Cucumber

Cucumber, also known as Cucumis sativus, is one of the most cultivated vine plants in the world. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae gourd family and has noticeable cucumiform fruits, which are often considered vegetables when they are actually fruits.

This fruit is high in beneficial nutrients, certain plant compounds, and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some health conditions.

Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.

Cucumber Varieties

There are several known types of cucumbers, such as Armenian, English, lemon, and Persian.

Here are the differences.

Armenian

Armenian cucumbers are long and thin with either dark and light green shades. They are crunchy and delicious even when eaten raw.

English Cucumber

Also known as seedless cucumbers, English has long and thin dark green skin. It is the most common type seen in supermarkets with mild, almost non-existent flavor.

Garden Cucumber

This type of cucumber is primarily found in North America. They are smooth-skinned and dark green. They are smaller than the usual English cucumbers.

Lemon Cucumber

As the name suggests, this type of cucumber is yellow, round, and looks like lemons. They are sweet and have thin skins, soft seeds, and tasty.

Persian

Persian cucumbers are like English cucumbers, except that the former comes in different sizes - some are short while others are long.

Health Benefits

Powerhouse of Nutrients

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. An 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled, raw cucumber contains the following:

• Calories: 45
• Total fat: 0 grams
• Carbs: 11 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
• Potassium: 13% of the RDI
• Manganese: 12% of the RDI

Better Hydration

Cucumbers are about 96% water. This helps in increasing hydration and meeting your daily fluid needs.

Rich in Antioxidants

Cucumbers have flavonoids and tannins that prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals. They also reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Helps in Weight Loss

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water. Hence, you can use it for your diet.

Lowers Blood Sugar

Some studies for test-tube and animal experiments show that cucumber may help lower blood sugar and prevent complications. But, this still needs additional research.