Cucumber effect on the body. Cucumbers: calorie content, benefits and harms, medicinal properties of a vegetable

Few people know that our favorite crispy and refreshing cucumbers are representatives of the pumpkin family. annual plant with oval shape, some varieties with pimples, others are even - frequent and welcome guests on our table. Fragile with delicious cucumbers, it's time to think about the benefits and harms of a vegetable, what beneficial properties can improve our health, and whether it is possible to lose weight on a cucumber diet. Let's talk about everything in order.

A bit of cucumber history

Elastic to the touch and juicy inside, with a characteristic green color on the outside and light green, almost white inside, the cucumber contains many seeds. If it is overripe, it resembles a pumpkin and melon in appearance, but we use it as if in an unripe state. But in a fresh cucumber, seeds are not felt, but they allow you to enjoy barely perceptible seals.

As it turned out, the vegetable familiar to us, which we include in food in fresh, canned and other forms, has been present in human life for more than 6 thousand years. For the first time, a wild plant was cultivated back in India, then the vegetable migrated to Asia, Egypt and Europe. Thus, the cucumber was a victorious step in all points of the planet. Someone will object that it does not grow in Antarctica and in the Arctic. If you put a greenhouse, bring in the soil and grow it using modern technologies- the cucumber will grow there too. After all, the technology of growing in greenhouse conditions arose in ancient times, so in the cold seasons the inhabitants of Byzantium received the harvest, from where the tasty fruit came to the tables of our Russian ancestors.

The fact that cucumber is very good for health was already known in those days. Therefore, everything was used - the pulp, the peel, the juice of the plant.

Useful composition of cucumber

The product we describe is a low calorie champion. There are only 14 kcal in 100 grams of cucumber, which is the reason for inclusion in the diet when fasting days, for weight loss. But we'll talk about that later. Now about the useful composition of the cucumber, which includes substances such as vitamins of groups B, A, C, PP.

95 percent of it consists of structured and very useful water for the human body. This liquid, like a brush, washes our kidneys and removes toxins, toxins, salts of heavy metals and decay products from the body. It is for this reason that cucumbers are recommended to people working in radioactive and chemical enterprises. The list of useful substances includes chlorophylls, sugars, organic acids essential oils and starch.
The vegetable also contains magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, iodine, chromium, zinc, phosphorus, beta-carotene, folic acid etc.
Cucumbers are the champions in terms of content coarse fiber, fiber, which gently and gently cleanses the intestines of fecal stones and toxins, stimulates peristalsis, and regulates metabolism.
Inclusion in a regular diet allows you to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland, which by itself affects the regulation hormonal background organism.
Cucumbers, cucumber juice easily neutralize harmful acids and normalize the acid-base balance.
Antioxidants in the vegetable can reduce acidity, the level of body fat, and prevent the accumulation of harmful cholesterol due to sterols.
Cucumber juice and its pulp is a choleretic and laxative agent with a mild, sparing effect. Vegetable enzymes quickly break down carbohydrates, help protein to be absorbed - for this reason, cucumber salad is recommended as a side dish for fatty dishes.
Potassium has a beneficial effect on the function of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys.
Magnesium soothes nervous system, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, regulates blood flow, pressure, helps prevent ischemia and atherosclerosis.
Iodine is responsible for the functions of the thyroid gland and has an anti-sclerotic property, stimulates the work of the entire endocrine system our body.
A huge amount of ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system, in this case it is better to choose small cucumbers.
Cucumber juice helps with gout, as it effectively removes uric acid from the body.
Phosphorus, like magnesium, calms the nerves, relieves depression, stress, irritability, anxiety, normalizes sleep and eliminates insomnia.
Potassium helps the structural fluid of the vegetable to enter and cleanse the cells and relieves swelling.
Cucumbers are indicated for urolithiasis, remove sand and improve the process of urination.

Cucumbers for the beauty of the female body

Is it worth spending big money to improve the condition of the skin, its elasticity and velvety? After all great medicine, and in all respects are vegetables growing underfoot. Cucumbers occupy a respectable place among the leaders.

Since ancient times, women have used vegetables not only as food product but also cosmetic. The substances it contains structured water tones the skin, tightens, clears blackheads, relieves inflammation and rejuvenates, removing fine wrinkles.

Vitamin B - natural collagen - removes excess subcutaneous fat, inflammation, treats rashes and removes blackheads.
Acids with a gentle effect even out skin color and level pigmentation, freckles and are great for any type of skin - dry, oily and mixed.
Cucumber infusions and lotions stimulate hair growth, restore their structure, silkiness and density.

Important: with thermal and sunburn Cucumber juice helps a lot. To do this, apply lotions with juice or cut peel to the body.

What diseases do cucumbers treat?

To summarize the benefits of cucumbers as a vegetable with a huge amount of nutrients, we suggest remembering the list of diseases in which it is recommended to include a vegetable in the diet. It will help with:

gout;
urolithiasis;
thyroid diseases - hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter;
gallbladder disease;
liver diseases - hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.;
colitis;
skin diseases, rashes, burns, inflammatory processes;
constipation;
high blood pressure - hypertension;
ischemia, atherosclerosis;
obesity
bronchitis;
diabetes, etc.

Is it possible for pregnant women to eat cucumbers

This vegetable, due to its low calorie content, is not only possible, but must be included in the diet. future mother. But you should never forget that a medicine differs from a poison in a dose.

A high percentage of structural water content allows pregnant women to get rid of edema that torments them.
Due to the presence of fibers, the skin of a cucumber relieves constipation and hemorrhoids, which is a frequent companion of a future mother.
Potassium electrolyte normalizes water balance and regulates blood pressure.
The substances zeaxanthin, lutein and ascorbic acid strengthen immune system and protect against colds, infectious diseases and inflammation.
Vitamin K strengthens the bone structure and helps build a strong baby skeleton.
Folic acid - vitamin B9 is the best prevention malformations of the embryo, strengthens the neural tube and protects against pathologies.
Each useful substance in cucumbers is involved in hematopoiesis, protects against anemia, ensures the full development and growth of the baby.

Is it possible for children to eat cucumbers

As soon as they come summer days and beautiful fruits of cucumbers are formed on the beds, the children themselves are ready to pick them and eat them right there. But before feeding a child, you should find out what are the benefits and harms of cucumbers for children.

So, let's start with the main - is it possible and from what age to include cucumbers in the baby's diet. Young mothers should not rush to feed their baby with a green vegetable for a baby up to a year old. As soon as a year comes, you can serve cucumbers as a supplement to the main food at the minimum portion.

Important: premature feeding of cucumbers can cause colic in the baby.

How to give. It is strictly forbidden for babies to use pickled, pickled cucumbers, even if they are made with their own hands, in compliance with technology and sterility. They contain a lot of salt, vinegar, and a minimum of useful substances.
You should choose a fresh vegetable grown in the open field. The fruit should be elastic, with a bright color and a non-shiny, matte skin. It is not recommended to purchase dented cucumbers grown in a greenhouse and sold along roads and highways.

How to feed. Rinse the fresh cucumber thoroughly and cut off a small piece for the baby. Closely monitor the reaction of the child's body and if there are complaints of abdominal pain, capriciousness and symptoms of colic, postpone the introduction of vegetables into the diet at a later date.

Pros of eating cucumbers by children:

Silicon, iodine, potassium, sulfur, fructose, essential oils, carotene, vitamin C and essential oils help regulate metabolism, stimulate peristalsis and improve blood flow.
Useful substances and antioxidants destroy putrefactive and pathogenic microbes, including staphylococcus aureus, which is common among children.
The vegetable is one of the hypoallergenic and practically does not cause adverse reactions: redness, rash, swelling, etc.

There are also situations in which cucumbers should not be included in the child's diet:

Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, indigestion;
Store-bought vegetables may contain nitrates and pesticides - a real poison not only for children, but also for adults.

Important: you need to carefully monitor how the child gnaws and swallows the cucumber. A vegetable, especially pickled, salty, has a smoothness, and the baby can choke. For this reason, it must be cut into small pieces and given under supervision.

What are useful cucumbers for men

Cleansing, restorative and tonic effect stimulates metabolic processes, strengthens the immune system of men. Scientists point to the antirheumatic properties of the vegetable and strongly recommend eating at any time of the year in fresh.

Serious problem men's health is visceral fat that accumulates in the abdomen. Due to the inhibition of metabolic processes, purification processes, the state of stagnation and impaired blood flow, negative processes occur in the genitourinary system, develop oncological diseases etc. Consumption of cucumbers allows you to lose weight, burn visceral fats and protect against male diseases.
Mixed with, cucumbers do an excellent job with gout, and are also used to prevent the disease due to the accumulation of uric acid.
The consumption of a vegetable allows you to maintain the density and splendor of the hair for longer, nourish the hair follicles with useful substances.

Important: you can not abuse cucumber juice, taking 100 grams of juice at a time or exceeding daily dose(1 liter) the water balance of the body is disturbed, and dangerous consequences arise.

Harm and contraindications when consuming cucumbers

Whatever we say about some harmful properties green vegetable, yet its benefits are much greater. But let's talk about the cases in which it brings discomfort.

Individual intolerance. As strange as it may sound, there are still a small number of people who have an allergic reaction to cucumbers. If after use there is a rash, redness of the skin, itchy eyes, perspiration in the throat, swelling appears - discard great product and see your doctor for adequate allergy treatment.
Gallstone and urolithiasis in the acute phase is also a contraindication to eating cucumbers.
Do not include salted, pickled cucumbers in the diet for liver diseases.
Acidity, gastritis, ulcer duodenum and stomach-cucumber juice can cause pain, nausea.
Nursing mothers should be careful with the consumption of cucumbers - getting into the baby's body through milk, they can cause diarrhea, colic.
At high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, tendencies to Alzheimer's disease, with impaired memory and thinking, it is not recommended to eat pickled, pickled cucumbers.

How to grow, choose and store cucumbers

Gardeners who dream of a good harvest of cucumbers should prepare the soil in advance. It is desirable to enrich with fertilizers, ash. You need to plant in warm weather, about 2 weeks after the onset of warm nights and a month after the last frost. Before planting, water the wells with warm, almost hot water. Now there are many varieties that are not subject to bitterness, empty flowers: Nezhinsky, Murom, Nosovsky, Aist, Era, Arina, Voyage, etc.

Important: if you wish to next year take advantage of the seeds own harvest, select packages marked F1.

You need to plant the seeds with the nose up - so that the sprouts do not cling to the ground and the peel does not interfere with them. The soil of cucumbers should always be almost moist. With a lack of water, the fruits curl, turn yellow and are unusable. Collect at will - it all depends on the preferred size. But the most useful and tastier fruits are small and medium in size.

Cucumber storage

Unfortunately, this product cannot be stored for a long time. Maximum 7 days in the top section of the refrigerator. For this reason, on the shelves of markets in spring, late autumn and winter, cucumbers grown in Asian countries or in greenhouses are sold. When choosing, you should pay attention to external indicators and aroma. Strong, elastic fruits with a characteristic smell can be eaten, but it is not advisable to give them to children. It is important to make sure that the product contains a minimum of pesticides and nitrates.

Slimming with cucumbers

If someone forgot, then we hasten to remind you that in 100 grams of fresh cucumber there are only 14 kcal. To lose weight on a cucumber diet, as they say, nature itself ordered.

Sassi - fat burning drink

Before you “sit down” on a cucumber diet, you should understand that in addition to the main ingredient, the list includes ginger, lemon, mint and other products. You need to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the additional composition.

So, for the Sassi drink, thanks to which the body is perfectly cleansed of toxins, toxins and heavy salts, blood circulation improves and burns extra fat, necessary:

fresh cucumber; half a tablespoon of chopped ginger;
fresh mint leaves - 5 pieces;
one lemon.

We clean the cucumber and cut it into slices together with lemon and pour all this with 10 glasses of cold water, add ginger and mint chopped by hand. Put the composition in the refrigerator overnight and start drinking in the morning. Sweet lovers can add 2 tablespoons of honey. The components of the cocktail "shatter" the stagnant state of the body and turn on the energy consumption to the fullest. And this requires the connection of reserves - fats and carbohydrates. An accelerated metabolism makes all cells work and removes excess fluid from us, relieves swelling and makes us lose weight “before our eyes”.

Important: Sassi prepared water should be drunk during the day and the next portion should be prepared in the evening.

In a month, thanks to the liquid, you can burn 10 kilograms of excess weight. But you can’t abuse the diet, you need to drink for about 4-5 days, then take a break and consume low-calorie cereals and soups.

The best recipes with cucumbers

One has only to wash and cut an elastic green vegetable, as a stunning, refreshing and appetizing aroma immediately spreads around the house. We are happy to chop it into a salad, marinated and salted, we complement the exquisite taste of cold meat appetizers. Even better - just cut a fresh cucumber into two parts, salt a little and rub against each other until light foam and crunch, crunch. I wonder if there was at least one reader who did not salivate? Hardly! let's consider the best dishes with cucumbers that are cooked on quick hand and help improve health, lose extra pounds.

Salad with fresh vegetables

If someone is waiting for the “discovery of America”, then it’s not worth it. We'll just make love again summer salad, for which it is necessary to cut the washed fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and straws. Add crushed green onion, dill, parsley. For dressing, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, a teaspoon of honey and wine vinegar. Mix and eat with spoons!

Okroshka useful

This dish must be prepared fresh kefir medium fat. We will need:

400 grams of boiled chicken fillet;
6 boiled eggs;
3 medium potatoes;
6-7 fresh cucumbers;
a bunch of green onions;
a bunch of dill;
salt, pepper, sour cream and kefir to taste.

If you decide to replace it with boiled sausage, then you should use a doctor's one, which must first be boiled for about 10 minutes. Cut all the ingredients into small cubes, chop the greens and pour kefir, add salt and pepper to taste, chop the greens. The described composition is very useful for the body and is an excellent detox dish. If you remove or minimize potatoes from the list, you can lose up to 3 kilograms per week on such a delicious diet. Of course, you should eat without bread and not a single gram of salt.

Salted cucumbers in 5 minutes

cook food plastic bag, a kilogram of fresh small cucumbers, a bunch of parsley, dill, 4-5 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper.

Rinse cucumbers and cut into circles (bars), add chopped herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Put everything in a bag and put in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

It is impossible to list all the useful properties and culinary masterpieces from your favorite vegetable. You should not be sophisticated - it is important that the product is fresh and coexists in a dish with healthy ingredients- tomatoes, herbs, peppers and vegetable oil. And the best part is that you can eat without restrictions in quantity and no prints on the figure!

All for now.
Sincerely, Vyacheslav.

For many years, nutritionists treated this vegetable crop with a little disdain. It was believed that there was practically no benefit from the cucumber. Indeed, what can be useful in a vegetable that is 95% water? What can be nutritious there? However, scientists later found that cucumber is a wonderful dietary plant product that has many beneficial properties, for example, it has a pronounced diuretic, choleretic action.

In ancient times, when the great ancient healer Hippocrates lived and worked, cucumbers were used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory agent, they were credited with medicinal properties with gout, intestinal diseases and other ailments. Modern medicine recommends a fresh vegetable to cleanse the kidneys and eliminate edema. Nutritionists advise using it to reduce weight.

How else is cucumber useful for the human body? Let's talk about this in more detail:

How useful is cucumber?

It should be noted that contrary to popular belief, cucumbers contain not only water. Their composition is enriched with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus. There is iron, iodine, not a large number of vitamins of groups B, C and carotene.

The use of these vegetables in fresh form improves digestion, promotes better assimilation food. They are recommended to be included in the diet for diseases of the kidneys, liver, gastric diseases.
They help the body to remove excess accumulated fluid, which helps to get rid of
edema. Cucumbers contain many valuable alkaline salts. These substances slow down the aging process, prevent the occurrence of kidney stones, liver.

Freshly squeezed cucumber juice is especially useful for the human body. Its regular use will help cure a lingering cough, it is used in the complex treatment of catarrhs. respiratory tract, recommend drinking with stomach pain to normalize the acid balance. Due to high content minerals: potassium, sodium, phosphorus, the vegetables themselves, as well as their juice are very useful for strengthening the heart muscle.

A very effective remedy for the treatment of constipation is cucumber infusion:

Wash large fruits, cut large pieces or rings, place in a 3-liter jar. Fill the jar to the top with moderately salty aqueous solution. Close the jar, put it in a warm, sunny place. It will be possible to use the infusion in a month. Take a quarter cup after meals.

By the way, not only the fruits themselves are useful for the human body. Leaves and long stems are also used for treatment and healing. Decoctions are prepared from them, which have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory properties.

A decoction of cucumber leaves is taken for fever. A decoction of bitter fruits is effective in the treatment of jaundice, since it is he who most effectively “accelerates” bile. From the dried roots of the plant, a powder is prepared to induce vomiting. Well, Indians, for example, use dried cucumber flowers in the treatment of malaria.

It is impossible not to mention the well-known property of this vegetable - to reduce weight. Therefore, probably, not a single popular diet is complete without a cucumber. Let's take a closer look at this property:

Cucumber diet for weight loss

This vegetable is great for weight loss purposes. Unlike strict diets, cucumber
- does not harm the body. With its help, you can quickly, without any damage to health, lose 2-3 extra pounds.

It is based on the fact that after eating, the cucumber mass, which contains a minimum of calories, fills almost the entire stomach and the feeling of hunger quickly dulls. In addition, during such a diet, the intestines are cleansed of toxins, toxins, and other harmful substances. The skin is also cleansed.

Meals include salad fresh cucumbers with the addition of garden greens at your request. The salad is dressed with kefir, yogurt or lemon juice. This dish is eaten throughout the day, little by little, but often. During the day, you can add a piece of dried rye bread. You need to drink 5-2.0 liters of water per day, including green tea, dried fruit compote (all without sugar).

Well, who is not in danger of being overweight, you can cook very tasty holiday dish from large cucumbers. It will decorate any table, including New Year's.

Delicious Recipe:

Cucumbers stuffed with crab meat

For cooking you will need: 3 fresh cucumbers, medium or large size, 2 packs of simulated crab meat, 3 boiled potatoes, lettuce leaves, thick mayonnaise, a little sour cream. Also needed: 1 tbsp. l 3% balsamic or wine vinegar, finely chopped, a small bunch of herbs. Salt, pepper - take at your discretion.

Cooking:

Finely chop crab meat, crumble cold boiled potatoes. Combine together, mix with a mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise. Pour in the vinegar. Add salt, pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Wash cucumbers, peel off the skin. Cut in half. With a spoon, remove the seeds and a solid part of the pulp from each half. Fill each half with cooked minced meat. Lay out on a platter lettuce leaves, mark on top stuffed halves. Sprinkle with herbs. Bon appetit and be healthy!

Decorate any table. Grown by hand, these vegetables are even tastier, every gardener knows about it. And not everyone knows about the benefits of fresh cucumbers. And it’s completely in vain, because this vegetable can compete with many others.

Many doubt the benefits of these green vegetables due to their too watery consistency. But for those who are on a diet, this property in itself is a plus. Another property of those is the high amount of fiber in fresh fruits. It is useful for constipation and also helps to cleanse the body of cholesterol. Cucumber contains pectin, which controls putrefactive processes in the intestines. The vegetable does not have too much calcium, but it contains enough alkaline compounds that neutralize heartburn. In addition, it contains sodium and potassium salts, which contribute to the harmonious functioning of the kidneys and of cardio-vascular system. With hypertension and articular rheumatism, the vegetable should be consumed one hundred grams with each meal. But with problems with the kidneys, it should be eaten a little, so as not to harm the body.

What is useful cucumber in the form of juice?

The juice of this vegetable has an analgesic and sedative effect, beneficial for gastrointestinal diseases.

If you drink half a glass of this drink three times a day, the improvement will not be slow to appear. You need to drink juice forty minutes before a meal, adding a little honey to a glass. In this way, you can even relieve the pain of gastritis or ulcers. The same tool will effective treatment and with respiratory diseases - three tablespoons of juice with honey three times a day will help to defeat a painful cough. For adherents of natural beauty products, juice will serve as a whitening, moisturizing and cleansing agent. For teeth, hair and nails, its effect is also extremely favorable. One of the reasons why the remedy is so effective is the presence of iodine in it.

What is useful cucumber for children?

Some young mothers believe that this green vegetable should not be given to the baby. But stool disorders can not be feared if the child eats in moderation. At ten months old, you can already offer your baby cucumber puree prepared with a blender. When teeth appear, you can give a small vegetable to gnaw. The crumbs are usually happy to eat such a healthy delicacy, it can even not be peeled, especially since the skin contains vitamins - carotene and ascorbic acid. If you bought a cucumber in a store, it is still worth peeling it, because nitrates may also be contained in the skin.

What is useful cucumber if it is bitter?

Vegetables become tasteless if they are grown incorrectly. But cucumbers, therefore, do not have to be thrown away. If such vegetables canned, the bitterness will disappear. Yes, and for health, they remain useful, so you can eat fresh bitter cucumber. When buying on the market, you can determine whether a cucumber will be tasteless by its shape - you should be wary of large and curved vegetables.

The smell of cucumber in many people is associated with freshness, and it is not surprising, because this vegetable consists of 95-98% water! It would seem that any useful substances contained in the cucumber will not have any significant influence on the human body, because they occupy no more than 5% of the mass of the fetus, but this is not entirely the case.

Vitamins, minerals and salts contained in cucumbers are easily absorbed by the body precisely because of the chemical composition. The potassium present in the vegetable is dissolved in cucumber juice and has a diuretic effect. This feature has long been noticed by man and is used in folk medicine to be removed from the body excess water, removal of edema, lowering blood pressure. For the same reason, cucumbers are useful for detoxifying the body, for example, in case of poisoning. Potassium solution absorbs harmful substances and removes them from the body.

A sufficient amount of fiber in cucumber improves intestinal motility, which also has a positive effect on the overall cleansing of the body. And if we take into account that the calorie content of cucumbers is quite small, there is a strong dietary effect for those who want to lose weight. At the same time, regular consumption of cucumbers in food allows in human blood.

Among the useful substances in the composition of the cucumber, it is worth highlighting iodine compounds separately. On the one hand, there are relatively few of them in the vegetable, but on the other hand, iodine in the cucumber is contained in such a form that it is absorbed by the human body almost completely. Thus, cucumbers stimulate the thyroid gland, and with it the heart and blood vessels.

Among other things, cucumber contains vitamins C, B1, B2, phosphorus, iron, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, manganese and other trace elements. And the acids contained in the vegetable can slow down the aging process, have a beneficial effect on the condition healthy kidneys and liver.

cucumber renders positive action and on human digestion, improving metabolic processes. By the way, it is this fresh vegetable separately from everything or in a salad with other vegetables that can be considered the perfect complement to meat dishes. The fact is that when eating meat with cucumber, proteins from animal food are absorbed by the body much better.

The use of cucumber in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, not only the fruits of cucumbers are used, but also the leaves, stems, flowers of the plant. In addition, it has long been noticed that cucumber seeds have healing properties, they remove cholesterol from the body.

For liver cleansing a decoction is prepared from 100 grams of chopped cucumbers in half a liter of water. Cucumbers are simmered over low heat for 30 minutes. The cooled broth is filtered and consumed 100 ml three times a day half an hour before meals.

For the treatment of hypertension a decoction is made of 100 grams of grated cucumbers in a glass of boiling water. The mixture is heated in a water bath for 5 minutes, then infused for half an hour and taken 100 ml 3-4 times a day.

For the treatment of burns obtained from boiling water or steam, a cucumber pulp compress is applied to the skin. Cucumber can also be used to cool and soothe the skin.

Benefits of cucumber juice

Freshly squeezed cucumber juice heals the entire body as a whole, strengthens the cardiovascular system, gives special freshness to the skin, prevents atherosclerosis and has a diuretic effect.

A mixture of cucumber, tomato and apple juices in equal proportions is considered favorable for the process of hematopoiesis. For a more expressive taste, you can squeeze a clove of garlic into such juice.

It is believed that cucumber juice also has an analgesic effect, calms the nervous system, and helps fight.

As a remedy for atherosclerosis, bronchitis, cough, stomach pain and constipation It is recommended to take 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed cucumber juice before meals three times a day.

For pain in the stomach also use an infusion of chamomile and yarrow, mixed with fresh cucumber juice. To prepare a decoction for a glass of boiling water, one spoon is taken medicinal herbs. Before use, cucumber juice is added to the infusion. At one time, 50 ml of infusion and the same amount of cucumber juice are taken. You need to take this remedy four times a day.

Folk recipes using cucumber for cosmetic purposes

Cucumbers are widely used to achieve cosmetic effects. There is a mass folk recipes, but even just sliced cucumber can be used to relieve swelling or cleanse the skin.

To lighten the skin, fight age spots and freckles, cucumber juice is used, which must be applied to the face with napkins or cotton swabs.

You can also make a lotion from cucumber seeds infused with vodka. Half a glass of vodka is taken for 10 grams of seeds, infused for a week. Then the infusion is diluted with water to increase the total volume several times. This lotion will help cleanse the skin, cope with acne and pimples.

Contraindications

When using fresh cucumbers, it should be remembered that in large quantities they are contraindicated in acute and chronic nephritis, renal failure, exacerbation of peptic ulcer.

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This is a close relative of zucchini, watermelon and melon, belongs to the family pumpkin. His scientific name « cucumis sativus" is translated from Latin as " cucumber seed". According to information from botanical reference books, the fruit of this plant is classified as a berry. True, with a caveat - to false berries. In terms of culinary and taste characteristics, cucumber is still considered a vegetable crop, which, by the way, ranks 4th in the world in terms of cultivation among vegetables.

Story

Cucumber is considered one of the oldest representatives vegetable crops that appeared four millennia ago. Although there are bold assumptions that the cucumber is already more than 6 thousand years old. There is no unequivocal information about the homeland of this vegetable, but most likely it was the tropical and subtropical regions of Ancient India and China. We can definitely say that initially the cucumber grew wild. Only in the second millennium BC. the ancient Indians cultivated it and gradually introduced it into their diet.

Thanks to the increase in cultivation volumes and established trade relations, the cucumber went to conquer the world from India and China. That's how he got to Egypt Ancient Greece and much later to the Roman Empire. There is reason to believe that it was from the Greek name of this green vegetable "ἄγουρος" (goes back to "ἄωρος" - unripe) that the word "cucumber" came from. By the way, the English name "cucumber" comes from the French word "concombre", which, in turn, was borrowed from the Latin language ("cucumis").

The fact that in ancient times the cucumber was an important part of the diet of people is evidenced by its images on frescoes in Greek and Egyptian temples. In addition, the beneficial properties of this crunchy vegetable were described by Aristotle and Hippocrates. IN Ancient Rome cucumbers were eaten by both the elite classes and the lower classes. And the emperor Tiberius ordered to serve him one cucumber every day of the year. Then cucumbers began to be grown in boxes on wheels so that they could be moved following the sunlight. It is believed that the first salting recipes appeared at the same time.

From the Roman Empire, the cucumber spread throughout Europe (in France - from the 9th century, in England - from the 14th century). In the 15th century, thanks to Columbus, the cucumber reached the shores of the New World, where it also quickly gained popularity among the locals. However, at the beginning of the XVII century. in America there was information about what to eat raw vegetables and fruits are dangerous to health, so the cucumber for some time lost its position and received a mocking nickname "cowcumber" (eng. cucumber for feeding cows). Only about a hundred years later, the green vegetable returned to the tables of Americans.

It is not known for certain when and how the cucumber came to Rus'. There is a theory that this vegetable came to us from Europe after the baptism of Rus'. Although some scholars believe that our merchants bought cucumbers in East Asia back in the ninth century. In any case, one of the first written references to this vegetable dates back to the first half of the 17th century. (Notes of the German traveler Elschleger). At the same time, Peter I issued a decree on the cultivation of this crop in the royal garden. It was then that the first greenhouses began to appear.

Varieties

Despite the fact that cucumbers need a set of certain conditions for normal ripening, thanks to the efforts of breeders, they are now cultivated in different climatic zones and on soils of different composition. The main thing is to choose the right variety.

Depending on the ripening time, cucumbers are divided into early-ripening, ripening up to 45 days (cupid, artist, Hector, Masha), mid-ripening, ripening up to 50 days (competitor, non-female, table, mother-in-law), and late ripening, ripening more than 50 days (phoenix , Aquarius, Alice). There is also a division of cucumber varieties according to their intended use: for fresh consumption, for pickling or preservation, and universal, suitable for both purposes.

Interestingly, the oblong green vegetable known to us has many exotic relatives that are considered its varieties. For example, African cucumber Kiwano has a yellow rind with thorns and juicy green flesh, slightly reminiscent of our traditional cucumber. The dragon egg is distinguished by the smoothness and light color of the shell, rounded shape and sweet taste. And Red Hmong cucumbers turn red when ripe, and taste a bit like melon.

A cucumber called Gak or Spring Bitter has an orange-red skin and soft red flesh. It contains a high amount of antioxidants, which makes it very useful, however, it does not tolerate transportation well, so it can only be found in places where it is grown. There are also decorative wild cucumbers, which are also popularly called hedgehogs. They braid hedges and fences, and their fruits are covered with needles. The peculiarity of these cucumbers is that at the time of ripening, the peel on the fruit stretches as much as possible and bursts. At the same time, seeds and a little mucus fly out of two small holes under pressure.

Growing Features

Cucumber is a vine-like plant with a creeping stem that can reach two or more meters in length. Lateral shoots and tendrils depart from the main stem, with the help of which the plant can be fixed on supports, taking a vertical position. Thanks to this, it is possible to grow cucumbers on trellises (usually this method is used in greenhouses and on balconies), although if space in the garden / bed allows, then the stem is allowed to spread along the ground. The length and degree of branching depends on the variety.

During flowering, male (with stamens) and female (with pistils) yellow flowers are formed on the plant. Female flowers differ in that there is an ovary under them and they are located singly or in 2-3 pieces on lateral shoots, while male flowers (empty flowers) form inflorescences of 5-7 pieces mainly on the main stem. Fertilization occurs mainly during the opening of flowers (1-2 days). The pollen is carried by bees and other insects, which are attracted by the bright yellow color and the presence of nectar.

In the case of cold weather or in greenhouse growing conditions, the pollination process becomes more complicated - it is done manually, so breeders began to breed hybrids. They are obtained by artificial pollination of flowers. different varieties. In its name, the hybrid must have a distinctive symbol - F (filli - Italian children) and a number that indicates the generation number. Moreover, in our time, cucumbers have appeared that do not require pollination at all - parthenocarpic, as well as self-pollinated - their flowers have both a stamen and a pistil at the same time.

Cucumbers usually begin to be harvested when the fruits are not yet biologically ripe, which is why they are called greens. To ripen and acquire a yellow-brown hue is given only to those cucumbers from which seed material is taken for planting or for selection.

Planting cucumbers can be carried out both seedlings and seeds. Usually seedlings provide an earlier harvest, but also require more attention. After planting on the beds, young plants need to be wrapped in case of a drop in temperature. In general, cucumber is a heat-loving, moisture-loving and light-loving plant that does not tolerate drafts (note to those who grow vegetables at home on windowsills). It is recommended to plant cucumbers at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other to a depth of 2-2.5 cm in the second or third decade of May (at a temperature of 18 to 25 ° C).

Among the main cucumber pests, a spider mite stands out, which settles on the underside of the leaves and feeds on their juice, which leads to the appearance of white dots on the leaves, and then, braided with cobwebs, they dry out. Cucumbers are also afraid of melon aphids, which live on all parts of the plant and suck out its juices. After that, the leaves begin to turn yellow and die. The cucumber mosquito is also dangerous, whose translucent larva with a black head is introduced into the stem and root of a weakened plant, after which it dies.

Chemicals are commonly used to control pests. However, in order to prevent harmful insects from entering the plant, regular weeding should be done to remove weeds.

How to choose

IN summer time years, it is better to buy cucumbers in the morning, before they lose their freshness, lying in the sun. If the cucumbers have already faded a little, then you can “revive” them by leaving them in cool water for 2-3 hours. By the way, soaking in cold water(about 30 minutes) promotes the elimination of nitrates. To heighten the effect, put the cucumbers in a transparent bowl and leave in a bright place (the sun's rays help accelerate the removal of harmful substances).

Buy cucumbers should be dense, without visible damage and yellow spots. When buying cucumbers out of season, you should pay attention to the unnatural shine. Imported vegetables are often covered with a thin layer of paraffin during transportation for better preservation. In this case, before eating the vegetable, it is necessary to cut the peel. And if there are no seeds inside at all, then it is better to throw away such a cucumber, due to the presence of a large amount of hazardous substances in it.

In general, the choice of cucumbers depends on your purpose. Almost all cucumbers can be used for salad, but specially bred smooth fruits with a thick skin, about 13 cm long, are considered the most suitable. They have rich aroma. You can take cucumbers with white spikes.

The best pickled cucumbers are obtained from fruits 9-12 cm long with dark spikes (they are easily removed when washed, which allows the brine to intensively soak the cucumber). For pickling, it is recommended to take cucumbers up to 9 cm in size (short-fruited gherkins) of a dark green color with light tips or light stripes on the side. Fruits with dark thorns are also suitable.

How to store

As for the storage of fresh cucumbers, they can usually be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. It is important to provide them with air supply and do not store them near ripe fruit and vegetables. To increase the shelf life to 10 days, they are placed in a plastic bag, covered with wet gauze on top and sent to the refrigerator. Cucumbers wrapped in paper towels and placed in an open bag can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks. In order for the vegetables to remain fresh for 3-4 weeks, they are dipped in tails in cool water by 1-2 cm and put in the refrigerator. The water in the tank must be changed every day.

Useful properties of cucumbers

Chemical composition and presence of nutrients

Main substances (mg/100 g):	Fresh with skin	Fresh without peel	Pickled
Water	95,23	96,73	94,08
Squirrels	0,65	0,59	0,33
Fats	0,11	0,16	0,20
Carbohydrates	3,63	2,16	2,26
Sugar	1,67	1,38	1,06
Alimentary fiber	0,5	0,7	1,2
Calories (Kcal)	15	10	11
Minerals
Potassium	147	136	23
Phosphorus	24	21	14
Calcium	16	14	-
Magnesium	13	12	4
Sodium	2	2	1208
Iron	0,28	0,22	0,40
Zinc	0,20	0,17	0,02
vitamins
Vitamin C	2,8	3,2	1
Vitamin PP	0,098	0,037	-
Vitamin B6	0,040	0,051	0,009
Vitamin B2	0,033	0,025	0,010
Vitamin E	0,030	0,03	0,09
Vitamin B1	0,027	0,031	-
Vitamin K	0,016	0,007	0,047
Vitamin B9	0,007	0,014	0,001
Vitamin A	0,005	0,004	0,01

Based on the above tables, we can conclude that it is most useful to eat cucumbers along with the peel, which contains many useful substances. However, both peeled and pickled, cucumbers retain some useful properties. True, it should be borne in mind that in a salted or pickled form, the level of sodium in them jumps sharply, which can adversely affect people's health suffering from renal insufficiency. At the same time, the proportion of vitamins decreases, the level of potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium decreases. And too much salt can lead to the destruction of tooth enamel, fluid retention in the body and disruption of the digestive tract.

Medicinal properties

Cucumber is inferior to many vegetables in vitamin content, since it consists almost entirely of water. However, cucumber water is rich in mineral salts and biologically active substances. For example, cucumber fruits contain enzymes that promote the absorption of proteins and B vitamins, as well as maintaining a normal blood reaction. What's more, cucumbers contain an insulin-like enzyme, making them an important staple in the diet of diabetics.

In addition, cucumber water helps to cleanse the body by dissolving toxins. That is, the cucumber should not be used as a standalone food, but it plays a significant role in the absorption of other food, such as meat. Due to their low calorie content, cucumbers are recommended for people prone to obesity.

Even though in a small amount, but cucumbers contain phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc and iodine (in an easily digestible form). Due to this, they have choleretic and diuretic properties, help improve the activity of the cardiovascular system, and are recommended for people suffering from thyroid diseases. In addition, such a set of trace elements improves the condition of nails, hair, human teeth and reduces the acidity of gastric juice. By the way, fiber, which is part of cucumbers, has the best effect on the digestion process. A light laxative effect helps to get rid of constipation.

As for vitamins, cucumbers boast the presence of carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, folates, etc. in their composition. The latter are actively involved in regulating the level of homocysteine, an amino acid that is formed in the body during metabolism, and increases the risk of atherosclerotic vascular damage and thrombosis.

Another useful component of cucumber is phytosterol (phytosterol) - a steroidal alcohol that does not dissolve in water. In fact, we are talking about a vegetable counterpart of cholesterol. Its advantage is that it is safe for humans and does not provoke the development of atherosclerosis. Once in the body, phytosterol inhibits up to 10% of cholesterol absorption and instead enters the blood without causing any harm to the body.

Use in medicine

In traditional medicine, cucumber, despite the presence of useful elements and properties, is not used and is not considered a pharmacopoeial plant. Nevertheless, green fruits have been actively and successfully used in folk medicine and cosmetology for a long time.

Firstly, the simplest popular use of cucumber is external. When receiving small burns, abrasions or wounds, it is recommended to attach a cut cucumber to the damaged area or lubricate this place with fresh cucumber juice. This guarantees a powerful antimicrobial effect (even in case of suppuration). Secondly, various decoctions, infusions are prepared on the basis of cucumber, compresses are made from them. Moreover, not only the fruits themselves and the juice are put into circulation, but also the flowers, leaves and lashes of the plant (usually in dried form).

Decoctions and infusions

A decoction of fresh cucumbers can help get rid of edema that has appeared due to heart pathologies or varicose veins. To do this, finely chop 100 g of washed cucumber, pour 200 ml of boiling water over it and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Half a glass of this decoction should be drunk before meals three times a day for 7-10 days.

Beverages

cucumber juice has a lot of useful properties, so it is recommended to drink it in pure form. However, due to the refreshing effect that cucumber has, it is often added to various summer drinks. For example, a lime and watermelon smoothie (200g watermelon pulp, 1/2 lime, 1/2 cucumber, a bunch of mint and water) or a spinach and celery smoothie (grind in a blender: 100g spinach, 1 green apple, 1 cucumber, 1 stalk of celery, 1 piece of ginger, 2 tbsp. lemon juice). Cucumber water is also popular (1 cucumber, 1 bunch of mint, half a lemon, 1 liter of water).

Use in cosmetology

Cucumber is considered a good cosmetic product that has a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on the skin. Thanks to phytosterol, moisture is retained and there is a slight lifting effect. And alkaline salts provide nutrition to the skin and have a whitening effect, removing plaque.

Now there is a huge selection of all kinds of masks, lotions, tonics, cucumber-based gels, but in the summer you can prepare a cosmetic product at home.

In order to refresh the skin of the face after overwork, lack of sleep or stress, you need to take 1 cucumber and 1 chicken protein. You should grate the cucumber on a fine grater and take 2 tbsp. gruel, combining them with egg white whipped to foam. Then apply the mask on the face for 15 minutes and rinse with water. And for the skin around the eyes, it is recommended to mix 2 tbsp. grated cucumber with chopped parsley.

To achieve a rejuvenating effect, you need to mix 1 tbsp. grated cucumber with 1 tsp. white clay. A moisturizing effect is given by a mask prepared from 1 tbsp. grated cucumber, 1 tsp chopped mint and 1 tsp. chopped basil.

One of the first countries where the cucumber was cultivated and began to be eaten was China. There is a legend according to which it was the Chinese who introduced Turkey to this vegetable. Among other gifts, they sent the Turkish Sultan Magomed II as a gift several exotic fruits - cucumbers. The Sultan took a liking to the outlandish vegetable, and he called on seven of the best court guards to guard it. However, one cucumber disappeared, and all the guards denied any involvement in the theft. Then the enraged Sultan decided to arrange a kind of search, giving the order to rip open the stomachs of all seven.

Perhaps that is why the saying appeared in the Turkish language "Look after the cucumber with an ax." True, now such words are usually addressed to a person who commits stupidity. In English and Russian, proverbs about cucumbers have a rather positive meaning. So the English say as cool as a cucumber", which literally translates as " calm as a cucumber” and means absolute equanimity. In Russia, you can often hear the expression " be like a cucumber”, which means to be cheerful and look good. And the Brazilians even use the word " chuchuzinho"(Port. chayote or Mexican cucumber) for an affectionate appeal to loved ones.

By the way, about love. In 2011, a series called Cucumber Love was filmed in Russia, which tells about life in the small village of Gorelkovo, famous for its cucumber fields. In addition, back in 1985, in the Soviet Union, based on the fairy tale of Galina Lebedeva, the cartoon "Cucumber Horse" was created. Green crispy vegetables also play a plot-forming role in the instructive story "Cucumbers" by the children's prose writer Nikolai Nosov. The writers Vladimir Klimenko (the story "Mad Cucumbers") and Vsevolod Ivanov (the story "Nezhinsky Cucumbers") also turned to the topic of cucumbers.

This green vegetable was not spared by the great painters. The still lifes “Cucumbers” by Kondrat Maksimov and Mikhail Makhalov (1), as well as the painting “Still Life with Vegetables” by Ivan Khrutsky, became famous. Moreover, the artists of the Middle Ages began to depict cucumbers on their canvases. So, the Spaniard Luis Mendelez painted a still life "Cucumbers, tomatoes and dishes." And the Italian Giuseppe Arcimboldo used a cucumber to depict the character's nose in the painting "Summer" (2).

And Carlo Crivelli distinguished himself by inscribing cucumbers in the Christian subjects of his paintings. Until now, scientists do not agree on the symbolism of cucumbers on a series of paintings by Crivelli "Madonna and Child" (3) and "Annunciation". Since the cucumber is often located next to the apple on them, it is sometimes interpreted by analogy as a symbol of temptation and original sin. Although some researchers believe that the cucumber, on the contrary, symbolized the Resurrection and vitality.

Apparently, the modern inhabitants of the island of Fiji also believe in the vitality that the cucumber gives. They not only consume cucumbers, but also prepare their stocks in case of crop failure or natural disaster. As a rule, vegetables are wrapped with banana leaves and buried in the ground. In addition, the size of the cucumber supply may help a man to marry, since the parents of girls are usually more willing to marry their daughters to "cucumber magnates."

By the way, in Fiji, as well as in Asia, not only cucumbers are popular in the form in which we are used to seeing them, but also the so-called sea cucumbers. In fact, we are talking about holothurians - invertebrate animals such as echinoderms. The species eaten are usually collectively referred to as "trepangs". These oriental seafood are considered extremely healthy delicacies, so they are often caught illegally and sold on the black market. There, the price for 1 kg of sea cucumbers can reach up to $500.

True, quite legally, our traditional green vegetables also beat their records. In the UK, two pensioners independently grew 1.2 m long fruit in their beds. However, the most long cucumber considered a vegetable ripened in one of the greenhouses in Hungary. A record 1.83 m is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

In different parts of the world, people immortalized the cucumber by erecting monuments to it. For example, there is such a monument in Poznan, Poland. Also in Ukrainian Nizhyn there is a monument to a non-female cucumber, and in Belarusian Shklov there is a bronze cucumber "Napoleon". This vegetable is revered in Austria - in Salzburg there is a whole installation "Cucumbers". They are also respected in Russia, because in addition to the monument, in Lukhovitsy near Moscow there is a whole museum dedicated to the cucumber.

But in London, the cucumber was honored on a grand scale. There is no monument here, but in 2004 a high-rise building 30 St Mary Ax (Saint Mary Ax 30) appeared, which the British themselves call “The Gherkin” (English cucumber) because of the external similarity and greenish illumination. Interestingly, in fact, the creation of this architectural project was inspired by the creators of the bump.

Dangerous properties of cucumbers and contraindications

Cucumbers are a dietary product, but even they can sometimes harm the body. It is recommended to refuse their use in such cases:

exacerbation of stomach ulcers;
acute and chronic gastritis and enterocolitis;
acute and chronic nephritis and pyelonephritis, as well as hepatitis and cholecystitis (you should avoid eating pickles);
feeding the baby (may cause indigestion and colic in the baby).