health benefit of cucumber

Cucumber is a vegetable that belongs to the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis and other squashes. It has a dark green skin, which reveals whitish or very light green flesh, when peeled. There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties and the slicing varieties. Of these, the pickling variety is relatively small, around 2 - 4 inches long. Most of us know that cucumbers have cooling properties and are extremely good for bringing relief to the eyes in summers. However, they are associated with a number of other health and nutrition benefits too. To know about them, read on.

Nutritional Value of Cucumber

Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of raw, unpeeled cucumber

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	65 kJ (16 kcal)
Carbohydrates	3.63 g
Sugars	1.67 g
Dietary fiber	0.5 g
Fat	0.11 g
Protein	0.65 g
Thiamine (Vit. B1)	0.027 mg (2%)
Riboflavin (Vit. B2)	0.033 mg (2%)
Niacin (Vit. B3)	0.098 mg (1%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.259 mg (5%)
Vitamin B6	0.040 mg (3%)
Folate (Vit. B9)	7 μg (2%)
Vitamin C	2.8 mg (5%)
Calcium	16 mg (2%)
Iron	0.28 mg (2%)
Magnesium	13 mg (4%)
Phosphorus	24 mg (3%)
Potassium	147 mg (3%)
Zinc	0.20 mg (2%)

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Cucumbers

• Raw cucumber, when applied on the skin, can help reduce heat and inflammation.

• The diuretic, cooling and cleansing property of cucumber makes it good for skin.

• Fresh cucumber juice can provide relief from heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis and even ulcer.

• Placing a cucumber slice over the eyes not only soothes them, but also reduces swelling.

• Daily consumption of cucumber juice helps control cases of eczema, arthritis and gout.

• Cucumber has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from lung, stomach and chest problems.

• The potassium in cucumber makes it useful for the problem of high and low blood pressure.

• Cucumber contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.

• Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.

• Cucumber juice, when mixed with carrot juice, is said to be good for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body.

• Cucumber can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from diseases of the teeth and gums, especially in cases of pyorrhea.

• Being rich in minerals, cucumber helps prevent splitting of nails of the fingers and toes.

• Cucumber has been associated with healing properties in relation to diseases of the kidney, urinary bladder, liver and pancreas.

• Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.