Option
The option contains a high percentage of water, while low in calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium. The cucumber is fresh and can be eaten fresh or pickled. It can also be enjoyed as a low calorie snack or can be used to add flavor To a variety of dishes. The choice is available in several sizes, shapes and colors, including white, yellow and even orange. The option season lasts from five to seven months, however it is often available throughout the year. In a large number of cosmetic products.
Nutritional value
One cup (approx. 52 g) of non-peeled cucumbers contains:
| Food stuff | Quantity |
|---|---|
| energy | 8 calories |
| Water | 49.52 g |
| carbohydrate | 1.89 g, including 0.9 g of fiber and 0.87 g of sugar |
| protein | 0.34 g |
| Fats | 0.06 g |
| Calcium | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 76 mg |
The option also contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B 2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, in addition to vitamin A.
Benefits of Option
The option contains many compounds and important nutrients that gain many of the health benefits of the human body, and here we mention some of these benefits:
- Body Moisturizing: It can be used to prevent dryness, especially during the hot summer months, by helping the body to get its needs of fluids; It is worth mentioning that moisturizing the body is important to maintain the health of the intestines, and prevention of constipation, Avoid kidney stones, cucumber and peppermint can be added to the water to increase water consumption to make it more granular to drink.
- Helping to lose weight: Eating large amounts of cucumbers, which contain low calories, and providing the body with good amounts of water helps lose weight. The option can be added to sandwiches, salads and side dishes, instead of high calorie ingredients in meals. Mix the body between thirst and hunger, so providing the body with fluids sufficient to keep it moist helps not to supply the body with excessive amounts of calories.
- Prevention of chronic diseases: Other fruits and vegetables contain a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoid, tannin, vitamin C, beta-carotene, manganese, and molybdenum. Molybdenum. These compounds help prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Maintaining bone health: The option is a rich source of vitamin K, as one cup of cucumber provides 19% of daily needs, helping to maintain bone health and improve absorption of calcium.
- Maintain cardiovascular health: The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages the intake of large amounts of fiber, as this helps to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, and exposure to heart problems, and is a good source of fiber, especially the outer shell, It contains potassium and magnesium necessary for maintaining cardiovascular health.
- Help reduce blood sugar: The option can help to prevent the complications of diabetes. It provides the body with important nutrients without raising the level of sugar in the blood, and some plant compounds present in it stimulate insulin secretion.
- Help reduce blood pressure: It is a good source of potassium, which helps regulate the amount of sodium in the kidneys and reduce blood pressure. The presence of large amounts of salt and a small amount of potassium in the diet is one of the main reasons contributing to high blood pressure. The retention of fluids in the body, which causes an increase in blood pressure.
- Ease of acidity: The pH of the cucumber is alkaline; it helps to reduce stomach acidity and reduce uric acid in the blood, which makes it useful for people with stomach problems and gout.
- Relief of skin inflammation: The cucumber has anti-inflammatory properties. The cucumber slices are used to cool and soothe swelling, treat irritation, help relieve sunburn, and can be placed on the eyes to relieve bloating that occurs in the morning.
- Prevention of certain types of cancer: It can help to prevent certain types of cancer because it contains antioxidants and other plant compounds, such as Cucurbitacin and Lignans, which play a role in preventing cancer by stopping the growth and proliferation of cancer cells .
How to Buy and Store Option
When purchasing vegetables, you should avoid choosing the option that contains soft or dark spots. The pale green or yellowish yellow indicates that the option is not fresh. The option can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week without washing. It should be washed thoroughly before consumption. .