of flowers. different varieties. In its name, the hybrid must have a distinctive symbol - F (filli - Italian children) and a number that indicates the generation number. Moreover, in our time, cucumbers have appeared that do not require pollination at all - parthenocarpic, as well as self-pollinated - their flowers have both a stamen and a pistil at the same time.
Cucumbers usually begin to be harvested when the fruits are not yet biologically ripe, which is why they are called greens. To ripen and acquire a yellow-brown hue is given only to those cucumbers from which seed material is taken for planting or for selection.
Planting cucumbers can be carried out both seedlings and seeds. Usually seedlings provide an earlier harvest, but also require more attention. After planting on the beds, young plants need to be wrapped in case of a drop in temperature. In general, cucumber is a heat-loving, moisture-loving and light-loving plant that does not tolerate drafts (note to those who grow vegetables at home on windowsills). It is recommended to plant cucumbers at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other to a depth of 2-2.5 cm in the second or third decade of May (at a temperature of 18 to 25 ° C).
Among the main cucumber pests, a spider mite stands out, which settles on the underside of the leaves and feeds on their juice, which leads to the appearance of white dots on the leaves, and then, braided with cobwebs, they dry out. Cucumbers are also afraid of melon aphids, which live on all parts of the plant and suck out its juices. After that, the leaves begin to turn yellow and die. The cucumber mosquito is also dangerous, whose translucent larva with a black head is introduced into the stem and root of a weakened plant, after which it dies.
Chemicals are commonly used to control pests. However, in order to prevent harmful insects from entering the plant, regular weeding should be done to remove weeds.
How many calories are in a cucumber? What is the nutritional value of cucumbers? What properties of cucumbers are valued not only in diet, but also in cosmetology?
Calories and nutritional value of cucumber
Why does cucumber always appear as a recommended food in a low-calorie diet? The answer is simple - 100 grams of cucumbers give only 14 kcal! The low energy content is due to the fact that the cucumber is almost entirely composed of water, very few carbohydrates but enough fiber, minerals and vitamins.
Let's see how cucumber nutrients are distributed (per 100 grams):
The presence of fiber, minerals and vitamins makes cucumbers a great health ally. As we will see below, cucumbers help in normalizing blood pressure, controlling diabetes, treating gout, and can also be used effectively to treat skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and erythema.
Medicinal properties: what are the health benefits of cucumber
Due to its very complete organoleptic composition (contains essential amino acids, important vitamins and minerals), cucumber is a real panacea for the health of the kidneys, liver, intestines and pancreas.
The beginning of the use of cucumber in cosmetology is lost in the mists of time, for centuries cucumber has been used to improve the skin around the eyes, because it stimulates vasoconstriction and, therefore, reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
In addition, cucumber has healing properties in relation to skin diseases such as acne, imbalance of sebum production and sunburn, is also very useful in case of skin aging and wrinkles.
Cucumber cosmetics: compresses and masks
In order to use the beneficial properties of cucumber for the skin, there are many preparations for external use.
| To eliminate dark circles under the eyes | Cut the potato and cucumber into 2 cm slices and let cool in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Wipe olive oil area around the eyes with a cotton swab. Attach the potato slices, leave for a few minutes, and then replace them with cucumber slices. Continue for 10 minutes alternating potato slices with cucumber slices, then rinse. |
| To remove bags and puffy eyes | Cut two thin slices of cucumber and apply to closed eyes for an hour. This is a wonderful tool for restoring the contour of the eyes. |
| To remove pimples, blackheads and blackheads | Cut the cucumber into slices, apply them to problem areas of the skin and leave for a quarter of an hour. Cucumber regulates sebum production and has a cleansing effect. |
| For wrinkle removal | Cut the cucumber into thin slices and put the slices on your face, especially on the area around the eyes, for half an hour. |
| To lighten freckles and blemishes associated with age | Soak a cucumber in a liter of milk. Use this milk as a detergent. |
| For cleansing oily skin | Cut the cucumber into small pieces, boil in a liter of water for half an hour. Strain the decoction and use to cleanse the skin of the face. |
| To soothe sunburn | Grind two cucumbers until you get a cream that you apply on your face. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse gently. |
| To stimulate hair growth | Grind cucumber, carrot, spinach and lettuce in a blender. Apply the mixture to your hair, leave on for 15 minutes, and then rinse gently. |
When cucumber is dangerous - contraindications
Another contraindication for the use of cucumbers is the lactation period, as they give a bitter and unpleasant taste to milk.
In the case of therapy with anticoagulants, cucumber can be consumed, provided that you first remove the skin.
Cucumbers are one of the most widely grown vegetable crops in the world. They are grown in almost all countries of the world. If you look at the map and mentally draw the border of the cultivation of this crop, then it will run from the northern part of Sweden and Norway to the southern part of Canada. Large areas under cucumbers are occupied in the USA, Japan, China, and India. But most of all they are common in our country. About half of the world's cucumber crops are located in Russia, which averages 150,000 hectares. It is easier to list those zones (districts) where we do not grow cucumbers than those where they are cultivated. Almost all areas of the globe are available for cultivation.
In terms of energy (caloric) value, cucumbers are somewhat inferior to other vegetable crops. Their composition is characterized by the following indicators (in percent): water - 94.3 - 98.2, solids -1.8-5.7, including sugars - 1.07 - 2.54, proteins - 0.56 - 1.1, fiber - 0.33 - 0.78, fat - 0.08 - 0.27, ash - 0.25 - 0.58.
Not enough in cucumbers and vitamins. So, for example, they contain 10–20 mg% of vitamin C, 0.04-0.1 mg% of vitamin B, 0.04 mg% of vitamin B1; and 0.02 - 0.06 mg% provitamin A (carotene). However, cucumbers are rich in enzymes that promote better absorption of B vitamins, as well as alkalis that reduce the acidity of gastric juice. The pleasant aromatic smell of cucumber is due to the presence in it essential oil(about 10 mg per 1 kg), and it has a refreshing taste due to the presence of free organic acids (60 - 100 mg per 100 g of fresh cucumbers). Nutrients, vitamins, trace elements per 100 g:
Calories: 15.4 kcal
Water: 95.0 g
Proteins: 0.8 g
Fats: 0.1 g
Carbs: 3.0 g
Mono- and disaccharides: 2.5 g
Starch: 0.1 g
Dietary fiber: 0.7 g
Organic acids: 0.1 g
Ash: 0.5 g
Vitamin A: 0.06 mg
Vitamin B1: 0.03 mg
Vitamin B2: 0.04 mg
Vitamin B3: 0.3 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.04 mg
Vitamin B9: 4.0 mcg
Vitamin C: 10.0 mg
Vitamin E: 0.1 mg
Vitamin H: 0.9 mcg
Vitamin PP: 0.2 mg
Iron: 0.9 mg
Potassium: 141.0 mg
Calcium: 23.0 mg
Magnesium: 14.0 mg
Sodium: 8.0 mg
Phosphorus: 42.0 mg
Chlorine: 25.0 mg
Aluminum: 425.0 µg
Iodine: 3.0 mcg
Cobalt: 1.0 mcg
Manganese: 180.0 mcg
Copper: 100.0 mcg
Molybdenum: 1.0 mcg
Fluorine: 17.0 mcg
Chromium: 6.0 mcg
Zinc: 215.0 mcg
In our time, you need to enjoy plenty of fresh cucumbers, in extreme cases - lightly salted. Let's leave aside the unusual taste, wonderful aroma and unique pimply crispy greens. Let's talk about the beneficial properties of these vegetables, there are a lot of them.
As you know, cucumbers are champions among vegetable crops in terms of the amount of water they contain, enriched with biologically active substances, mineral salts, and vitamins.
The energy value of cucumbers is low - 670 J / kg, since they contain a lot of water (95–97%). Cucumber water helps dissolve harmful toxins, helping to cleanse the body. By the way, pickles are highly recommended for a snack when drinking, and cucumber pickle is recommended for a hangover.
All this leads to the conclusion that the cucumber is not very good as an independent food, but it is very important as an auxiliary food, helping to assimilate the main one, especially rich in proteins. Therefore, cucumber is very much appreciated in salads and pickles.
In addition, an enzyme similar in nature to insulin was found in cucumbers. This circumstance is important for people with diabetes.
The fresh taste and smell of cucumber are due to the presence of free organic acids and essential oil in it. Cucumber contains potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, iron, silicon and a number of other trace elements. Vitamins in cucumber are also present - C, carotene, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (B2), folic and pantothenic acids (B9 and B5). Cucumbers are a good source of iodine. Iodine, present in cucumbers in an easily digestible form, is necessary for normal functioning thyroid gland. Sulfur contained in cucumbers improves the condition of human teeth, nails and hair.
Fresh cucumber has pronounced diuretic and antipyretic properties, sharply reduces the acidity of gastric juice. Cucumber is used in folk medicine to treat gouty tumors, diseases of the lungs and kidneys. In addition, cucumber juice is a well-known cosmetic product skin rejuvenating.
Due to the low calorie content, cucumbers are indicated for people prone to obesity and obesity. By the way, experts strongly recommend that everyone who wants to lose weight and cleanse the body of toxins, arrange fasting days once a week in the summer. They should be carried out on weekends, while limiting physical activity. About 2 kg of cucumbers should be eaten per day. Such fasting days are also very indicated for people suffering from hypertension.
It is worth saying a few words about cucumber juice. Fresh cucumber juice perfectly quenches thirst, soothes and strengthens nervous system, improves memory, helps with bad gums. A mixture of cucumber juice with carrot juice is recommended for rheumatic diseases.
Cucumber juice has healing properties. For example, it is able to dissolve kidney stones, uric acid crystals in the body. Healing composition prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Cucumber juice helps dissolve many toxins that accumulate in the body. Of course, the cucumber is not able to cope with strong toxic substances that require medical intervention. But it will help with minor ailments.
Mixed with honey, it is used to treat colds and coughs. It is also added to herbal teas.
Cucumber is an excellent choleretic and laxative. Cucumber juice is especially useful. It can be obtained using a juicer. The fruits have a calming effect, regulate and unload the excessive work of the heart, liver, kidneys.
And for women, this is not only a real source of health, but also beauty. Juice and water extract of cucumber peel can rejuvenate the skin. Cucumber is an indispensable prophylactic for maintaining healthy hair and teeth. To preserve the blush on the cheeks, it is recommended to apply a mask of cucumbers mixed with grated apple once a week.
In addition, cucumber, like an apple, perfectly removes plaque and cleans teeth due to the hard peel and the whitening ability of some of the substances contained in it.
Cucumbers contain a large amount of iodine. Cucumber fruits are useful for people suffering from thyroid diseases. Folk healers have long noticed: whoever eats cucumbers enough does not suffer from thyroid disease, which is very “popular” these days.
Contraindications to the use of cucumbers is a period of exacerbation of stomach ulcers and duodenum, acute and chronic gastritis, enterocolitis. Nutritionists do not recommend adding tomatoes to salads with cucumbers, as this dramatically reduces the nutritional value cucumbers. It is not recommended to eat pickles with obesity, obesity, acute and chronic nephritis, pyelonephritis, exacerbation of gastritis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia. It remains to be added that people suffering from colitis should not abuse fresh cucumbers.
Cucumber belongs to the gourd family. The length of the main stem of the plant reaches 2 meters, it has strong numerous antennae, which can cling to the support. They are eaten when they have not reached full maturity. juicy fruits. Currently, various varieties of cucumbers with useful properties have been bred. We will talk about the composition and properties of cucumbers.
Varieties and varieties
Cucumber varieties are divided into several varieties:
— Pickling
A distinctive feature is a bright dark green color with black spikes. They have thick skin.
Their skin is softer compared to the previous variety, the taste is sweetish, there is no bitterness.
They are distinguished by long maturation, their length is 15-35 cm, color - different shades green.
They have fast ripening, smaller fruit size (from 6 to 20 cm) compared to winter varieties, excellent taste.
Such varieties are very fertile, their fruits are graceful gherkins, which are excellent for canning.
- shade-tolerant
They are a subspecies of summer cucumbers. They grow well and bear fruit in shady places.
- Early maturing
The ripening period of such cucumbers is 45-50 days. The fruits have excellent taste.
— Cold-resistant
The most unpretentious variety that can withstand even sharp temperature fluctuations without damage to the crop. It also has great drought tolerance.
– bee pollinated
This variety is sown with empty flowers to attract insects for a richer harvest.
- Parthenocarpic
The plant does not need bees for pollination. it best grade for greenhouse cultivation.
Chemical composition
The product is considered very useful due to the presence of carotene, fiber, B vitamins, trace elements (iron, chlorine, sodium, iodine, zinc). The composition of cucumbers and the amount of useful components of a cucumber depend on the soil and the place in which they grew.
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The average figures per 100 grams of fresh product are as follows: 0.8 grams - proteins, 0.1 grams - fats, 2.5 grams - carbohydrates. 100 grams of cucumber is 14 kilocalories.
Useful properties of cucumber
Cucumber refers to dietary products. Many people like its taste and aroma, and the composition of cucumbers and high nutritional value with a minimum calorie content are considered ideal conditions for people struggling with excess weight. That is why cucumber is often found in various diets.
In the composition of the cucumber, only 3-5% is allocated to useful substances, and the rest is water. Eating cucumbers may reduce the risk of kidney stones and cholelithiasis. It is useful for the thyroid gland, its beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. It has a laxative effect on the body, contributes to a slight decrease in pressure. Cucumber seeds cleanse the blood of "bad" cholesterol.
In cosmetology, the ability to rejuvenate is used. Cucumber juice well whitens and refreshes the skin. Eating improves teeth and gums. It has the ability of light anesthesia. Traditional healers use cucumber to treat chronic coughs.
Does cucumber have contraindications?
Oddly enough, but such a seemingly harmless and beloved by all product as a cucumber has its own contraindications.
Acting on the body as a powerful cleanser, it is not recommended for people with diseases such as kidney failure, all types of hepatitis. It should be avoided during periods of exacerbation of gastritis, colitis, dyskinesia (dysmotility) of the biliary tract.
Juicy crispy fruit is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance. Some people may experience unwanted allergic reactions to it.
The benefits of cucumber for children
Children usually love juicy beautiful cucumbers. The composition of cucumbers is extremely useful for children and is completely safe for their nutrition. You just need to strictly adhere to certain rules.
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Cucumbers ( Cucumis sativus) is called a herbaceous annual of the family Pumpkin, the fruits of which have the shape of a long cylinder, are painted green - from light green to dark green shades. According to botanical characteristics, the cucumber fruit is a berry, inside of which there is a juicy pulp and a huge amount of edible seeds (calorizator). Cucumbers have been grown for food for more than six thousand years, for the first time the juicy green fruits of a wild cucumber began to be cultivated in India, over time, the cucumber migrated to Asia, Europe and Egypt, then the victorious procession of cucumbers swept the entire globe, because only, perhaps, in Antarctica not grow cucumbers.
Cucumber calories
The calorie content of cucumber is 15 kcal per 100 grams of product.
Composition and useful properties of cucumber
95% of the composition of cucumbers is occupied by structured water, which is very useful for the body, because it flushes the kidneys and removes unnecessary toxins, salts of heavy metals and toxins. the composition of the cucumber also contains:, vitamins, essential minerals:, and, and, and,. In terms of fiber content, cucumber occupies a leading position among vegetable crops, alimentary fiber gently cleanse the intestines without causing discomfort, improve intestinal motility and peristalsis. Regular consumption of fresh cucumbers has a positive effect on the state of the thyroid gland, prevents the occurrence of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels, and is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Harm cucumber
Cucumbers should not be carried away by people suffering from chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers, especially in the acute stage, nephritis and other kidney diseases. Cucumbers purchased out of season can cause severe poisoning if they contain nitrates, which are used to quickly ripen the fruit.
Cucumbers are frequent guests of fasting days and diets, they are low-calorie and tasty. , and - here are just a few examples of how you can use the pleasure of delicious foods to the benefit of the beauty and harmony of the body.
Varieties of cucumbers
Cucumbers are grown by almost all summer residents and gardeners, both in greenhouses and in open ground, and sometimes - on the windowsills or balconies of city apartments. Popular early ripe varieties of cucumbers - Early Altai, Vyaznikovsky, Murom, Graceful, Hybrid Success. Of the mid-season varieties, the most popular are: Rodnichok, Dolzhik and Nerosimy, among the late-ripening varieties: Nezhinsky, Donskoy, Dar Altai. The main condition for an excellent harvest is warm and moist soil, to prevent frost and watering cucumbers with cold water.
The use of cucumbers in cosmetology
The easiest way to improve complexion or relieve puffiness from tired eyes is to apply grated cucumber pulp or thin cucumber slices to the skin. Cucumbers perfectly tone and moisturize the skin, reduce wrinkles and remove puffiness, have a slight whitening effect and anti-inflammatory properties. On the basis of lotions are made to cleanse the skin.
The use of cucumbers in cooking
Cucumbers are eaten fresh, pickled and salted - in barrels and jars, each housewife (and often the owner) has her own signature recipe and secret ingredient for preparations of cucumbers for the future. Almost the entire set of summer salads from fresh vegetables, vinaigrette and Russian salad, okroshka and hodgepodge cannot be imagined without cucumbers. Overseas rolls and Russian are equally good with cucumbers. It is very tasty to eat fresh cucumbers with or, it turns out an excellent dessert, not burdensome for the figure.
To learn more about cucumbers, their benefits for the body, watch the video clip of the TV show "About the most important thing."
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