“The Romans were particularly fond of this crop”

MOTHER NATURE’S NATURAL HEALING GIFTS -
A-Z OF EVERYDAY FOODS AND THEIR AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS

We continue the A-Z of Everyday Foods with a food that is one of the most widely cultivated foods in the world. It has been mentioned in different cultures and legends for thousands of years and is a favourite addition to many a salad or culinary dish. This is indeed an everyday food and it is the Cucumber.

Cucumbers have been cultivated by man for around 3,000 years and it is believed that they originated in the foothills of the Himalayas, probably near present day India and then made their way to parts of the Middle East. Cucumbers subsequently then spread to Greece and Italy, where the Romans were particularly fond of the crop. The cucumber is also listed among the foods of ancient Ur and the Legend of Gilgamesh describes people eating cucumbers.

I’m sure we’ve all used the term “Cool as a Cucumber”. This phrase was said to be first documented in the poem A New Song of New Similes by English Poet and Playwright John Gay (1681-1732).

The botanical name for cucumber is Cucumis Sativa and is closely related to pumpkins, zucchini, melons and other squashes. It is actually classed as a fruit. Commercially, the production of cucumbers is usually divided into two types – ‘Slicing cucumbers’, which are usually larger and have thicker skins are produced for fresh eating and ‘Pickling cucumbers’ are produced for processing into pickles and usually have thinner skins.

Although cucumbers are mostly composed of water, they possess many health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and phytonutrient properties. They are high in potassium and fibre and contain good amounts of molybdenum, Vitamins A and C, folate, phosphorous, tryptophan and magnesium. They also are an excellent source of the trace mineral silica which is an essential component of healthy connective tissue which includes muscles, cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments.

Cucumbers also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids which assist with water retention and along with anti-inflammatory properties may assist conditions such as stomach inflammation, conjunctivitis, sore throat, acne, sunburn, inflamed skin disease and discharges. Cucumbers are also used in beauty therapy, in face creams and especially popular for relieving swollen, dry, puffy or irritated eyes.

When buying cucumbers, it is advised to buy organic where possible and if you are unable to find any organic varieties, we would suggest cutting the skin off prior to eating or juicing.

As cucumbers are a cooling food and may assist in counteracting toxins and cleansing the blood, they are just perfect to eat during the summer months and also a great inclusion to your favourite fresh juices as they mix well with most fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Enjoy a slice of cooling cucumber today.

Yours in health,

Dedicated to Improving Your Wellbeing and Committed To Helping You Achieve Abundance

From the Team at the Hervey Bay Wellbeing, Anti-Aging and Longevity Centre.

Tags: Cucumbers