Cucumber is a vegetable very low in calories but rich in water, minerals and antioxidants that help to hydrate the body and maintain the proper functioning of the intestine, thus ensuring health.
In addition to the pulp, the peel and seeds can also be eaten and are rich in fibers and beta-carotene, which contribute to the health of the eyes, skin and hair.
Thus, the health benefits of cucumber are:
- It helps to lose weight, because it is low in calories and gives a feeling of satiety; Improves muscle contraction and health, as it contains potassium and magnesium; Improves blood circulation, being low in fat and rich in water; Maintains hydration, as it is mainly made of water; Improves intestinal transit due to the presence of fibers; Prevents cancer, as it is rich in flavonoids and lignans, which are powerful antioxidants; Improves the health of the skin, nails, eyes and hair, as it contains antioxidants and carotenoids; Improves heart health, as it is rich in potassium.
The cucumber's rigid peel and its water-rich interior guarantee a temperature always lower than that of the environment, which makes it excellent for refreshing and toning the skin when placed on the skin or under dark circles for example.
To obtain these benefits, you should consume 1 to 3 units of cucumber per week, which can be used in salads, juices and in the form of pickles. But when cucumber digestion is not done well, a good alternative for consuming it is to put slices of cucumber in the water and drink the water during the day. For each liter of water, it is recommended to put about 250 g of cucumber.
Nutritional information and how to use
The following table represents the nutritional composition of 100 g of raw cucumber:
| Carbohydrate | 1.7 g | Carotenoids | 35 mcg |
| Protein | 1.4 g | Potassium | 140 mg |
| Fat | 0.6 g | Magnesium | 8 mg |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | Phosphor | 18 mg |
| Energy | 19 Kcal | --- |
Cucumbers can be eaten raw, added in juices and vitamins, or eaten in the form of pickles, which keep food for longer. However, not all people are able to efficiently digest cucumber, and a good alternative to eating low-calorie fiber and vitamins is by eating zucchini or eggplant. Know the importance that fibers have for health.
Cucumber Pickle Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of cider or apple vinegar; 1 tablespoon of sugar; 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger; 1 Japanese cucumber.
Method of preparation:
Mix the sugar, vinegar and ginger and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Add the cucumber cut in very thin slices with the peel and leave for at least two hours in the refrigerator before serving.
Cucumber Detox Juice
Ingredients:
- 2 apples with peel, 1 medium cucumber, 3 mint leaves.
Method of preparation:
Remove the seeds from the apples and beat all the ingredients in the blender. Drink ice cream without adding sugar. See other cucumber juice recipes that help you lose weight.
Cucumber salad
Ingredients:
- 4 lettuce leaves; 1/2 pack of watercress; 1 large diced tomato; 1 hard-boiled egg; 1 cucumber in strips or diced; 1 grated carrot; olive oil, vinegar, parsley, lemon and oregano for seasoning.
Method of preparation:
Cook the egg and cut the vegetables, mixing everything and seasoning as desired. Serve fresh as a starter for lunch or dinner. If you want, you can add shredded chicken or tuna to eat for dinner. See other great salad recipes for weight loss.
