The scientific name of the cucumber is Cucumis sativus. Cucumber plants belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. The cucumber originated from south Asia, plant cucumber is native to India. Cucumber cultivation appears in North America by the mid of 16th century. A cucumber is also known as a false berry. Cucumber has many different names including gherkin, Gurke, cocombre, hunggua, khira, and kukamba.
A rich amount of soluble fiber and water is contained in cucumber and is low in calories. Cucumber production is led 80 % by China.
The color of cucumber fruits is range from yellow, orange, white, and green. A cucumber is roughly cylindrical in shape and may be large as 62 cm long, and 10cm in diameter.
Varieties of cucumber
There are three main varieties of cucumber. Slicing, pickling, and burpless.
Slicing
It is grown commercially in North America, is generally longer, smoother, uniform in color, and has tough skin. In other countries, a slicer cucumber is often called a European cucumber. It is also known as a slicer.
Pickling
Pickling cucumber is called picklers, which grow 7 to 10 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. As compared to slicers, picklers are shorter, thicker, less regularly shaped, bumpy skin with tiny white or black dotted spines.
Burpless
The third variety of cucumber is burpless. it is easy to digest and has a good taste also has much sweeter and thin skin than other varieties of cucumber. Burpless cucumbers can grow to 60 centimeters. Burpless cucumbers are seedless and have delicate skin.
Nutrients
There is 95 % of the water present in cucumber. Cucumbers are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. Nutritional value of cucumber per 100 gram
- Energy 65 KJ
- Carbohydrates 3.63 g
- Fat 0.11 g
- Protein 0.65
| How to grow Cucumber? |
Benefits of Cucumber
A lot of benefits of cucumber if used in our daily life. Yes, a lot of, first of all, cucumbers are low in calories and help you lose weight. Water is very important for body function, and plays a very important role, 95 % of the water content in cucumber promotes hydration.
Cucumber as raw material
Cucumber can add to the salad which adds freshness and flavor, cucumber is used in a sandwich, burgers, and many more. Cucumbers gave another delicious taste if eat it with salt.
Lower blood sugar level
Yes, low blood sugar levels, here we get another benefit for diabetic patients. Cucumber helps to reduce and control blood sugar levels. Due to the presence of Antioxidant content.
Helps in constipation
Dehydration is the risk factor for constipation, but we have the best solution for this problem. Eating cucumber is helpful to support regular bowel movements. Due to the presence of fiber in cucumber, cucumber helps to regulate bowel movement and balanced hydration and digestive regularity.
Good for bone health
Cucumber contains vitamin K, vitamin D, and calcium that help with blood clotting and support bone health and good bone health And supporting our immune systems and nervous systems.
Prevention from cancer
High levels of bitter-tasting nutrients contain in cucumber, known as cucurbitacin. Cucurbitacin may help to fight against cancer and stop the cancer cells from reproducing, and lignans in cucumber may also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Good for Skincare
Cucumbers contain rich amounts of nutrients that may also provide benefits for skin health. After applying cucumber sliced on the skin, reduce swelling and irritation and makes our face fresh and cool. Cucumber juice may help reduce dry skin and blackheads.
It contains Antioxidant
Cucumbers contain an Antioxidant compound, that helps to remove harmful substances from the body known as free radicals. If too many free radicals collect in the body, they can cause cell damage and various type of diseases in the body.
Side effects of cucumber
Cucumber is widely used in the summer season and is very important in salads. But, do you know that overeating cucumber also harms human health? Yes, because cucumber is filled with a rich amount of nutrients that also some side effects on human health
Dehydration
Overeating cucumber can increase the production of urine in the body. An excess of urine can cause dehydration.
Allergic reaction
Some people have also an allergic reaction to cucumber. Symptoms of a reaction include
- Hives
- Swelling
- Difficulty in breathing
Allergic people should avoid all contact with cucumbers.
Toxic Elements
Did you notice that some cucumbers are bitter in taste when eaten, this is because they contain an element called cucurbitacin. Due to the presence of this, a toxic element is very harmful to human health.
FAQ
What are the benefits of eating cucumber?
If used regularly, cucumbers have a lot of advantages. Yes, a lot of them. Cucumbers are low in calories and aid in weight loss. Water is essential for bodily function and plays a significant role; 95% of the water in cucumbers helps to keep people hydrated.
What is special about cucumber?
Cucumber contains an Antioxidant compound that is beneficial for your body and contains 95% water which keeps you hydrated. Cucumbers are also good for your skin as they are rich in nutrients that are good for your skin.
What are the 3 types of cucumbers?
Cucumbers have three main varieties slicing, pickling, and seedless. It originated in South Asia but is now grown on most continents and you can find many varieties of cucumbers in the global market.
How many cucumbers should I eat a day?
As you know cucumber contains mostly water so one cucumber a day can be great but eating more than one won’t cause any harm and the great thing is that it keeps you full so you avoid junk foods easily.
