Cucumber in other words cucumberAlthough often thought to be a vegetable, it is actually a fruit.
Apart from beneficial nutrients, it is high in plant compounds and antioxidants that can help treat or even prevent certain conditions.
The second reason to use the calories of cucumber It is low and contains a good amount of water and soluble fiber, which moisturizes the body and promotes weight loss.
In this text "What is cucumber "," cucumber benefits "," the nutritional value of cucumber " regarding “information about cucumber " It is given.
What is Cucumber?
Cucumber plant scientifically Cucumis sativus, It is known by its name, it is from the same family as the pumpkin so cucurbitaceae It belongs to the plant family.
They originated in various parts of Southeast Asia but are now grown all over the world.
Depending on size and color variety cucumber varieties can vary significantly, but is best known for its elongated, cylindrical shape and bright green skin.
What Does Cucumber Do?
Cucumberflavonoids and tannins have been found to have both free radical scavenging and pain relieving effects.
Traditionally, this herb is used for headaches; It is diuretic, the juice of this plant is nutritious and is used in anti-acne lotions.
Widely consumed as it is the fourth most widely grown "vegetable" (technically a fruit) in the world.
Cucumber Nutritional Value
How many calories in cucumber?
Cucumber calories low in weight, but high in many important vitamins and minerals. 300 grams unpeeled raw cucumber nutritional content is as follows:
Calories: 45
Total fat: 0 grams
Carbs: 11 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI
Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
Potassium: 13% of the RDI
Manganese: 12% of the RDI
Cucumber Vitamins
It has high water content, cucumber water ratio is about 96%. To maximize the nutrient content, it is necessary to eat them with their peel.
Peeling reduces the amount of fiber as well as some vitamins and minerals. Highly Vitamin K It contains. Cucumber protein and sugar ratio is not high.
Antioxidants are molecules known as free radicals that block oxidation. The buildup of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic diseases.
Oxidative stress caused by free radicals has been linked to cancer and heart, lung, and autoimmune diseases.
Cucumber Such fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in beneficial antioxidants that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Provides moisturizing
Water is essential to the function of our body. It plays a role in processes such as temperature regulation and transport of waste products and nutrients.
Proper hydration of the body affects everything from physical performance to metabolism.
While most of the fluid needs are met from drinking water and other liquids, water taken from food accounts for 40% of the total water intake.
Especially fruits and vegetables are a good source of water.
CucumberSince it consists of approximately 96% water, it is particularly effective in hydration and helps to meet daily fluid needs.
Does cucumber weaken?
It helps to lose weight in different ways. First of all, it's low in calories. You can eat as much as you want without worrying about the extra calories. The high water content is also effective in losing weight.
Lowers blood sugar
Various animal and tube studies, Benefits of eating cucumbersIt has been found that it can help lower blood sugar levels and prevent some of the complications of diabetes.
An animal study examined the effects of various herbs on blood sugar. Cucumber It has been shown to effectively reduce and control blood sugar levels.
Additionally, a test tube study cucumber It found that it could be effective in reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes-related complications.
Regulates bowel movements
Eating cucumberhelps support regular bowel movements. Dehydration is an important risk factor for constipation because it can alter the water balance and make stool passage difficult.
Cucumber water ratio Since it is high, it increases hydration. Thus, bowel movements are regulated and constipation is reduced.
It also contains fiber that helps regulate bowel movements. In particular, pectin, the type of soluble fiber found in it, helps increase the frequency of bowel movements.
Skin benefits of cucumber
Due to its anti-inflammatory effect skin benefits of cucumber is a food. Used directly on the skin sliced cucumber; It has a cooling and soothing effect that reduces swelling, irritation and inflammation.
To homemade face and hair care masks for extra moisture cucumber try to add. Its natural cooling effect gives freshness to the skin.
Is Cucumber Fruit or Vegetable?
Is cucumber fruit?
Many people cucumber vegetable scientific definition suggests that it is a type of fruit.
This distinction is primarily based on its biological function. In botany, fruits allow a flowering plant to reproduce. A fruit is formed from the ovary inside the flower and contains seeds that will eventually grow into new plants.
In contrast, "vegetable" is a term used for other parts of a plant such as leaves, stems or roots.
Cucumbergrows from flowers and contains dozens of seeds that can be used to grow the next generation of crops. This basic function indicates that, according to science, it is fruit.
Most of the confusion in classifying different fruits and vegetables is due to culinary use. The culinary definition of a fruit or vegetable is often based on its flavor profile, texture, and applications within a particular meal.
Fruits are very sweet, typically softer, more delicate in texture. It is used in desserts, pastries, sauces, and dishes that require such flavors and textures.
On the other hand, vegetables are generally harder in texture and bitter in flavor profile. It is generally suitable for delicious dishes such as soups and salads.
Cucumber It is generally used as a vegetable in the kitchen.
What Are Cucumber Harms?
Excessive fluid loss
Cucumber, diuretic It is the source of cucurbit, a component known to have properties. Although the diuretic nature is moderate, excessive consumption is harmful.
Ingested in large quantities, this diuretic ingredient causes excessive elimination of fluid in the body and impaired electrolytic balance.
Side effects of excess vitamin C
Vitamin C is an immune-boosting vitamin. It also plays a huge role in preventing and combating flu and various health conditions.
It is also a powerful antioxidant. However, exceeding the recommended limits will have a detrimental effect.
C vitaminWhen taken in excess, it acts as a pro-oxidant against its natural antioxidant structure. This triggers the growth and spread of free radicals.
And when free radicals are around, it can cause cancer, acne, premature aging, etc. risks become higher.
Too much is bad for the heart
Cucumber it contains a high amount of water. Eating too much causes too much water intake. The higher the water intake, the higher the net volume of blood. This puts pressure on the blood vessels and heart.
As a result, it causes unwanted damage to the heart and blood vessels.
Excessive water presence can also create an imbalance in the blood's electrolyte levels, resulting in leakage in cells. This causes frequent headaches and hinders breathing.
Swelling
CucumberContains an ingredient called cucurbitacin. This can trigger indigestion, especially in people with a sensitive digestive system.
This causes bloating. If you have gas in your stomach when you eat onions, cabbage or broccoli. cucumber consumptionni should also be reduced.
May cause sinusitis
If you have sinusitis or any chronic respiratory disease, cucumberOne should stay away from it. The cooling effect of this vegetable exacerbates such conditions and leads to complications.
Cucumbers During Pregnancy
While it is generally considered safe during pregnancy, if consumed in excess, some uncomfortable situations can occur;
- The diuretic nature of this vegetable triggers frequent urination.
- Cucumberis a good source of fiber and therefore excessive consumption can cause bloating. You may also experience abdominal pain and bloating.
How to Store Cucumbers?
CucumberIt can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
As a result;
Cucumber; It is a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile vegetable. It is low in calories but contains many important vitamins and minerals and high water content.
It provides many benefits such as weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity, and low blood sugar levels. Botanically it is a fruit, but is considered a vegetable in culinary use.
