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Cucumber

In season

Food Description:

Some say that because cucumbers have seeds they, like tomatoes and avocados, are a fruit, but as they are part of the same family as squash, melons and pumpkins it's hard to know what category to place them in. The most common varieties in Australia are the lebanese (approx 6cm in diameter and 20cm long), telegraph (5cm x 30cm long) and gherkin (1cm x 6cm). Gherkins are mainly used for pickling.
Select firm and crisp cucumbers. If they are wrapped in plastic check to ensure the ends are not soft.
Cucumbers don't like excessive cold so it's best to them in plastic to protect them and store in the crisper section of the fridge for up to a week.

General Information:

Category: Fruit
To Buy: Buy them firm and crisp. If they are wrapped in plastic check to ensure the ends are not soft.
To Store: As they do not like excessive cold, wrap the cucumbers in plastic to protect them and store in the crisper section of the fridge for up to a week.
Tips and Tricks: Grated cucumbers are delicious with minted yoghurt and served with hot spicy foods.

Nutrition (1 Unit):

Weight (grams): 97
Carbohydrates, g: 2.0
Fat (g): 0.1
Monosaturated Fat , g: 0.0
Iodine : Main role is regulation of thyroid function, which produces hormones that promote growth and development in the body and stimulates metabolism. Contraindications: Excess intake may lead to hyperthyroidism or goiter.
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. High
Energy (kJ): 56
Protein (g): 0.5
Saturated Fat, g : 0.0
Vitamin C: Antioxidant, anti inflammatory and immune-boosting, this vitamin has a range of uses. Is essential for collagen formation, therefore plays a role in wound healing. Fights infection and protects against free radical damage. Vitamin C helps maintain normal cholesterol levels, promotes the absorption of iron and counters the effects of stress as it is concentrated in the adrenal glands. Contraindications: Large doses can cause diaorrhea or gas.
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Negligible
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Check to see if the skin is tough and bitter. If it's tough, score down the length with a fork all around the outside before slicing.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Fluid Retention

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.

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