One of the many food items we grow here in Chatham-Kent is the cucumber. We have been growing cucumbers for decades around here. I remember riding on top of a wagon loaded with cucumbers from my grandfather’s farm heading down to the Jeanette’s Creek pickle grading station. Today, let’s look at this fruit, which according to biology, is a fruit but is really used and referred to as a vegetable.
Cucumbers are the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world and known to be one of the best foods for your body’s overall health.
They are 95 per cent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body eliminate toxins. Don’t forget to leave the skin on because the skin contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 10 per cent of the daily recommended allowance.
The term “cool as a cucumber” is actually derived from the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the blood. Also when applied topically, cucumber really does cool the blood and eases facial swelling, which is why cucumbers are so popular in facial treatments.
Cucumbers have just 15 calories per 100 grams. They contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. Cucumber peel is a good source of dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation, and offers some protection against colon cancers by eliminating toxic compounds from the gut.
If you don’t like to eat the skin, it can be used for skin irritations and sunburns as aloe would be used. Place a slice of cucumber over puffy eyes and its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness.
Do you need a burst of energy in the afternoon but no time for a nap? Cucumbers are a great source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that afternoon pick-me-up that can be just the energy that you need.
Do you have issues with bad breath? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds, and the phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
To avoid a headache, eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish many essential nutrients, reducing the intensity of headaches.
Cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promote joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. They are also rich in vitamin A, B1, B6, C and D, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Well, there you have it. Who knew the simple cucumber had so many uses? Go out and buy some Chatham-Kent cucumbers and try these things yourself.
Did you know that Chatham-Kent is the number one producer of cucumbers in all of Canada?
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Think about this – Prayer is the ultimate wireless connection.
Just some food for thought.
Here in Chatham-Kent ‘WE GROW FOR THE WORLD’. Check out our community’s agricultural website at: wegrowfortheworld.com
Kim Cooper has been involved in the agribusiness sector for over 40 years. He can be reached at: kim.e.cooper@gmail.com
You can also follow him on Twitter at ‘theAGguy’
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