Cucumbers are scientifically known as Cucumis sativus and belong to the same botanical
family as melons (including watermelon and cantaloupe) and squashes (including
summer squash, winter squash, zucchini and pumpkin). Commercial production of
cucumbers is usually divided into two types. "Slicing cucumbers" are
produced for fresh consumption. "Pickling cucumbers" are produced for
eventual processing into pickles. Slicing cucumbers are usually larger and have
thicker skins, while pickling cucumbers are usually smaller and have thinner
skins.
Cucumbers
are a popular vegetable used in salad and also eating directly. They are known
for their anti diabetic, lipid-lowering and antioxidant activity,
cucumbers have a detoxifying, cleansing effect on the body. They also prevent dehydration,
constipation and overheating.
Cucumbers are an
excellent source of vitamin K and molybdenum. They are also a very good source of the
pantothenic acid. They are also a good source
of copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium, biotin and
vitamin B1. They also contain the important nail health-promoting mineral
silica.
Benefits
Cucumbers
have not received as much attention as other vegetables and herbs in terms of health benefits, but this widely
cultivated food provides us with a unique combination of nutrients. At the top
of the phytonutrient list for cucumbers are its cucurbitacins, lignans, and
flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrient found in cucumbers provide us
with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits.
Flavonoids, Lignans, Triterpenes
Cucumbers are rich in vitamins,
minerals and antioxidants and have other health benefits associated with them.
One major benefit is their ability to help you lose weight.
The simplest way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit. This is easily done by taking
fewer calories everyday than what your body uses up. If you do this, your
body will end up using it’s excess fat stores as a source of energy. The more
fat your body burns, the slimmer you become.
When
your goal is to lose weight, include low-calorie foods like cucumbers in your
diet helps you lower your calorie intake. Cucumbers are very low in calories a
medium sliced cucumber has about 14 calories, which is less than 1 percent of
the daily calorie "budget" on a weight loss calorie diet. Cucumber is
low in calories even with a large portion size, it's a very low energy density
food. When on a weight loss diet with such foods is beneficial for weight loss,
because they'll fill you up when you're following a calorie-controlled diet.
To lose weight, Cucumber can be used as a base for salads to help you lose weight. Eating a low-calorie
cucumber salad before meals helps fill you up, and gives your brain time to
process "full" signals so you don't overeat your main course. As
always, try different variety to spice the salad, you could use a mixture of
chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh basil and lemon juice for a low-fat salad,
or sliced cucumbers, red grapefruit, fennel and white wine vinaigrette for a
sweet-and-sour option. Alternatively, mix cucumber chunks with spinach and red
peppers for a filing green salad, and add a handful of mint leaves for
refreshing flavor.
It could
also be taken as beverage. When you're dieting, it's best to limit your liquid
calorie intake, because liquid calories don't trigger feelings of fullness like
solid foods. If you are not careful, those
calories can really add up because most people
drink sugary drinks daily. Use cucumbers to make beverages as an alternative
to sugary beverages. The advantage of
such drink is that you'll still get a refreshing drink, but your beverage will
be relatively low in calories. Steep your water with cucumber and lemon slices
for refreshing flavored water, and try adding muddled basil or mint leaves for
an herbal twist. Add fresh or frozen cucumber to your fruit smoothies -- cucumber
pairs especially well with unsweetened coconut water, lime juice, a few chunks
of frozen pineapple, and a handful of cilantro or parsley.
Sometimes you notice that your stomach is bulging, you lose muscle tone,
and a certain flaccidity appears. It matter not that you are skinny,
bloating and that flat tire is there and you don’t know what to do to make your stomach look smoother and not
bloated. You have to keep in mind that this kind of accumulated
fat in this area is normal in women. They are a result of adipose fatty deposits
which could come with age or child bearing, and they are often very resistant.
For
a lot of people, having a Flat stomach is a goal. Sometimes, having extra fat stored in
your abdominal area can be due to typical abdominal swelling – fluid
retention gives you the appearance of being fat and you are seen as having
gained weight.
This
fat round the waist and stomach region can be removed by some special herbs,
and or going on a strict diet with ginger, lemon,
mint, and cucumber based drink, you will be able to reduce those fat easily.
In
our everyday busy but sedentary lifestyle, cucumber would be a great addition
to are meal. Try it today and you body would be better off.
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