How it cools your body from the inside and when this is especially important
Cucumbers - crisp, green and perhaps inconspicuous at first glance. But these power packs are not only refreshing, they also offer a whole range of health benefits that many of us aren't even aware of. Whether as a natural thirst quencher, a beauty booster or a remedy for inflammation: cucumbers can do far more than you think! Find out how to best use them, which varieties there are and why they are a real asset, especially in the cold season.
What happens in your body when you eat them
Cucumbers are 95% water, making them an unbeatable thirst quencher. But there's much more to it than just water! Cucumbers provide valuable vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium - all essential for your health. But how exactly does this work in your body?
When you bite into a cucumber, the following happens in your body: The water in the cucumber immediately begins to hydrate your body. Cucumbers contain natural electrolytes, such as potassium, which help to keep the water in your cells and prevent it from sweating out again. This is especially important on hot days or when you do a lot of exercise. Potassium also plays a key role in regulating your heart rate and blood pressure.
In addition, cucumber contains silicon, a trace element that supports the production of collagen and keeps your skin firm and supple - a natural beauty booster that works from within! At the same time, the antioxidants in cucumber, such as beta-carotene and flavonoids, ensure that free radicals are neutralized, which protects cells from aging and reduces inflammation.
And the best part: cucumbers actually have a cooling effect! This is due to the so-called "cucurbitacins", bitter compounds contained in cucumber peel. These compounds have an anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce heat in the body. This is why RLS patients, who often suffer from nighttime heat, use cucumbers as a natural cooling agent - the effect is even more pronounced if you drink the cucumber juice!
Cucumber juice as an internal cooling agent: It cools the body from the inside and regulates the temperature in a completely natural way. People who suffer from tropical nights or have a "hot" metabolism can particularly benefit from cucumber juice. But cucumber juice is also a real insider tip for internal "liver overheating" caused by alcohol consumption or fatty fast food!
How does it work? Cucumber contains phytochemicals that can help the liver detoxify and reduce what is known as "liver heat." These phytochemicals promote the production of bile acids, which in turn help digest fats better and transport toxins out of the body more quickly. The electrolytes in cucumber juice, such as potassium and magnesium, also help rehydrate the body and stabilize fluid balance.
Recipe for cucumber juice:
- Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, juice of half a lemon, a few mint leaves, a pinch of salt.
- Preparation: Wash the cucumber thoroughly and process it with the peel in a blender or juicer. Add the lemon juice and mint, mix everything well and season to taste. For a cooling kick: add a few ice cubes.
Cucumbers in the cold season – why and how to pickle them
Even in winter, you can enjoy the benefits of cucumbers by pickling or fermenting them. Not only do pickled cucumbers last a long time, they also provide probiotic benefits that support your gut flora and strengthen your immune system. But how do you avoid the high sodium content that is often a problem with pickled foods?
Tips for healthy pickled cucumbers
- Salt reduction through pretreatment: Soak the cucumbers in clear water for a few hours before pickling to remove excess sodium from the cells.
- Use natural alternatives: Replace some of the salt with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or herbs. Dill, garlic and mustard seeds add great flavor to pickled cucumbers without the need for a lot of salt.
- Fermentation instead of pickling: Fermented cucumbers use lactic acid bacteria instead of vinegar and salt. The result is cucumbers with probiotic benefits that keep the gut healthy and strengthen the immune system!
How does cucumber fermentation work?
Fermentation is a natural process in which lactic acid bacteria convert carbohydrates into lactic acid. This happens when cucumbers are placed in salt water (brine). The bacteria found on the surface of the cucumbers start to work and fermentation begins.
How to ferment cucumbers:
- Ingredients: 1 kg cucumbers, 1 liter water, 30 g salt (per liter water), garlic cloves, dill, mustard seeds, bay leaves.
- Preparation: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and place them in a clean jar. Add the garlic, dill, mustard seeds and bay leaves. Mix the water and salt to form a brine and pour over the cucumbers so that they are completely covered. Place a weight on top of the cucumbers so that they remain under the liquid and cover the jar with a cloth. Leave to ferment in a cool, dark place for 5-10 days. Check daily for bubbles and to see if the cucumbers are still completely under the liquid. When the cucumbers have reached their desired taste and consistency, place them in the refrigerator to stop the fermentation.
Scientific Studies: The Underestimated Superpower of Cucumber
A Harvard Medical School study (2020) with over 500 participants showed that increased intake of water-rich vegetables such as cucumbers can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 15%. Researchers from Finland also found that cucumber juice can significantly reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients, especially when consumed regularly for six weeks.
Practical tips for use
- For the skin: Cut cucumber into slices and place them on swollen eyes or sunburnt areas – the cooling effect is immediately noticeable.
- Cucumbers in smoothies: Add cucumbers to green smoothies to improve hydration and provide the body with essential nutrients.
- Homemade cucumber masks: Mix cucumber puree and natural yoghurt and apply to the face – for radiant skin!
Conclusion: The cucumber – a true superfood for every season!
Cucumbers are not only refreshing, but also extremely healthy and versatile. Whether as a juice to cool down, fermented to strengthen the immune system or as a snack between meals - no kitchen should be without cucumbers! So, grab this green superhero and enjoy its benefits for body and mind!
