The Impressive Health Benefits of Cucumbers: Nutrient-Packed, Silica-Rich, and Detoxifying Properties
Cucumbers are not just your average salad ingredient, they are packed with an impressive range of nutrients that offer a plethora of health benefits. In just a single cup of cucumber slices, you’ll get 14% to 19% of the vitamin K you need for the day. You’ll also get vitamins B and C along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of cucumbers.
Connective Tissue Health
Cucumbers are a great source of connective tissue-promoting nutrients like collagen and elastin. These two body tissues are responsible for connecting your cells together and holding them in place. Connective tissues also play a large role in the natural healing process of your body. By consuming cucumbers, you can help support the health of these vital tissues and keep your body functioning at its best.
Silica Content
Cucumbers are also rich in silica, which is essential for healthy cells and connective tissue. Silica can improve the complexion and health of your skin, and the vegetable’s juice is naturally hydrating. By adding cucumbers to your diet, you can help support the health of your skin and promote healthy cell growth throughout your body.
Aluminum Detox
Detoxification is essential for maintaining overall health, and cucumbers can play a role in the process. Aluminum detox requires a large number of antioxidants, and the best way to obtain these is by adding as many green leafy vegetables to your diet as possible
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a chelating agent, which means it can bind to metal ions such as aluminum. When glyphosate is applied to soil, it can bind to aluminum ions in the soil and form complexes with them. This can make the aluminum more soluble and available for uptake by plants.
The uptake of aluminum by plants can have negative effects on their growth and health. Aluminum toxicity can lead to reduced root growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthesis, and can ultimately result in reduced crop yields.
Some studies have suggested that the use of glyphosate can increase the uptake of aluminum by plants, which could potentially increase the risk of aluminum toxicity in the food chain. For example, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that glyphosate application to soil increased the amount of aluminum taken up by lettuce plants.
However, it is important to note that not all studies have found a significant increase in aluminum uptake with glyphosate application, and the potential health effects of increased aluminum uptake in crops are still a matter of debate among researchers.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen in 2015. This classification was based on evidence from animal studies and limited evidence from human studies.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2013 found that glyphosate-based herbicides can disrupt the endocrine system and may contribute to the development of hormone-related cancers.
Aluminum toxicity in plants can lead to reduced crop yields and may also have negative effects on human health. For example, high levels of aluminum in drinking water have been linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Some studies have suggested that the use of glyphosate may increase the uptake of aluminum by plants, which could potentially increase the risk of aluminum toxicity in the food chain. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of this interaction and its potential effects on human health.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) maintains a database of foods that have been tested for glyphosate residue. The database shows that glyphosate residue is present in many common food items, including breakfast cereals, snack bars, and oats.