Facts about the cucumber that you should know:
Cucumbers belong to the same family like watermelon, pumpkin (the Cucurbitaceae). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made of mostly water (95%) with numerous vitamins and minerals, according to pro health news.
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, 1 cup of raw sliced cucumber with peel contains 115 grams of water, 16 calories, 0.8 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat and 2.9 grams of carbohydrate. Furthermore, 1 cup cucumber provides 11% of vitamin K, 4% of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and manganese and 2% of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and copper needs for the day.
Cucumbers are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol- three lignans that have strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease as well as several types of cancer. It contains potassium which is associated with lower blood pressure levels, according to pro health news.
Cucumbers are a valuable source of conventional antioxidant nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese. In addition, cucumbers contain numerous flavonoid antioxidants including quercetin, apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol. Fresh cucumber extracts have also been shown to reduce unwanted inflammation. Cucumber accomplishes this task by inhibiting of pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase 2 and preventing overproduction of nitric oxide.
Cucumbers contain polyphenols which may help to lower risk of breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancers. They also contain phytonutrients called Cucurbitacins which also have anti-cancer properties. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, "scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways that is the JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways required for cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins.
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with higher risk for bone fracture. Vitamin K in cucumbers play a very important role in strengthening bones by promoting orthotropic activity. The high amount of silica in it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissue. It is also a good source of calcium that also maintains the body's hormone balance by controlling hormone release.
The vegetable that we intake is filled with many benefits. We should include it more actively in our daily routine.
