Cucumbers are supposed to have originated from India. This unassuming vegetable is a cooling food, very much used in vegetable juices. Little wonder then, that the adage “keeping cool as a cucumber” has originated from this wonderful vegetable. This adage is literally true due to its cooling effect on blood.
Health Benefits of Cucumber
- Herbalists recommend cucumber juice to reduce puffiness around the eyes and to calm down acne.
- Because cucumbers, like watermelons, are 95% water, they keep the body hydrated and help regulate the body’s inner temperature.
- Other studies have shown that cucumbers, when eaten regularly, help to regulate uric acid, so it is great for prevention of certain kidney or bladder stones.
- Leave the skin on. The skin contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 10% of the daily recommended allowance. If you do like your cucumbers peeled, the skin can be used to relieve sunburn and mild skin irritations, similar to Aloe Vera.
- Being rich in minerals, cucumber helps prevent splitting of nails of the fingers and toes.
- Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.
Amount
- Half a cup of sliced cucumber with skins contains .3 grams fiber.
Protein - .34 grams
Calories - 8
Minerals Contained
- Potassium - 76 mg
- Phosphorus - 12 mg
- Magnesium - 7 mg
- Sodium - 1 mg
- Calcium - 8 mg
- Iron - 0.15 mg
- Zinc - 0.1 mg
- Copper - 0.021 mg
- Manganese - 0.041 mg
- Selenium - 0.2 mcg
- Also contains small amounts of other minerals.
Vitamins Contained
- Vitamin C - 1.5 mg
- Niacin - 0.051 mg
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.014 mg
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.017 mg
- Vitamin B6 - 0.021 mg
- Folate - 4 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid - 0.135 mg
- Vitamin A - 55 IU
- Vitamin K - 8.5 mcg
- Vitamin E - 0.02 mg
- Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.