Зміст
Although they are currently available in stores all year round, we have a lot of cucumbers in the summer. At this time, it is worth eating them fresh, as they contain a lot of water, which is especially useful in hot weather. In addition, they contain valuable vitamins and nutrients that are important to the body.
When the season begins for cucumbers, they are often used to prepare various dishes: they are pickled or sealed in jars. One thing’s for sure: cucumbers aren’t worth giving up. What do you need to know about them? What is the difference between sour and pickled cucumbers? Which ones are useful?
What you need to know about cucumbers?
Cucumbers are one of the most popular vegetables in Poland. Most often they are eaten raw as an addition to sandwiches or ingredients in various salads, and in summer they are delicious cold soups. They contain a lot of water (over 90%), which is invaluable in hot weather. They are great thirst quenchers, so you can use them to make lemonade. Of course, cucumbers have many more benefits: they contain vitamins of group B, as well as A, C, K and E. Potassium, calcium, silicon and phosphorus can also be found in this vegetable.
Why is it worth eating cucumbers?
The vitamins and minerals found in cucumbers are very beneficial for maintaining full health. People with cardiovascular disease should be of particular interest to them because the potassium they contain supports proper heart function and helps maintain normal blood pressure. Cucumbers also contain corn, a substance responsible for a slightly bitter aftertaste. They have an antioxidant effect: they prevent premature aging of body cells. On the other hand, cucumbers owe their intense color to chlorophyll, which is also beneficial in helping to flush out toxins and soothing bad breath and sweat odors.
Cucumbers and beauty
Cucumbers are a recognized natural cosmetic for many women. They owe this name to vitamins, in particular A and E (the so-called “vitamin of youth”). This vegetable is especially recommended for people struggling with sensitive and acne-prone skin because it improves the function of the sebaceous glands and reduces the secretion of sebum. Plus, a fresh cucumber mask is a great way to eliminate discoloration by cutting it into slices and applying it to your face.
Pickled cucumbers
Pickled cucumbers are a natural way to preserve food. It consists in fermentation, which affects the properties, nutritional value and calorie content of vegetables. This is great news for diabetics and people who are interested in a slim figure, because the sugar in cucumbers is converted into lactic acid, which reduces their calorie content (only 11 kcal per 100 g) and glycemic index. In addition, pickles have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. It is a natural probiotic that is essential for proper intestinal microflora. However, the presence of fiber promotes better digestion and accelerates metabolism.
While pickled cucumbers are the best, not everyone has the opportunity to cook them. Then the items purchased from the store are used. It is worth taking a close look at the jar label, because pickles are often found next to pickles. Who cares? Acid is an artificial and accelerated fermentation of foods. For this purpose, for example, vinegar or acids (lactic or sorbic) are used. All this affects their value: they have a less intense taste and do not crunch. In addition, the presence of vinegar can negatively affect the stomach: it increases the secretion of stomach acid, causes acid reflux and heartburn.
