The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a member of the Cucurbita, or gourd, family.
Cucumbers are also known as gherkins. The word gherkin comes from the Persian word for cucumber: “angarah.” The word "gherkin" in English often refers to cucumbers in their pickled form.

Research indicates that cucumber cultivation appeared in France in the 9th century, England in the 14th century, and in North America by the mid-16th century.

Cucumbers are generally eaten raw in salads or pickled. There are many lesser known recipes with cooked cucumbers. Sweet or dill pickles, relishes, sauces, and dressings are made from cucumbers.

Cucumbers are mentioned in the Bible twice - Numbers 11:5 and Isaiah 1:8.

History and Origin
Cucumbers are believed to be a native of India and have been cultivated in western Asia for about 4,000 years. The cucumber spread to the Mediterranean and was especially loved by the Romans, who are believed to have eventually introduced the vegetable to Europe. Cucumbers were spread to the New World by the Spanish.

The Romans not only cultivated the cucumber, but also grew them in greenhouses so that Emperor Tiberius could enjoy them out of season. It is said that he ate cucumbers every day of the year and along with Julius Caesar was also a huge fan of pickles. Cleopatra is said to have credited pickles for at least some of her beauty.

While cucumbers have been cultivated for thousands of years, they were not improved and hybridized until the late 1800s. Varieties that are well-known today stem from these hybrids.

Nutrient Database - USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition - FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Alzheimer’s disease - Seniors with dementia can benefit from eating cucumbers. This is because Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other age-related conditions are linked to heightened levels of brain inflammation.

Rich in nutrients - Cucumbers are rich in nutrients, primarily due to their high-water content (about 95-96%) which aids hydration, and they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a good source of Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health, and contain Vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. Their antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, help protect against cell damage.

Substantial antioxidant activity - Cucumbers contain antioxidants like flavonoids, tannins, and vitamin C that protect your body from damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to overall health.

Blood sugar control - Cucumbers can help with blood sugar control due to their low glycaemic index, high water content, and low-calorie count, which make them a great, non-sugary food for people managing diabetes. Their fiber can also help slow down digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes. While animal and test-tube studies suggest cucumber extracts might have a more direct blood sugar-lowering effect, more human research is needed to confirm this for whole cucumbers.

Supports heart health - Cucumbers support heart health primarily due to their high potassium content, which helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels. They also contain antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as fiber and sterols that can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Promotes digestive health - Cucumbers promote digestive health primarily through their high water and fiber content, which helps prevent constipation and ensures regular bowel movements. The soluble fiber, pectin, aids in moving food through the digestive tract, while the high-water content softens stool. Cucumbers also contain enzymes and antioxidants that support gut function and can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Beneficial for skin - Cucumber is beneficial for skin due to its high-water content, which hydrates, and its antioxidants, which protect against environmental damage. It also has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that can soothe irritated skin, reduce puffiness, and help with issues like acne and redness.

Support bone strength - Cucumbers support bone strength due to their high vitamin K content, which helps the body create proteins for healthy bones and improves calcium absorption. Adequate vitamin K intake reduces fracture risk and helps maintain healthy bone mass. Cucumbers also contain other nutrients like vitamin C and calcium that are important for bone health.

Cucumbers can help lower blood pressure (they are rich in potassium and water, and low in sodium). Potassium helps balance sodium levels by promoting the excretion of excess sodium through the kidneys, and its water content provides a diuretic effect that reduces fluid in the bloodstream, both of which lower blood pressure.

Cucumbers help prevent and relieve constipation (due to their high-water content and fiber). The water content promotes hydration, which keeps stools soft and easy to pass. The fiber in cucumbers adds bulk to stool and regulates bowel movements.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Vitamin K (accumulating evidence implicates dietary factors in reducing cognitive decline and dementia risk, including vitamin K).

Cucumbers contribute to skin firming and revitalization through ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and caffeic acid by promoting collagen production, an essential protein for skin elasticity and structure, and by offering antioxidant benefits against aging. These compounds also help reduce puffiness by preventing water retention and contribute to a more supple, youthful complexion.

Cucumbers contain a trace mineral called silica (which is beneficial for connective tissue health by strengthening tendons, ligaments, and cartilage and promoting healthy joints, bones, and skin).  While cucumbers are not the richest source of silica compared to foods like barley or oats, their silica content, especially in the skin, contributes to overall health benefits when consumed regularly.

Cucumbers promote bone health (because they are a good source of vitamin K, a nutrient essential for strong bones and preventing fractures). Vitamin K helps the body absorb calcium and activate proteins needed for bone formation, which contributes to healthy bone density.

Cucumbers can contribute to weight loss (partly due to their mild diuretic properties) that help reduce water retention and bloating, and their high water and fiber content which promote hydration, feelings of fullness, and improved digestion. 

Cucumbers help fight the aging process (due to their antioxidant properties, especially from Vitamin C and flavonoids, which protect skin from free radical damage and photodamage). Vitamin C stimulates new cell growth and collagen production, while other antioxidants like beta-carotene and quercetin reduce inflammation and further protect against wrinkles and sagging. The high-water content in cucumbers also deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, maintaining a youthful appearance.

Cucumbers aid digestion (due to their high-water content, which keeps waste soft and promotes regular bowel movements by preventing constipation). They also contain dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which further supports gut health and helps move food through the digestive tract. The water also helps the body break down food and absorb nutrients, while minerals like potassium and magnesium contribute to healthy digestive muscle function.

Cucumbers have a cooling effect (because their very high-water content (around 95% water) aids in hydration and helps to regulate the body's internal temperature, acting as a natural coolant). This, combined with essential minerals like potassium, which helps balance electrolytes, contributes to the vegetable's "cool as a cucumber" reputation by supporting muscle and nerve function and overall well-being during hot conditions.

Cucumber - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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