34. CUCUMBER

                                                      CUCUMBER

Nutrition in 100 gm (Raw)
Energy: 15 kcal
Carbohydrates	3.63 gm
Sugar	1.67 gm
Dietary fibre	0.5 gm
Water	95.23 gm
Fat	0.11 gm
Proteins	0.65 gm
Vitamin A	105 µ gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.027 mg
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.033 mg
Vit B3 (Niacin)	0.098 mg
Pantothenic acid (Vit B5)	0.259 mg
Vit B6	0.04 mg
Vit B9 (Folate)	7 µ gm
Vitamin C (Absorbic acid)	2.8 mg
Vitamin E	0.9 µ gm
Calcium	16 mg
Iron	0.28 mg
Magnesium	13 mg
Phosphorus	24 mg
Potassium	147 mg
Zinc	0.2 mg

People are very fond of eating cucumber raw with salt and pepper during hot summer. Slices of cucumber are also used to make sandwich. The whole cucumber can be eaten raw with peel. Some producers coat the cucumber with was to make it look shining. You will have to peel such cucumbers before eating.

There are different varieties of cucumber like English cucumber, Gherkins, Kirbys and Ridged cucumber.

Though cucumber is normally eaten raw, it is also cooked to prepare curry. Cucumber pickle is also very popular.

Benefits:

1. Cucumber seeds contain cucurbitin, which has mild diuretic properties. It gives a soothing effect when eaten. Cucumber flower also has diuretic properties. It is used as a cooling and beautifying agent. It is used to cool patients with burns on skin.

2. Cucumber is available in the form of ointment and lotions. It is rich in potassium. Cucumber is also used in the preparation of soaps and bath gels.

3. BP: cucumber is good for curing high and low blood pressure.

4. Eyes: Cut circles of cucumber and place them on your eyes to remove tiredness. It also reduces any swelling on eyes.

5. Pimples: Apply cucumber paste to face.

Danger: Pregnant and lactating mothers are advised not to take cucumber medicinally. Some people may be allergic (itching) to the hairs on the leaves and stem of cucumber plant.