Cucumber
Juicy Trivia
Cucumbers belong to the plant family cucurbitaceae, which also includes melons, squash and pumpkins. The term 'cool as cool as a cucumber' derives from its impressive ability to reduce the temperature of the blood. Cucumbers are also extremely hydrating so are another excellent way of getting water into our bodies.
Jason Says...
Cucumber juice is very cooling and a 'staple' in pretty much most of my juices. As well as having a wealth of nutritional benefits it also produces plenty of juice, so great for 'topping up' a green juice if the other ingredients don't yield quite enough. Now 'technically' a cucumber is a fruit. Having said that, when I was young, if I'd been given a cucumber for tidying my room rather than a nice bowl of juicy strawberries, I wouldn't have been impressed!
Juice or Smoothie?
Juice: It is always best to juice cucumber, but make sure you leave on its dark green skin as this is where most of the nutrition can be found.
Juicy Benefits
Cucumbers are one of the best natural diuretics there is, meaning they help you to release more urine. This in turn effects the distribution of fluid in the body and the watery portion of the blood is decreased. This then has a knock-on effect of reducing the pressure within the blood vessels, which in turn reduces high blood pressure (so remind yourself of that next time you contemplate leaving cucumber out of your salad!)
Cucumbers have a very high, nutrient rich water content, making them superb for the hair, nails and skin as well as helping to regulate the body's temperature.
Cucumbers contain a high quantity of silica which is the mineral responsible for strengthening the connective tissue which holds the body together including bones, tendons, ligaments, muscle and cartilage. Without silica connective tissue would not form properly. Silica is also important for adding elasticity to the skin and is therefore great for the complexion.
Cucumber juice can help in reducing the high uric acid content that causes inflammation in many degenerative diseases making it a natural anti-inflamatory.
Research
Biochemical, Anti-Microbial and Organoleptic Studies of Cucumber led by Dr Jyoti D Vora and published in 'International Journal of Science and Research' concluded that cucumber with peel extract has a bactericidal antimicrobial property. The article went on to highlight some of cucumbers other health benefits, which include skin care, hydration, stimulation of hair growth, digestion, weight loss, controlling blood pressure etc. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as silica, which help tissue building, and sterols, which can help, reduce cholesterol.
Cucumber contains triterpene acid compound (or cucurbitacins ) that, as well as being anti-inflammatory are also anti-tumour so can be beneficial in some cancers.
Vitamins, Minerals and Extras
Vitamins A, B, C, Beta-Carotene, K and Folic Acid.
Sodium, Silica, Manganese, Sulphur, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Chlorine and Magnesium
Amino Acids, Methionine and Tryptophan.
References
Pinnock, Dale, 2011, Medical Cookery, Right Way, London.
Jensen, Bernard.Dr, 2000, Juicing Therapy, Keats Publishing, Illinois.
Meyerowitz, Steve, 2000, Power Juices Super Drinks, Kensington Books, New York.
www.enwikipedia.org
www.juicebenefits.net
www.healthalternatives2000.com
www.ijsr.net
www.cancerjournal.net
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.