CUCUMBER; ITS VARIOUS PARTS, THEIR BENEFITS AND NEGATIVE EFFECT TO HUMAN HEALTH||CLUB100

INTRODUCTION

Hello steemians, its another beautiful day and i am always super excited to make a post on this platform.
i will like to talk about cucumber today, what we stand to benefit from it and much more.
The more we learn about the food we consume, the more we appreciate God for them . some of them are medicinal , while some are not. But we can only find out, if we dig deep and learn about them.

CUCUMBER

Cucumbers are long and lean in nature. it can be considered as fruit as well as vegetable, which can come in any colour. They belong to the plant family of Cucurbitaceae family, which is where pumpkin, squash and watermelon belong too.

they contain 95% water, 4% carbohydrate, 1% protein, low in calorie and rich in phytonutrients and vitamin K.
They grow quickly as long as the receive consistent water and sun. But when the grow too large, they will taste bitter. So don't let it grow too large before you harvest.
The main care that cucumber requires is consistent watering, because inconsistent watering may also lead to bitter taste.

SOME BENEFITS OF CUCUMBER

1. It nourishes the skin from inside out, which helps maintain a healthy skin.

2. it reduces swelling and also relieves the skin of irritation.

3. it helps to relax and relief sun burn pains.

4. It cleanses the body of accumulated toxins and waste.

5. it has antidiabetic property.

6. Its low in calories , hence it promotes weight loss.

7. It has a compound called cucurbitacins and lignans which help in protecting the body from cancer. flavonoid fisetin which is also found in cucumber helps slows down the progression of prostate cancer

8. It is a good source of potassium , which means it lowers high blood pressure.

9. it is rich in Vitamin K, which promotes healthy bones and tissues.

10. It contains phytochemicals that helps in producing collagen. This collagen reduces cellulites in the skin and also maintain skin elasticity.

11. it contains fiber which triggers the production of saliva in the mouth. this reduce the amount of bad bacteria that cause mouth odour.

!2) It destroys intestinal worms.

PARTS OF CUCUMBER AND THEIR BENEFITS

SOURCE

Cucumber is made of the Rind and the Seeds

The seed

Cucumber seeds are edible fibres and minerals . they can be added to countless dishes like salad, smoothie , baked food etc. They can be consumed raw as well.

Some benefits of Seeds of cucumber

• It contains some minerals that can burn fat.

• it helps to eliminate urinary tract infection and bladder infection. taking it regularly for 2 weeks to one month can
  relieve one of those infections.

• Consuming it, makes our skin to glow and look younger due to the antioxidants present in it.

• consuming it regularly helps get rid of kidney stone for people diagnose with it.

• It is a rich source of sulfur, hence it increases hair volume, promotes hair growth and keeps hair very health.

• The Phyto elements present in it, helps to prevent the growth of cancerous cell.

THE RIND

This is the thick outer skin of cucumber. It contains greater portion of the nutrient found in cucumber. It contains minerals like Magnesium, potassium, and silica.

SOME BENEFITS OF THE RIND

• It is a great source of vitamin A , which promotes healthy eyes and visions . Also placing cucumber peels on the eyes for 15mins relieves the eyes of puffiness ,swelling and dark circles.

• It contains insoluble fiber which has a sweeping effect on the digestive tract, thereby reducing constipation.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF CUCUMBER

They key constituents of cucumber are;
Flavonoids
Tannins
Terpenoids
Vitamin C
Cucurbitacins and others.

• Flavonoids and Tannis: They bring about analgesic effect , that is to say, it helps to bring down excessive pains in the body. it also removes radicals, reduce skin swelling and puffiness .

• Cucurbitacins : It brings about the bitter taste in cucumber

• Vitamin C : It is a powerful antioxidant and an immune boosting element , which prevent and fights various health issues.

SOME NEGATIVE EFFECT OF CUCUMBER

1. consuming too much of cucumber can be life threatening due the presence of cucurbitacins and tetracyclic triterpenoids the bitter-causing elements, which are toxin.

2. The seed of cucumber has diuretic property ( meaning it can rid the body of salt and water). if taken in excesses , it can cause dehydration.

3. cucumber is rich in potassium , when taken in excess, it can result in Hyperkalemia an ailment caused by excess potassium content in the body.

4. cucurbitacin in cucumber causes indigestion in people with sensitive digestive system. This causes bloating and too much farting.

5. It is not advisable for people with respiratory condition and sinusitis to consume it.

WAYS TO AVOID THE SIDE EFFECT

1. wash the cucumber very well under running water

2. you can remove the peels because of the toxin hidden on it.

3. if the raw one is not too good for you, then take it cooked.

CONCLUSION

Cucumber is a very good fruit . if our health condition forbids it then avoid it , if it does not , eat it and eat in moderation.

Thanks for stopping by
God bless you