Cucumbers are one of those vegetables that you find almost anywhere. In different shapes and sizes and shades of green, they are the 4th most widely cultivated vegetable in the world. And I happen to love them. Right now, here in India the local “kakdi” is in season. Long, thin, light green and super crunchy and delicious. So here is my ode to the cucumber: a list of health benefits and a few recipes to inspire you to eat more of them..
- Cucumbers are more than 90% water which makes them very hydrating. They grow in warm weather which is obviously the perfect time to include them in your diet as they have cooling properties as well.
- They are a low calorie food which makes them a perfect snack.
- They are a natural diuretic; helping to reduce water retention and they have a mild cleansing action.
- Cucumbers are high in phytonutrients including 3 different kinds of lignans which have been linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- They are high in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory in nature due to their high level of vitamin K.
- Cucumbers pack a decent dose of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, manganese, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B5 and silica.
- Most of these nutrients are found in the skin and the seeds so try to buy organic cucumbers and eat them with the skin. You could eat conventionally grown cucumbers with the skin on if they are not waxed and after cleaning them well with a vegetable brush under running water.
- Apparently, the saying “cool as a cucumber” is actually based on a scientific fact: the inside of a cucumber can be up to 10 degrees Celsius cooler then the outside air.
For cool cucumber recipes have a look at:
Cucumber Honeydew Melon Smoothie
