What are the benefits of bitter cucumbers. Why bitter cucumbers - the reason, what to do, and how to prevent? Cucumbers for the beauty of the female body

Bitterness gives cucumbers cucurbitacin, which is always present in them, but too much of its content is fraught with spoiled taste. Insufficient watering, hot weather, incorrect planting and fertilizing dates, cold water, and varieties that are prone to bitter substance accumulation are the reasons for the accumulation of cucurbitacin.

Older varieties are bitterer, the seeds of which summer residents use from year to year. genetic bitterness

“Cucumber bitterness is genetic. Breeders genetically develop varieties that do not have a substance that causes bitterness. For example, our Krasnoob varieties "Pchelka", "Krasnoobsky Souvenir", "Hedgehog", "Nephrite". With bitterness, there may be Far Eastern, Khabarovsk "Mig", for example, or old varieties, - Vera Petruk, candidate of agricultural sciences, head of the experimental research laboratory of the PTI Garden, shared with the site. - Even the bitterness of the cucumber is purely proportionally dependent on watering and the sun. If it is very hot and the cucumbers are not watered enough, they can be very bitter. Especially in greenhouses. But they can also be bitter on the street in open field if it is hot during the day and cold at night. But it depends strictly on the variety.

Photo by Mikhail Permin

First step to delicious cucumbers- this is abundant watering, experts say. And second - right choice seeds, modern hybrids even have the inscription "without genetic bitterness" on the packaging.

Stress of small cucumbers

Cucumbers can be stressed by insufficient watering, sweltering heat, or swampy soil, according to agronomists.

“Plants, like people, experience stress. Cucumbers are of two types. Simply put, greenhouse and open field. As a rule, cucumbers from the greenhouse are bitter, and those on the open ground are less common, - says Yevgeny Gusev, manager of the vegetable-growing production facility Dary Ordynska. - Usually gherkins are bitter, they are most susceptible to this. In general, the smaller the cucumber, the more likely it is to be bitter. In Siberia, we mainly grow cucumbers "Masha", "Masha-2", "German" too good cucumbers but they are all hybrids. They do not bitter, give the maximum yield. But there is one drawback - they do not give a generation, and the price tag is slightly higher. And more bitter are those that summer residents themselves dry up and leave the seeds for the second year.

Secrets of summer residents

Summer residents share secrets on how to keep cucumbers fresh, sweetish taste. Cucumber loves loose soil and a humid environment, in such conditions it grows like tropical liana, which the plant actually is. If it is hot outside, cucumbers need to be watered every day, but if it rains, the plants need to be sheltered from rain - waterlogged soil does not benefit cucumbers. Experienced gardeners do not recommend watering cucumbers with a hose so as not to erode the ground and expose the roots, it is better to use a bucket and water the plant under the root. And, of course, do not forget about weeding - weeds take away precious nitrogen from cucumber rhizomes, without which the fruits can also turn out to be bitter. Experts recommend feeding the plant with nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, and gardeners prefer to use bird droppings.

Photo by Viktor Borovskikh

“The most bitter cucumbers in my memory are the Chinese variety, long and thin. But bitter cucumber is not a sentence. If they are salted or marinated, bitterness will not be felt, - Alla Zhiltsova, a summer resident with 50 years of experience, believes. - If a fresh cucumber is bitter, you can cut off the skin and tip from it, sprinkle with salt. Help soak in water for several hours, changing the water, the bitter taste will disappear. In their own way, bitter cucumbers are useful, they help with worms.

Few people know that our favorite crispy and refreshing cucumbers are representatives of the pumpkin family. annual plant with an oval shape, some varieties with pimples, others are even - frequent and welcome guests on our table. Fragile with delicious cucumbers, it's time to think about the benefits and harms of a vegetable, what beneficial features can improve our health and is it possible to lose weight on a cucumber diet. Let's talk about everything in order.

A bit of cucumber history

Elastic to the touch and juicy inside, with a characteristic green color on the outside and light green, almost white inside, the cucumber contains many seeds. If it is overripe, it resembles appearance pumpkin and melon, but we use it as if in an unripe state. But in a fresh cucumber, seeds are not felt, but they allow you to enjoy barely perceptible seals.

As it turned out, the vegetable familiar to us, which we include in food in fresh, canned and other forms, has been present in human life for more than 6 thousand years. First cultivated wild plant back in India, then the vegetable migrated to Asia, Egypt and Europe. Thus, the cucumber was a victorious step in all points of the planet. Someone will object that it does not grow in Antarctica and in the Arctic. If you put a greenhouse, bring in the soil and grow it using modern technologies- the cucumber will grow there too. After all, the technology of growing in greenhouse conditions arose in ancient times, so in the cold seasons the inhabitants of Byzantium received the harvest, from where the tasty fruit came to the tables of our Russian ancestors.

The fact that cucumber is very good for health was already known in those days. Therefore, everything was used - the pulp, the peel, the juice of the plant.

Useful composition of cucumber

The product we describe is a low calorie champion. There are only 14 kcal in 100 grams of cucumber, which is the reason for inclusion in the diet when fasting days, for weight loss. But we'll talk about that later. Now about useful composition cucumber, which includes substances such as vitamins of groups B, A, C, PP.

95 percent of it consists of structured and very useful water for the human body. This liquid, like a brush, washes our kidneys and removes toxins, toxins, salts of heavy metals and decay products from the body. It is for this reason that cucumbers are recommended to people working in radioactive and chemical enterprises. Add to list useful substances includes chlorophylls, sugars, organic acids essential oils and starch.
The vegetable also contains magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, iodine, chromium, zinc, phosphorus, beta-carotene, folic acid etc.
Cucumbers are champions in the content of coarse fiber, fiber, which gently and gently cleanses the intestines of fecal stones and toxins, stimulates peristalsis, and regulates metabolism.
Inclusion in a regular diet allows you to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland, which by itself affects the regulation of the hormonal background of the body.
Cucumbers, cucumber juice easily neutralize harmful acids and normalize the acid-base balance.
Antioxidants in the vegetable can reduce acidity, the level of body fat, and prevent the accumulation of harmful cholesterol due to sterols.
Cucumber juice and its pulp is a choleretic and laxative agent with a mild, sparing effect. Vegetable enzymes quickly break down carbohydrates, help protein to be absorbed - for this reason, cucumber salad is recommended as a side dish for fatty dishes.
Potassium has a beneficial effect on the function of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys.
Magnesium calms the nervous system, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, regulates blood flow, pressure, helps prevent ischemia and atherosclerosis.
Iodine is responsible for the functions of the thyroid gland and has anti-sclerotic properties, stimulates the entire endocrine system of our body.
A colossal amount of ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system, in this case it is better to choose small cucumbers.
Cucumber juice helps with gout, as it effectively removes uric acid from the body.
Phosphorus, like magnesium, calms the nerves, relieves depression, stress, irritability, anxiety, normalizes sleep and eliminates insomnia.
Potassium helps the structural fluid of the vegetable to enter and cleanse the cells and relieves swelling.
Cucumbers are indicated for urolithiasis, remove sand and improve the process of urination.

Cucumbers for the beauty of the female body

Is it worth spending big money to improve the condition of the skin, its elasticity and velvety? After all, an excellent medicine, and in all respects, are vegetables growing under your feet. Cucumbers occupy a respectable place among the leaders.

Since ancient times, women have used vegetables not only as food product but also cosmetic. The substances contained in it and structured water tones the skin, tightens it, cleanses it of black spots, relieves inflammation and rejuvenates, removing fine wrinkles.

Vitamin B - natural collagen - removes excess subcutaneous fat, inflammation, heals rashes and removes acne.
Acids with a gentle effect even out skin tone and level pigmentation, freckles and are great for any type skin- dry, oily and mixed.
Cucumber infusions and lotions stimulate hair growth, restore their structure, silkiness and density.

Important: Cucumber juice is excellent for thermal and sunburn. To do this, apply lotions with juice or cut peel to the body.

What diseases do cucumbers treat?

To summarize the benefits of cucumbers as a vegetable with a huge amount of nutrients, we suggest remembering the list of diseases in which it is recommended to include a vegetable in the diet. It will help with:

gout;
urolithiasis;
thyroid diseases - hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter;
gallbladder disease;
liver diseases - hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.;
colitis;
skin diseases, rashes, burns, inflammatory processes;
constipation;
high blood pressure - hypertension;
ischemia, atherosclerosis;
obesity
bronchitis;
diabetes, etc.

Is it possible for pregnant women to eat cucumbers

This vegetable, due to its low calorie content, is not only possible, but must be included in the diet of the expectant mother. But you should never forget that a medicine differs from a poison in a dose.

A high percentage of structural water content allows pregnant women to get rid of edema that torments them.
Due to the presence of fibers, the skin of a cucumber relieves constipation and hemorrhoids, which is a frequent companion of a future mother.
Potassium electrolyte normalizes water balance and regulates blood pressure.
The substances zeaxanthin, lutein and ascorbic acid strengthen the immune system and protect against colds, infectious diseases and inflammation.
Vitamin K strengthens the bone structure and helps build a strong baby skeleton.
Folic acid - vitamin B9 is the best prevention of malformations of the embryo, strengthens the neural tube and protects against pathologies.
Each useful substance in cucumbers is involved in hematopoiesis, protects against anemia, ensures the full development and growth of the baby.

Can children eat cucumbers

As soon as summer days come and beautiful cucumber fruits are formed on the beds, the children themselves are ready to pick them and eat them right there. But before feeding a child, you should find out what are the benefits and harms of cucumbers for children.

So, let's start with the main - is it possible and from what age to include cucumbers in the baby's diet. Young mothers should not rush to feed their baby with a green vegetable for a baby up to a year old. As soon as a year comes, you can serve cucumbers as a supplement to the main food at the minimum portion.

Important: premature feeding of cucumbers can cause colic in the baby.

How to give. It is strictly forbidden for babies to use pickled, pickled cucumbers, even if they are made with their own hands, in compliance with technology and sterility. They contain a lot of salt, vinegar, and a minimum of useful substances.
You should choose a fresh vegetable grown in the open field. The fruit should be elastic, with a bright color and a non-shiny, matte skin. It is not recommended to purchase dented cucumbers grown in a greenhouse and sold along roads and highways.

How to feed. Rinse the fresh cucumber thoroughly and cut off a small piece for the baby. Closely monitor the reaction of the child's body and if there are complaints of abdominal pain, capriciousness and symptoms of colic, postpone the introduction of vegetables into the diet at a later date.

Pros of eating cucumbers by children:

Silicon, iodine, potassium, sulfur, fructose, essential oils, carotene, vitamin C and essential oils help regulate metabolism, stimulate peristalsis and improve blood flow.
Useful substances and antioxidants destroy putrefactive and pathogenic microbes, including staphylococcus aureus, which is common among children.
The vegetable is one of the hypoallergenic and practically does not cause adverse reactions: redness, rashes, swelling, etc.

There are also situations in which cucumbers should not be included in the child's diet:

Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, indigestion;
Store-bought vegetables may contain nitrates and pesticides - a real poison not only for children, but also for adults.

Important: you need to carefully monitor how the child gnaws and swallows the cucumber. A vegetable, especially pickled, salty, has a smoothness, and the baby can choke. For this reason, it must be cut into small pieces and given under supervision.

What are useful cucumbers for men

Cleansing, restorative and tonic effect stimulates metabolic processes, strengthens the immune system of men. Scientists point to the antirheumatic properties of the vegetable and strongly recommend eating fresh at any time of the year.

Serious problem men's health is visceral fat that accumulates in the abdomen. Due to the inhibition of metabolic processes, purification processes, the state of stagnation and impaired blood flow, negative processes occur in the genitourinary system, oncological diseases develop, etc. Consumption of cucumbers allows you to lose weight, burn visceral fats and protect yourself from male diseases.
Mixed with, cucumbers do an excellent job with gout, and are also used to prevent the disease due to the accumulation of uric acid.
Consumption of a vegetable allows you to maintain the density and splendor of the hair for longer, nourish the hair follicles with useful substances.

Important: cucumber juice should not be abused, taking 100 grams of juice at a time or exceeding the daily dose (1 liter) disrupts the body's water balance, and dangerous consequences occur.

Harm and contraindications when consuming cucumbers

No matter what we talk about some of the harmful properties of a green vegetable, there are still many more benefits from it. But let's talk about the cases in which it brings discomfort.

Individual intolerance. As strange as it may sound, there are still a small number of people who have an allergic reaction to cucumbers. If after use there is a rash, redness of the skin, itchy eyes, a tickle in the throat, swelling appears - discard the wonderful product and consult a doctor for adequate treatment of allergies.
Gallstone and urolithiasis in the acute phase is also a contraindication to eating cucumbers.
Do not include salted, pickled cucumbers in the diet for liver diseases.
Acidity, gastritis, ulcer duodenum and stomach-cucumber juice can cause pain, nausea.
Nursing mothers should be careful with the consumption of cucumbers - getting into the baby's body through milk, they can cause diarrhea, colic.
With high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, tendencies to Alzheimer's disease, with impaired memory and thinking, it is not recommended to eat pickled, pickled cucumbers.

How to grow, choose and store cucumbers

Gardeners who dream of good harvest cucumbers, you should prepare the soil in advance. It is desirable to enrich with fertilizers, ash. You need to plant in warm weather, about 2 weeks after the onset of warm nights and a month after the last frost. Before planting, water the wells with warm, almost hot water. Now there are many varieties that are not subject to bitterness, empty flowers: Nezhinsky, Murom, Nosovsky, Aist, Era, Arina, Voyage, etc.

Important: if you want to use the seeds of your own harvest next year, choose bags marked F1.

You need to plant the seeds with the nose up - so that the sprouts do not cling to the ground and the peel does not interfere with them. The soil of cucumbers should always be almost moist. With a lack of water, the fruits curl, turn yellow and are unusable. Collect at will - it all depends on the preferred size. But the most useful tastier fruits small and medium in size.

Cucumber storage

This product, unfortunately, cannot be stored for a long time. Maximum 7 days in the top section of the refrigerator. For this reason, on the shelves of markets in the spring, late autumn and in winter, cucumbers grown in Asian countries or in greenhouses are sold. When choosing, you should pay attention to external indicators and aroma. Strong, elastic fruits with a characteristic smell can be eaten, but it is not advisable to give them to children. It is important to make sure that the product contains a minimum of pesticides and nitrates.

Slimming with cucumbers

If someone forgot, then we hasten to remind you that in 100 grams of fresh cucumber there are only 14 kcal. To lose weight on a cucumber diet, as they say, nature itself ordered.

Sassi - fat burning drink

Before you “sit down” on a cucumber diet, you should understand that in addition to the main ingredient, the list includes ginger, lemon, mint and other products. You need to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the additional composition.

So, for the Sassi drink, thanks to which the body is perfectly cleansed of toxins, toxins and heavy salts, blood circulation improves and excess fats are burned, it is necessary:

fresh cucumber; half a tablespoon of chopped ginger;
fresh mint leaves - 5 pieces;
one lemon.

We clean the cucumber and cut it into slices together with the lemon and pour it all into 10 glasses cold water, add ginger and chopped mint by hand. Put the composition in the refrigerator overnight and start drinking in the morning. Sweet lovers can add 2 tablespoons of honey. The components of the cocktail "shatter" the stagnant state of the body and turn on the energy consumption to the fullest. And this requires the connection of reserves - fats and carbohydrates. Accelerated Metabolism makes all cells work and removes excess fluid from us, relieves swelling and makes us lose weight “before our eyes”.

Important: Sassi prepared water should be drunk during the day and the next portion should be prepared in the evening.

In a month, thanks to the liquid, you can burn 10 kilograms excess weight. But you can’t abuse the diet, you need to drink for about 4-5 days, then take a break and consume low-calorie cereals and soups.

The best recipes with cucumbers

One has only to wash and cut an elastic green vegetable, as a stunning, refreshing and appetizing aroma immediately spreads around the house. We are happy to chop it into a salad, marinated and salted, we complement the exquisite taste of cold meat appetizers. Even better - just cut a fresh cucumber into two parts, salt a little and rub against each other until light foam and crunch, crunch. I wonder if there was at least one reader who did not salivate? Hardly! Let's look at the best cucumber dishes that are prepared on quick hand and help improve health, lose extra pounds.

Salad with fresh vegetables

If someone is waiting for the “discovery of America”, then it’s not worth it. We will just make our favorite summer salad again, for which it is necessary to cut washed fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and straws into half rings. Add crushed green onion, dill, parsley. For dressing, mix together a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of honey and wine vinegar. Mix and eat with spoons!

Okroshka useful

This dish should be cooked on fresh medium-fat kefir. We will need:

400 grams of boiled chicken fillet;
6 boiled eggs;
3 medium potatoes;
6-7 fresh cucumbers;
a bunch of green onions;
a bunch of dill;
salt, pepper, sour cream and kefir to taste.

If you decide to replace it with boiled sausage, then you should use a doctor's one, which must first be boiled for about 10 minutes. Cut all the ingredients into small cubes, chop the greens and pour kefir, add salt and pepper to taste, chop the greens. The described composition is very useful for the body and is an excellent detox dish. If you remove or minimize potatoes from the list, you can lose up to 3 kilograms per week on such a delicious diet. Of course, you should eat without bread and not a single gram of salt.

Salted cucumbers in 5 minutes

Prepare a food plastic bag, a kilogram of fresh small cucumbers, a bunch of parsley, dill, 4-5 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper.

Rinse cucumbers and cut into circles (bars), add chopped herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Put everything in a bag and put in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

It is impossible to list all the useful properties and culinary masterpieces from your favorite vegetable. Do not be sophisticated - it is important that the product is fresh and coexists in a dish with healthy ingredients - tomatoes, herbs, peppers and vegetable oil. And the best part is that you can eat without restrictions in quantity and no prints on the figure!

All for now.
Sincerely, Vyacheslav.

Cucumber is a delicate and capricious plant. The cucumber is native to the tropical rainforests of India. Under natural conditions, it grows in the shade of trees, practically does not see direct sunlight; it receives more than enough moisture - with abundant tropical rains, and with a sharp night drop in temperature, characteristic of our strip, the wild cucumber is completely unfamiliar.

Therefore, the cucumber does not like both too hot and dry weather, and cold, as well as sudden temperature changes. These conditions are stressful for the cucumber, and as a defense, it begins to produce a special anti-stress substance - cucurbitacin. It is this substance that gives cucumbers a bitter taste. It is concentrated mainly in the peel of the cucumber, at the stalk.

Experienced gardeners advise: so that the cucumbers do not taste bitter, you must strictly observe the light and temperature regime in a greenhouse or in a garden: grow cucumbers in well-lit places, water abundantly - only warm water and only in warm weather, cover when it gets cold, be sure to feed (but not with fresh manure!).

The bitterness of cucumber fruits is due to a special gene, that is, it is a hereditary trait. European and Dutch salad varieties of cucumbers have already been bred, which are never bitter. They contain a gene that prevents the formation of cucurbitacins.

In order not to throw away a bitter cucumber, you can peel it, but you need to keep in mind that you will throw away along with the peel most vitamins and other useful substances. To get rid of the bitter taste, you can soak bitter cucumbers for several hours.

Cucurbitacin is destroyed during heat treatment and under the influence of water, so bitter cucumbers are quite suitable for pickling and pickling.

Despite the unpleasant taste, cucurbitacin is not harmful, but, on the contrary, is healing: for example, it has the ability to inhibit the growth of malignant tumors, promotes better job pancreas, liver, intestines. In China, bitter varieties of cucumbers are specially grown and used for medicinal purposes.

By the way...

Cucurbitacin is produced not only by cucumbers, but also by all plants of the pumpkin family, in hot and dry weather.

The fruits of wild cucumbers are completely inedible due to high content cucurbitacins.

Cucumbers are one of my favorite vegetables. They have a delicate taste, fragrant, contain a number of important nutrients for the human body. They are good for the heart and digestive system, kidney problems, hypertension. Good to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. In addition, they have practically no contraindications.

Cucumber is a fruit of the Cucurbitaceae family from the Cucumber genus. The scientific Latin name is Cucumis sativus. It is an annual creeping plant. At the ends of the stems there are antennae with which it clings to the support.

India is considered the birthplace of cucumber, where they grew according to some sources for another 10,000 years, according to others - 6,000 years ago. It can still be found in the wild today in the tropical and subtropical parts of India.

It spread to Europe over 4,000 years ago. Was a very popular vegetable crop in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome. With the first colonists it was brought to both Americas: South and North.

When its seeds came to Russia, it is not known for certain. The first mention of it dates back to the middle of the 16th century.

Under Louis XIV, it was first grown in greenhouses. Gradually, this vegetable became known throughout the world and now occupies the 4th place in cultivation among all vegetable crops.

They are eaten fresh (available throughout the year), pickled, salted for the winter, salads are made with it.

It makes no sense to talk about varieties of cucumber. There are a lot of them: there are specially for growing in closed or open ground, for canning, salad.

What are the benefits of cucumbers

Cucumber is rightfully considered one of the most useful vegetable crops. It is 95-97 percent water, no fat, no cholesterol, and very few calories. Despite this, it contains many useful nutrients:

Vitamins: K, C, A, group B (thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid);

Minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, iron;

Chlorophyll;

Carbohydrates;

Cellulose.

The calorie content of a cucumber per 100 grams is only 15 kilocalories.

Cucumbers fresh useful properties

Despite the fact that their proportion of nutrients is not so high, they are necessary for a proper balanced diet. All of them help maintain health, improve general state, enhance the processes occurring in the body.

Cucumber promotes the absorption of protein products. Therefore, it must necessarily complement meat dishes.

A unique feature of fresh cucumbers is the neutralization of acidic compounds that disrupt metabolic processes, lead to salt precipitation and aging.

They have diuretic, laxative, choleretic properties. They relieve swelling, improve the functioning of the intestinal tract, preventing constipation.

Helps cleanse the body of toxins. Due to the high content of water, they contribute to the cleansing of the body and quick removal accumulated toxins.

Potassium, as an electrolyte, improves lymph circulation, removes excess fluid from the body. 100 grams contains 147 mg of potassium and only 2 mg of sodium.

It is a "heart" mineral that helps lower blood pressure, regulates heart rate, and counteracts the effects of sodium.

The presence of potassium and a large number waters provide it with mild diuretic properties. Thanks to them, they cleanse the kidneys of mineral deposits that can lead to the formation of stones.

They contain almost 14 percent of the daily value of vitamin K (16.4 micrograms / 100 grams). This vitamin plays a potential important role in maintaining bone density, improves calcium absorption.

Beneficial for Alzheimer's patients by limiting damage to brain neurons.

Although they do not directly have anti-inflammatory properties, they are able to inhibit anti-inflammatory enzymes, relieve pain and swelling in arthritis.

Cucumber has an alkaline effect due to the presence of alkaline elements in it, neutralizes the acidity of the stomach, reduces the effect of acid on the mucous membrane with an ulcer.

It contains several B vitamins. These vitamins are involved in many metabolic processes, including brain function and nervous system. To some extent, they can reduce feelings of anxiety and reduce the effect of stress on the body. Ancient doctors recommended a decoction of cucumbers in stressful situations.

Vitamins B1 and B2 are involved in the breakdown of sugars and carbohydrates.

Cucumbers contain several compounds that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants suppress the oxidative action of free radicals, which are the sources of many chronic diseases:

joints;

Of cardio-vascular system;

So they do not have cholesterol, they help get rid of low-density lithoproteins, which leads to an improvement in the condition of blood vessels, and the risk of cardiovascular pathologies and atherosclerosis is reduced.

Regular consumption of fresh cucumbers is a protection against thyroid diseases.

As a low-calorie product, it is present in many diets for weight loss and weight loss, in fasting days.

cucumbers good remedy for nausea during pregnancy. Every time this feeling arises, you need to eat a few slices of fresh cucumber.

Many people drink cucumber pickle after a hangover, not knowing that fresh cucumbers can relieve the symptoms of this condition and reduce headaches.

In addition, they well replenish the body with water. Alcohol contributes to dehydration.

Cucumbers useful properties in cosmetology

Cucumber masks are popular with women all over the world. They help get rid of:

From wrinkles;

age spots;

Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

Well moisturize the skin and prevent dehydration. Remove signs of fatigue and sleepless nights.

They are no less useful for hair. Due to the presence of vitamin A, minerals and vitamins, they improve hair growth, strengthen hair follicles.

health benefits of cucumbers

Like any natural products, they play an important role in preventing a number of diseases and promoting health.

Studies have found that including cucumbers in your diet:

Reduces the risk of obesity;

Prevents the development of diabetes;

Improves the health of the heart and blood vessels;

Prevents constipation;

Strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis;

Improves metabolic processes;

Helps prevent cancer;

Improves hydration;

Removes swelling;

Promotes the removal of salts and toxins;

Increases overall energy potential.

Harm cucumbers

The main harm of fresh cucumbers lies in the way they are grown. When treated with pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, they can contain and accumulate substances harmful to health.

The largest amount of nitrates accumulates in the peel. To reduce harm, you just need to clean them. The tips of the fruits should be cut off at least 2 centimeters from both ends.

People suffering from stomach diseases with high acidity should limit their use. Cucumbers increase acidity and can provoke an exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer.

Often, some cucumbers are bitter due to terpenoid toxic compounds such as cucurbitacin. Mostly the bitter part of the fruit that is attached to the branch. Just cut off the "tail" or peel off the skin.

Contraindications and side effects

In general, cucumbers do not have any contraindications and side effects. However, people with severe hypertension, ascites, or other conditions that restrict high fluid intake should be careful when consuming these vegetables, which contain more than 90% water.

There are also people whose digestion does not take them very well, and in rare cases can cause abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia.

An allergy is possible, accompanied by a rash, itching, redness and other symptoms. It is more likely to occur in people who have an allergic reaction to ragweed.

Increased gas formation can be with the use of bitter cucumbers.

People with high stomach acidity should limit their consumption, as they increase it.

How to choose and store cucumbers

Now cucumbers are sold in the store all year round. In winter they are greenhouses. In the summer - from the garden.

When buying, choose fresh, dense, with a brightly colored peel.

Do not buy fruits with spots, broken, cuts and other defects that cause quick spoilage of the fruit. In addition, pathogenic bacteria can enter through the peel.

They should not be overripe, with large seeds.

Rinse thoroughly before cooking to get rid of any contaminants that may have come into contact with them from the soil or during transport.

Store at room temperature maybe one or two days. In the refrigerator, the shelf life is extended to several days.

Cucumbers in cooking

These are very versatile fruits. Fresh ones are added to salads, juice and cucumber water are made. They are salted and marinated for the winter.

Pairs well with tomatoes, fresh sweet peppers. Add them to salads with rice, chicken, pineapple and many other products.

Cucumbers are one of the main ingredients in summer okroshka, regardless of what it is cooked with.

You can fill salads with them with vegetable oil, salad dressing, yogurt, sour cream, kefir, cream.

Read

Experienced gardeners advise: in order for the cucumbers not to be bitter, you must strictly observe the light and temperature conditions in the greenhouse or in the garden: grow cucumbers in well-lit places, water abundantly - only with warm water and only in warm weather, cover when it gets cold, be sure to feed (but only not fresh manure!).

In order not to throw away a bitter cucumber, you can peel it, but you need to keep in mind that along with the peel you will throw away most of the vitamins and other nutrients. To get rid of the bitter taste, you can soak bitter cucumbers for several hours.

Cucurbitacin is destroyed during heat treatment and under the influence of water, so bitter cucumbers are quite suitable for pickling and pickling.

Despite the unpleasant taste, cucurbitacin is not harmful, but, on the contrary, is healing: for example, it has the ability to suppress the growth of malignant tumors, promotes better functioning of the pancreas, liver, and intestines. In China, bitter varieties of cucumbers are specially grown and used for medicinal purposes.