Health & Nutritional values of Cucumber

Cucumber is a vegetable that belongs to the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis & other squashes. It has a dark green skin, which reveals whitish or very light green flesh, when peeled.

There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties & the slicing varieties. Most of us know that cucumbers 've cooling properties & are extremely good for bringing relief to the eyes in summers. However, they are associated with a number of other health & nutrition benefits too.

Nutritional Value
Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of raw, unpeeled cucumber
• Carbohydrates - 3.63 gm
• Protein - 0.65 gm
• Sugars - 1.67 gm
• Dietary Fiber - 0.5 gm
• Thiamin (Vitamin B1) - 0.027 mg
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - 0.033 mg
• Niacin (Vitamin B3) - 0.098 mg
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - 0.259 mg
• Vitamin B6 - 0.040 mg
• Folate (Vitamin B9) - 7 μg
• Vitamin C - 2.8 mg
• Calcium - 16 mg
• Magnesium - 13 mg
• Phosphorus - 24 mg
• Potassium - 147 mg
• Iron - 0.28 mg
• Zinc 0.20 mg
• Fat - 0.11 gm

Health & Nutrition Benefits
• Raw cucumber, when applied on the skin, can help reduce heat & inflammation.
• The flesh of cucumbers is a very good source of vitamins A, C & folic acid.
• The hard skin is rich in fiber & a variety of minerals including magnesium, silica, molybdenum, & potassium.
• Fresh cucumber juice can provide relief from heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis & even ulcer.
• Placing a cucumber slice over the eyes not only soothes them, but also reduces swelling.
• The diuretic, cooling & cleansing property of cucumber makes it good for skin.
• Daily consumption of cucumber juice helps control cases of eczema, arthritis & gout.
• Cucumber has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from lung, stomach & chest problems.
• Cucumber contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.
• The potassium in cucumber makes it useful for the problem of high & low blood pressure.
• Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce & spinach.
• Cucumber juice, when mixed with carrot juice, is said to be good for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body.
• Cucumber can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from diseases of the teeth & gums, especially in cases of pyorrhea.
• Being rich in minerals, cucumber helps prevent splitting of nails
  of the fingers & toes.
• Cucumber has been associated with healing properties in relation to diseases of the kidney, urinary bladder, liver & pancreas.
• Those suffering from diabetes 've been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.
• Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue.