Cucumbers are one of the most cool foods. Cucumbers are ideal for healthy eating because they are low in calories and high in vitamins. According to Men's Health, the cucumber became a superfood in 2019.

Cucumbers come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow and orange, but they are classified as either slicing or pickling according to the Growing Guide. Cucumbers that are grown to be eaten fresh are called slicing cucumbers, while cucumbers that are brined are called pickling cucumbers.

Dasher, Conquistador, Slicemaster, Victory, Comet, Burpee hybrid and sprint are some of the commonly planted cucumber varieties in the US. There are many varieties of cucumber that can be planted.

Cucumbers are a fruit, not a vegetable. They grow from the ovary of plants. Cucumbers are part of the family Cucurbitaceae which also includes squashes and melons. The garden cucumber is the most common type of cucumber found in a grocery store.

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Nutritional profile

Carotenoids, lignans and triterpenes, which are found in cucumbers, are good sources of anti-cancer, anti-Inflammation and anti-Alzheimer's agents. "We should definitely seek out foods that are nutrient-rich, using the positive approach of what to put on your plate vs. The peel and seeds have high levels of vitamins and minerals. They contain some vitamins and minerals. Lemond said that the benefits ofBeta carotene include immunity, skin, eye and the prevention of cancer. Cucumber seeds have been found to be a good source of minerals and calcium.

"Cucumbers are low in calories, fat, and cholesterol, which is why they're good for you," said Megan Ware. Cucumber has just 16 calories in it's cup. You will get about 4% of your daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.

Everything you need to know about cucumber nutrition can be found in the US Food and Drug Administration's website.

Nutrition Facts Cucumber, with peel, raw Serving size: 1/2 cup, sliced (52 g) Calories 8   Calories from Fat 0 *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Amt per Serving%DV*Amt per Serving%DV*
Total Fat 0g0%Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
Cholesterol 0mg0%Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sodium 1mg2%Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A1%Calcium1%
Vitamin C2%Iron1%

Hydration

According to the website, cucumbers are 98% water. Cucumbers are a great source of hydration during the summer.

Lemond said that foods like these help us get 20% of our fluid needs through our diet alone. They are high in water content and have important vitamins that play a part in hydration.

Cucumbers have anti- inflammatory compounds that help remove waste from the body and reduce skin irritation. Cucumbers have been found to promote anti-wrinkling and anti-aging activity.

Cancer prevention

Lignans and Cucurbitacins are anti-cancer compounds found in cucumbers. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have been interested in using Cucurbitacins in new cancer drugs. Scientists have found that Cucurbitacins can help block the signaling pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation and survival.

According to a study published in the Journal of Cancer Research, Cucurbitacins can be found in cucumbers and can be used to fight cancer.

The claim that Cucumber kills lung cancer cells was assessed by health feedback in 2021. There isn't evidence showing that cucumber or Cucurbitacin B promotes cell death according to Health Feedback. Cucumber doesn't seem to kill or reduce lung cancer cells according to the current evidence.

Skin

A woman relaxing in a spa with cucumber over her eyes

Putting cucumber on your eyes during a pampering routine is backed up by scientific fact. (Image credit: Getty/ Jupiterimages)

People at a spa have cucumber slices over their eyes. Science is behind this ritual. Cucumbers have a cooling and soothing effect that decreases inflammation and swelling. Cucumber slices can be placed on the eyes to decrease morning puffiness, and they can also be used to treat sunburn. Vegetables are associated with a healthy complexion in general.

Bone health

In the past few decades, it has become clear that bone health is related to the amount of vitamins K and K2 in the diet.

Women seem to benefit the most from the human body's use of vitamins K and C. A number of studies have looked at the role of low-Vitamin K levels in relation to the risk of fracturing. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted a study in 2003 that showed that women have lower bone density than men. A 1999 study found that middle-aged women with low intakes of vitamins K and K2 were more likely to break their hip. The women saw results from eating lettuce and found that it was good for their health. When it comes to men, the effects of vitamins K and calcium may become more apparent as they age.

A recent study shows thatVitamin K plays an important part in bone health. In observational studies, low intakes of vitamins K and ucOC are associated with a higher risk of broken bones. Clinical trials don't achieve conclusive results and there is still controversy over the use of vitamins K1 and K2. There is a need for high-quality clinical trials in order to clarify the role of vitamins K and K2 in the risk of broken bones.

Antioxidants

Lemond said that food with high levels ofAntioxidants allow your body to function well.

Carotenoids, triterpenes and lignans are found in Cucumbers and have anti- inflammatory properties. According to the American Optometric Association, beta-carotene has been shown to be beneficial for vision, and it is known for its immunity benefits. According to a 2010 animal study published in the Journal of YoungPharmacists fresh extracts from cucumber showed increased free radicals. There are a variety of human diseases and free radicals can sometimes be held in check.

A study of cucumber extracts in animals found an increase in the amount of anti-oxidants. The use of cucumbers can improve the appearance of your skin and inside organs.

There is a positive association between the triterpene Cucurbitacin and reduced inflammation in cancer cells. According to a review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, triterpenes can help with inflammation and encourage future research.

Heart health

A doctor listening to a man's heart using a stethoscope

Eating cucumber, along with other fruits and vegetables, is associated with a reduced risk of many heart conditions. (Image credit: Getty/ Sarinya Pinngam / EyeEm)

According to Ware, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk for many health conditions. Cucumbers have a high amount of potassium. One cup of sliced cucumbers is only 4% of the body's daily needs, but it has less calories than many high-potassium foods. According to the American Heart Association, one of the most important parts of heart health is the amount of Potassium. A 2012 study of 12,000 adults, published in Archives of Internal Medicine (opens in new tab), showed that those who consumed 4,069mg of potassium each day had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and ischemic heart disease.

Cucumber consumption has been shown to reduce hypertension. According to Today's Dietitian, many studies have linked it with lower blood pressure because of its ability to widen the blood vessels. According to a study published in Public Health of Indonesia, elderly participants with hypertension saw a decrease in blood pressure after consuming cucumber juice for 12 days.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the blood-clotting process is dependent on the amount of vitamins K and C found in cucumbers.

Digestion

Cucumbers provide both fiber and water, so they may be able to relieve constipation. If cucumbers are turned into pickles, they can pack even more of a punch. Cucumbers contain beneficial gut flora. Because they have been boiled out, store-bought pickles don't have thesebacteria.

Weight loss

A woman in exercise clothing holding a glass of cucumber juice

A woman holds a glass of cucumber juice. (Image credit: Getty/ d3sign)

Cucumbers are popular in diet meals because they are low in calories. It's an excellent snack for people looking to lose weight because it has zero fat, low- calories. The study found that people who drank more water lost more weight. Participants who drank 500 million liters of water prior to their meal lost an average of 4 pounds. It was more than the people who didn't. Cucumbers are a great way to increase water intake.

Lemond cautions against relying too much on cucumbers. People who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables tend to have a better weight. She doesn't recommend eating only cucumber.

Brain health and memory

Scientists have become interested in the fisetin. Cucumbers are a good source of fisetin, which has been shown to protect nerve cells, improve memory and decrease the risk of Alzheimer's in mice. There were promising results for the relationship between fisetin and cancer prevention.

Risks of eating cucumbers

Some risks can be associated with eating cucumbers. One of the concerns is pesticide consumption. The Dirty Dozen is a list of fruits and vegetables that have the highest levels of pesticides in them. One of the fruits and vegetables that the Environmental Working Group has placed on its Dirty Dozen list is Cucumbers. Cucumber was the number 17 on the list.

Cucumbers may be protected during shipping with a wax. According to World's Healthiest Foods, organics can only use non-synthetic waxes with chemicals approved for organic use. Buying organic cucumbers is encouraged by World's Healthiest Foods. If you can't afford organic cucumbers, you shouldn't avoid them. The risks of not eating conventionally grown produce outweigh the benefits.

You don't want to put too much on cucumbers because they're healthy. Cucumbers are great for hydration, so keep them in along with other plant foods. It is always important to have variety.

Pickles

Fermented pickles in a jar

Gherkin pickles are usually just immature cucumbers (Image credit: Getty/ Yulia Naumenko)

Pickling is a way of keeping food fresh. The Exploratorium says that there are two basic types of pickles.

Brine is water that has been saturated with salt. The Dutch word pekel means brine and the wordpickle is derived from it. Brines can contain other ingredients.

Kosher Dills are brined with garlic. "Kosher" doesn't mean the cucumbers have been prepared according to kosher laws, but it does mean garlic has been added to the brining process.

According to Masterclass, geerkin pickles are usually young cucumbers.

Additional Resources

Cornell University has a guide for growing cucumbers. Cleveland Clinic has a list of 7 foods that will satisfy your hunger and help you lose weight.

Bibliography

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