Cucumber is a type of vegetable that goes into plant families such as pumpkin and watermelon (family Cucurbitaceae). The content of water in cucumber vegetables is the same as that of watermelon, which consists mostly of (95 percent) of water, which means consuming cucumbers on a hot summer day, can help keep the body hydrated.
In Indonesia itself, many cucumbers are consumed as food that is not through the process of heating (in eating raw), such as salad or vegetables. Many consume cucumbers, can provide good properties for the body. Here are some good cucumber benefits for our body.
Nutrition In Cucumber
Cucumber consists of 95% water and naturally low in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium. According to USDA National Database Nutrition, 1 cup of cucumber slices with skin (about 119 grams) contains:
115 grams of water
16 calories
0.8 grams of protein
0.2 grams of fat
2.9 grams of carbohydrates (including 0.9 grams of fiber and 1.8 grams of sugar)
In this cup of cucumber, it also provides daily requirement of substances such as 11% of vitamin K, 4% vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and manganese and 2% of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and copper.
Benefits of Cucumber for Health
Benefits of cucumbers for health is very diverse, consuming cucumber will increase the intake of various substances that are important for the body. Here are reviews of the various benefits of cucumber for the health of the human body.
- Protecting the Brain
Inside the cucumber there are a number of substances called flavanols (fisetin), which have the benefit of increasing memory and protecting nerve cells, from decreased age-related brain functions. In a study conducted by rats, this fisetin compound provides progressive protection against Alzheimer's disorders.
- Antioxidant intake
Cucumber is rich with various types of antioxidants also terdiRI of:
flavonoids
quercetin
apigenin
luteolin
kaempferol
including vitamin C and beta carotene
Antioxidants can help fight the growth of cancer symptoms and reduce the risk of chronic diseases including heart disease.
- Maintain water intake for the body
Cucumber contains 96% water content better than ordinary water. Hacking cucumbers, can avoid dehydration and of course help neutralize toxins in the body.
- Healthy Heart
The content in cucumber juice in the form of potassium as in the benefits of bananas, also magnesium and fiber are very well consumed for people with high or low blood. The balance of potassium inside and outside the cells is very important for the body, to control the state of blood pressure in the body.
As an electrolyte, potassium is an ion having a positive charge that must be maintained in a certain concentration (about 30 times higher in than outside the cell) in order to carry out its function. These include the interaction of substances against sodium, to help the transmission of nerve control impulses, muscle contractions, and heart function.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Cucumbers are very low in calories, which work like the apple benefits for diet. Make a snack by filling one cup of cucumber, containing only 16 calories. The soluble fiber in cucumber is textured like a gel in the intestine, which helps to slow down digestion. The stomach will feel full longer and this is one of the reasons, why fiber-rich foods can help control weight.
- Good for healthy teeth and gums
Chewing cucumbers can stimulate the salivary glands to produce more and can reduce the acidic substances in the oral cavity and the ingredients that grow in it. Other gum disease such as pyorrea can effectively be treated by cucumbers.
- Supports Healthy Digestion
In the cucumber there are two basic compositions of the most rich in existence, and the most necessary for healthy digestion of water and fiber. Abundant fiber and water content clears the intestines from toxins. Cucumber skin contains soluble fiber, which helps increase the need for defecation. This helps food move through the digestive tract faster for healthy digestion.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Cucumbers are very low in calories, but they make a filling snack (one cup of cucumber slices contains only 16 calories) .8 soluble fiber in cucumber dissolves into a gel-like texture in your intestines, helping to slow down your digestion. This will help you feel full longer and is one of the reasons why fiber-rich foods can help with weight control.
- Helps cure symptoms of rheumatic and gout disease
Vitamin A, B, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium in cucumbers mixed with carrot juice to get the benefits of carrots, able to relieve astritis pain and uric acid levels in the body.
Benefits of Cucumber For Beauty Treatment
One of the most favored women on ketimun, which is very good to overcome the problem of beauty. Here are the benefits of cucumber for beauty as follows:
- Reduce dark circles in the eyes
Benefits of cucumber on the content of silica in cucumber can help skin rejuvenation around the eyes. Simply compress it with a piece of cucumber on the eye.
- Reduce black spots
Grated cucumber that dibaluri to the face and neck, believed to reduce black spots due to exposure to the sun. This is because the cucumber can be used as a natural tonic.
- Prevent wrinkles on the skin
Benefits of cucumber to provide a natural feeling of freshness for the skin, because it contains water so good to clean the face and moisturize the skin. Cucumber pieces are simply attached to the skin on a regular basis.
Most natural foods do provide some important nutrients for the body, such as this cucumber. Consumption of every kind of fruits and vegetables to meet every body's nutritional needs.