Picture this! A crunchy, green fruit (or veg) that is not just a pretty face but packed with goodness that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Cucumbers tick all the right boxes, offering many health benefits.
In an article published on Health For Mzansi, experts explore the multifaceted benefits and cultivation of cucumbers, while shedding light on their nutritional value, cultivation techniques, and health advantages.
Cucumbers are versatile in nature and according to Nangamso Mtamzeli-Cekiso, a horticultural scientist at Dohne Agricultural Development Institute in Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape, there are two types of cucumbers: English/Dutch and Beta Alpha, and they are produced in many of Mzansi’s provinces.
“In frost-occurring areas, seeds should be planted under covering in a seedling tray and transplanted into the field when temperatures have gone up,” Mtamzeli-Cekiso explains.
In the article, she also shares advice on when the ideal time is to sow seeds and how deep the seeds should be planted in the ground.
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Packed with nutrients
The article also unpacks the nutrient density of cucumbers, including their rich content of vitamins K, B, and C, along with essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Sibongile Jiyane, a plant pathologist based in Tshwane, says cucumbers also offer health benefits like weight-loss promotion, cancer prevention, and skin health enhancement.
“Cucumbers are fruits, known to be rich in water content and are nutrient-dense. It is known that consuming cucumbers may promote weight loss and help avoid constipation,” she explains.
Moreover, the article highlights the significance of consuming cucumber peels for maximising health benefits. Jiyane elaborates on the potential of cucumbers in reducing puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, as well as their role in collagen production and skin hydration.
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Vateka Halile.
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