Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a very popular vegetable, fruit plant in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. Cucumbers are believed to have originated in India and were brought to Europe by the Romans, reaching North America in the mid-16th century.
In popular culture, cucumber and cucumber juice or extract is used as an anti-inflammatory, to reduce the swelling of the skin and to soothe the heat of the sun. It is very popular to place slices of cucumber on the eyes to soften puffiness and dark circles.
Already in the ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece and Rome, it was used not only for food but also for healing the skin. He has long been recognized by women for his virtues, his red, tired and swollen eyes.
The humble cucumber is not only a powerful food, but also has many healthy properties, it helps to lose weight and is a good natural anti-inflammatory for your skin, which can be applied directly, or to reduce joint inflammation and prevent arthritis. Here are some benefits of cucumber.
The healthy properties of cucumber, an anti-inflammatory food for your skin and joints
It is a highly water-rich, low-calorie, nutrient-dense nutrient that provides a variety of health benefits, both when eaten and when applied directly.
Moisturizing: It is composed of more than 95% water, which makes it a better food to hydrate and maintain the water balance of the body.
Digestive: It is rich in fiber, which helps regulate intestinal transit and prevents constipation. It also has enzymes that help digest food and reduce inflammation in the stomach.
Cardiovascular: It is rich in potassium, which helps to reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases. It also contains antioxidant compounds that can reduce heart disease.
Bone and Joint Health: Contains silica, a mineral that helps to strengthen bones and joints.
Anti-inflammation: Contains idoBR, an iminosugar amino acid, which has anti-inflammatory activity and helps reduce swelling and inflammation of the skin and joints and prevents arthritis.
Skin and hair: It is rich in vitamin C and silica, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also contains ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, which can reduce inflammation in the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
Weight control: It is low in calories and high in water and fiber, and its consumption helps to maintain weight and reduce appetite and lose weight, in case of anxiety eating.
Cucumber, an anti-inflammatory food for your joints
A recent study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and the possible mechanism of idoBR1 of a regulated cucumber extract known as Q-actin. idoBR1 has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity, and a cucumber extract containing idoBR1 has shown benefit in osteoarthritis without signs of toxicity. Joint mobility improved significantly compared with placebo.
In the study, researchers concluded that cucumber extract has anti-inflammatory activity that reduces lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in THP-1 cells and human blood ex vivo. Y has selective inhibition of human α-l-iduronidase and sialidase from both bacteria (Forsythia Tannerella) and human THP-1 cells.
idoBR1 and cucumber extract Q-actin, hyaluronic acid reduced CD44 in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells and may have a role as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting functionally induced sialidase in the production of CD44 adhesive HA.
The researchers think that after these results, its role in the diet as an anti-inflammatory food should still be evaluated.
In summary, cucumber is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that offers many health benefits. It can be taken raw, cooked, or in juices and salads to take advantage of all its healthy properties.
