Cucumber

Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus

Bahasa Indonesia: Timun

Batak:

Basic Information: The cucumber is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. The cucumber is a creeping vine that roots in the ground and grows up trellises or other supporting frames. The vine has large leaves that form a canopy over the fruit. The fruit is roughly cylindrical, but elongated with tapered ends and may be as long as 60 cm. Botanically speaking, the cucumber is considered a botanical berry with a hard outer rind and no internal divisions, though it is often perceived, prepared, and eaten as a vegetable. The cucumber is originally from South Asia, but now grows on most continents.

Health Benefits:

  1. Helps stay Hydrated – the amount of water in a 5 oz serving is about 26% of your daily water intake through food.
  2. Supports Heart Health – the potassium found in cucumbers help to lower blood pressure, lower risk of strokes, and reduce the risk of total cardiovascular disease.
  3. Protects your Brain from Neurological Disease – fisetin reduces age-related neurological diseases on brain function and helps maintain cognitive function in people with Alzeimer’s disease.
  4. Anti-Aging Effects – cucumbers have shown to be effective in anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects.
  5. Reduces Cancer Risk – cucumbers lower the inflammatory response in the body and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
  6. Relieves Pain – flavonoids have been shown to limit the release of free radicals in the body and to reduce pain.
  7. Reduces Bad Breath – fiber and water-rich vegetables boost your mouth’s saliva production, which helps wash away the bacteria that cause odor in the mouth.
  8. Protects your Bones – vitamin K is essential for bone health and helps improve calcium absorption.
  9. Prevents Constipation – the water and fiber in cucumbers help food to move through the digestive tract quicker and easier.
  10. Maintains a Healthy Weight – cucumbers are very low in calories and high in fiber, which both contribute to helping maintain a healthy weight.

Fun Facts:

  • Cucumbers are comprised of 95% water
  • The term “cool as a cucumber” is derived from the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the blood. You can also apply cucumbers topically to ease facial swelling by cooling the blood
  • If you rub a cucumber slice along a fogged mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance
  • Cucumbers outside waxy coating can be used to erase pen writing
  • Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins, and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body loses while consuming alcohol, so if you eat a few slices before bed after a night out, you can wake up headache free

 

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucumber

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/health-benefits-of-cucumbers_b_8231704

https://www.paeats.com/feature/10-facts-you-didnt-know-about-cucumbers/