Cucumber is an annual herbaceous plant of the cucurbitaceae family. Most of its weight corresponds to water (up to 97%), so in its composition, although balanced, there are no relevant values, but it would be the combination of nutrients that have beneficial effects.
It is often used raw in various cuisines around the world as an ingredient in salads, although there are dishes in Northern Europe known as cucumber soups that are very popular. Cucumber is often treated as a pickle for packaging and preservation. It is harvested before reaching full maturity, in summer. It is a powerful skin hydrator thanks, among other things, to its vitamins B and C, and therefore used in various masks or moisturizing products, as well as skin lightening. Active principles: contains abundant mucilages, essence, vitamin C, carotenoids, amino acids, cellulose.
Indications: it is used as a demulcent, antipruritic, emollient, diuretic, purgative. Indicated for cystitis, urolithiasis, oliguria. In topical use, for skin care: oily skin, comedones, sensitive skin, wrinkles.
Due to its high cellulose content, it can be indigestible. Some varieties have a bitter taste due to their content of cucurbitacin C, and should be discarded.
