Planting Crops That Are Beneficial To Health (Cucumbers)

alreina740 (-2)(1)in #homesteading • 7 years ago (edited)

**It is an indigenous plant that can be eaten in India and cultivated throughout the country. It is also called Cucumber flower. Each year, the environmental working group produces a list of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, known as Dirty Dozen. Cucumber is high on the list of pesticide residues. I suggest that you buy organic to ensure a lower risk of exposure to pesticides. If you can not afford organic, do not worry; the nutritional benefits of eating grown in conventional (non-organic) yields far exceed the risk of not eating at all.**

It is the total diet or overall eating patterns that are most important in the prevention of disease and achieve good health. It's good to eat diets with variety rather than to concentrate on individual foods as the key to good health.

Many people may be less aware of the benefits of cucumbers. In fact, in addition to good for beauty, cucumber is also good for health. Even the high water content can reduce dehydration.

The following are some of the health benefits to be gained from eating cucumbers:

1. Hydration

Because it is largely composed of water and filled with important electrolytes, cucumbers are a perfect practical food during hot weather to prevent the body from dehydration and can increase water consumption in your body.

2. Skin

When used topically, the cucumber has a cooling and soothing effect that will decrease swelling, irritation, and inflammation of the skin. In addition, sliced cucumber fruit can also be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling or treat skin affected by sunburn.

3. Bone Health

Vitamin K content in cucumber can increase the absorption of calcium for optimal bone health, thereby reducing the risk of fractures due to porous. Low vitamin K intake has been associated with a higher risk for fractures. Adequate consumption of vitamin K can be achieved by eating the right intake of fruits and vegetables (one cup of cucumber provides 11 percent of daily requirement) and it is important to increase the absorption of calcium that is essential for optimal bone health.

4. Cancer

As a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family, cucumbers contain high nutrients known as cucurbitacins that have anti-cancer properties, because they can prevent cancer cells from multiplying and surviving in our bodies. Although there is no current anti-cancer therapy that utilizes cucurbitacins, there have been some early laboratory studies that have produced promising results.

Cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to eat this fruit, be sure to wash it thoroughly and remove the skin before consumption. In addition, avoid cucumbers with wilted or dried ends, because cucumbers like this are not fresh.