Cucumber
Cucumber
Cucumbers are low in calories and rich in water and soluble fibres. A single cucumber is made up of about 96% water.
Being low in calories and high in water content, Cucumbers are very effective for weight loss as well as managing dehydration. They can be taken as part of the daily diet in the form of raw salads. Additionally, taking Cucumber juice during breakfast helps provide relief from urinary tract infection.
Applying Cucumber pulp or its juice on the skin helps reduce the effects of sunburn, prevents acne and reduces dark circles as well as puffiness around the eyes. This is due to its Sita (cooling), Ropan (healing) and Kashaya (astringent) properties[2][3][6].
Being low in calories and high in water content, Cucumbers are very effective for weight loss as well as managing dehydration. They can be taken as part of the daily diet in the form of raw salads. Additionally, taking Cucumber juice during breakfast helps provide relief from urinary tract infection.
Applying Cucumber pulp or its juice on the skin helps reduce the effects of sunburn, prevents acne and reduces dark circles as well as puffiness around the eyes. This is due to its Sita (cooling), Ropan (healing) and Kashaya (astringent) properties[2][3][6].
What are the synonyms of Cucumber?
Cucumis sativus, Svetakarahatakam, Sudhavasah, Mutralam, Kantakiphalam, Ksheeraa, Shashaa, Taanslee, Kheeraa, Mullusavte, Santekaayi, Vellari, Tause, Khiraa, Kantiaali Kaakudi, Vellarikkaay, Pippinkaay, Khirakaya[1]
What is the source of Cucumber?
Plant Based
Benefits of Cucumber
1. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infection is describe under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. In urinary tract infection, Cucumber juice helps to control burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body due to its Mutral (diurectic) effect.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 Cucumber.
b. Wash and peel.
c. Cut it into small pieces and add to blender with water.
d. Filter the mixture to separate the juice.
e. Add honey if you want.
f. Take it in breakfast once a day to get relieve from the symptoms of UTI.
2. Gouty Arthritis
Cucumber helps to reduce the symptoms of Gouty arthritis. Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and deposition of uric acid in the joints. In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt, as the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Blood (Rakta), thus Vatarakt. Taking Cucumber juice helps to eliminate uric acid and remove toxins from the body due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 Cucumber.
b. Wash and peel.
c. Cut it into small pieces and add to blender with water.
d. Filter the mixture to separate the juice.
e. Add honey if you want.
f. Take it in breakfast once a day to manage gouty arthritis.
Urinary tract infection is describe under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. In urinary tract infection, Cucumber juice helps to control burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body due to its Mutral (diurectic) effect.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 Cucumber.
b. Wash and peel.
c. Cut it into small pieces and add to blender with water.
d. Filter the mixture to separate the juice.
e. Add honey if you want.
f. Take it in breakfast once a day to get relieve from the symptoms of UTI.
2. Gouty Arthritis
Cucumber helps to reduce the symptoms of Gouty arthritis. Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and deposition of uric acid in the joints. In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt, as the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Blood (Rakta), thus Vatarakt. Taking Cucumber juice helps to eliminate uric acid and remove toxins from the body due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 Cucumber.
b. Wash and peel.
c. Cut it into small pieces and add to blender with water.
d. Filter the mixture to separate the juice.
e. Add honey if you want.
f. Take it in breakfast once a day to manage gouty arthritis.
How to use Cucumber
1. Cucumber salad
a. Take 1-2 Cucumber.
b. Wash them and cut into pieces of desired size.
c. Add other vegetables of your liking.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon and sprinkle some salt to taste.
e. Have this Cucumber salad before or during the meals.
2. Cucumber raita
a. Take 1-2 Cucumber.
b. Wash and grate them evenly.
c. Add curd to it.
d. Also add salt to taste.
e. Mix all the ingredients properly and have it at lunch.
3. Cucumber Juice
a. Take 1/2-1 Cucumber.
b. Wash and peel.
c. Cut it into small pieces and add to blender with water.
d. Filter the mixture to separate the juice.
e. Add honey if you want.
f. Take it in breakfast once a day.
a. Take 1-2 Cucumber.
b. Wash them and cut into pieces of desired size.
c. Add other vegetables of your liking.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon and sprinkle some salt to taste.
e. Have this Cucumber salad before or during the meals.
2. Cucumber raita
a. Take 1-2 Cucumber.
b. Wash and grate them evenly.
c. Add curd to it.
d. Also add salt to taste.
e. Mix all the ingredients properly and have it at lunch.
3. Cucumber Juice
a. Take 1/2-1 Cucumber.
b. Wash and peel.
c. Cut it into small pieces and add to blender with water.
d. Filter the mixture to separate the juice.
e. Add honey if you want.
f. Take it in breakfast once a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Cucumber is a fruit. This is because it develops from flowers of Cucumber plant and contains seeds.
Modern Science View
There are various vegetables that contains about 90 percent of water. Cucumbers contain the highest amount of water about 95-96 percent.
Modern Science View
The best way to eat a Cucumber is in its unpeeled and raw form. Peeling off the Cucumber may lead to loss of certain fibres and nutrients. Also Cucumber contains high amount of water, so cooking is not recommended.
Modern Science View
Cucumber in general are good to be eaten on an empty stomach. In fact it is best to eat Cucumber before meals as it works as an appetizer due to its high fibre content.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Cucumber can be eaten on an empty stomach especially before lunch because it works as an appetizer. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, the dark green coloured Cucumber skin is rich in antioxidants, insoluble fiber and potassium. It also contains high amount of vitamin K.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can eat the skin of Cucumber if your Agni (digestive fire) is healthy. This is because it is heavy and takes time to digest.
Modern Science View
Putting Cucumber on your eyes gives you instant relief from tired eyes. It also reduces swelling and puffiness around the eyes. It can be kept on the eyes for about 15-20 minutes.
Tips:
1. Take a chilled Cucumber from the refrigerator.
2. Wash it well.
3. Cut two thin slices.
4. Close your eyes and put the Cucumber slices on your eyelids.
5. Let it remain for about 15 minutes.
Tips:
1. Take a chilled Cucumber from the refrigerator.
2. Wash it well.
3. Cut two thin slices.
4. Close your eyes and put the Cucumber slices on your eyelids.
5. Let it remain for about 15 minutes.
Modern Science View
1. Take 1-2 Cucumber or as per your requirement.
2. Wash and slice them.
3. You can also add any other vegetables of your choice.
4. Squeeze ½ lemon and sprinkle some black or table salt. (Optional)
5. You can have this salad with or without meals.
2. Wash and slice them.
3. You can also add any other vegetables of your choice.
4. Squeeze ½ lemon and sprinkle some black or table salt. (Optional)
5. You can have this salad with or without meals.
Modern Science View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to support the consumption of Cucumber at night. However, Cucumber is rich in various nutrients and can be eaten at night.
Ayurvedic View
Cucumber can be consumed at any time of the day or night as it helps to balance all the three doshas and helps to maintain the water content of the body. If you have weak or poor digestion then you must avoid taking at night because Cucumber seeds are heavy to digest.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Sahu T, Sahu J.Cucumis sativus (Cucumber): A review on its pharmacological activity.Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research.2015;3(1):4-9.
- Mallik J, Das P, Das S.PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF CUCUMIS SATIVUS L. – A COMPLETE OVERVIEW.AJPRD.2013;1(1):2-6.
- Sharmin R., Khan M., Akhter M.et.al. Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Cucumber, White Pumpkin and Ridge Gourd in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats. J Sci Res.5(1):161-170.
- Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N.et.al.Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of Cucumber.Fitoterapia.2013;84:227-236.
- Heidari H, Kamalinejad M, Noubarani M.et.al.Protective mechanisms of Cucumis sativus in diabetes-related models of oxidative stress and carbonyl stress.Bioimpacts. 2016; 6(1): 33–39.
- Sudiana KI, Suarilah I, Rusdianingseh R.Cucumber juice decrease blood pressure on essential hypertension patient.UNAIR.2008;3(2).
- Maheshwari RK, Mohan L, Malhotra J.et.al.Invigorating Efficacy of Cucumis Sativas for Healthcare & Radiance.IJCPS, 2014, Vol.2(3): 737-744.
- Murad H.Evaluating the potential benefits of cucumbers for improved health and skin care. JARCP.2016;5(3):139-141.
- Aparna P, Salve HR, Anand K, et al. Knowledge and behaviors related to dietary salt and sources of dietary sodium in north India. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019;8(3):846-852.
- Camillo L. J, Hoppert CA, Fabian FW. An analytical study of cucumbers and cucumber pickles.Journal of Food Science. 1942;7: 339-352.
- Cozma-Petruţ A, Loghin F, Miere D,et al. Diet in irritable bowel syndrome: What to recommend, not what to forbid to patients! World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(21):3771-3783.
- Mallik J, Das P, Das S.Pharmacological activity of Cucumis Sativus L. – A complete overview.AJPRD.2013;1(1):2-6.
- Vora, Jyoti D, Rane L, Kumar S.K. Biochemical, Anti-Microbial and Organoleptic Studies of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus).IJSR.2014; 3(3):662-664.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.