Got lots of cucumbers? It’s gazpacho time!
The cucumber is one of the earliest cultivated food crops. A cucumber contains over 90% water, which is why they are so refreshing on hot summer days. The water keeps the internal temperature cool, making them a cooling food that quenches thirst and is an effective diuretic.
Although cukes cannot boast tons of vitamin and mineral content, they do offer us benefits through the form of phytonutrients such as cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids, which provide anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. They also have a unique combination of lignans that offer anti-cancer properties as well as cardiovascular protection.
Lastly, cucumbers are a superior source of the mineral silicon, often lacking in our diets, but an integral component of calcium absorption. It may also play a role in bone and collagen formation.