What is Cucumber ?
Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus Linn belongs to the family of cucurbits or cucurbitaceae. It is a warm season crop that matures relatively in a short period of time. Cucumber can be grown on almost any kind of good soil. A light heavy and well drained soil, which contains an abundance of organic matter, is favorable for growing cucumber.
In the Philippines, cucumber is known as “pipino”. The fruits are processed into sweet pickles and in many cases it is eaten raw as salad. Cucumber fruit is said to have a cleansing property for skin blemishes.
In the Philippines, cucumber is known as “pipino”. The fruits are processed into sweet pickles and in many cases it is eaten raw as salad. Cucumber fruit is said to have a cleansing property for skin blemishes.
Uses :
- Aid in weight loss: Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people who are looking for weight loss.
- Hydration: They are 95% water but far more nutritious.
- Diuretic: It encourages the elimination of waste products from the body through urination. Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.
- Nutrition: They contain vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
- Energy: They are a good source of B-vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up when needed!
- Skin care: The high water content, antioxidants, and the presence of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, and silica make cucumbers an essential part of skin care. Facial masks containing cucumber juice can be used for skin tightening. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid present in cucumbers can bring down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the puffiness and swelling under the eyes. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.
- Anti-fog: Rub a slice of cucumber on mirrors to prevent fogging.
- Fight cancers: Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol which are linked to a reduced risk of several types of cancer.
- Pest control: Place a few slices in a small pie tin in your garden soil and the scent produced from the reaction with the aluminum drives grubs and slugs away
- Control blood pressure: Cucumber juice contains a lot of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and phytonutrients that work effectively for regulating blood pressure.