Not only cucumber, its seeds hold a wealth of nutrients that have made them a secret weapon to fight certain bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, cucumber seeds can address a range of bone issues, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of cucumber seeds in dealing with calcium deficiency that often leads to brittle bones, hypertension, and conditions like rickets. While traditional calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate, struggle with bioavailability, cucumber seed peptides offer a groundbreaking solution.
In a study published by Food Chemistry, it was found that by undergoing liquid-state fermentation, cucumber seeds release peptides with a high affinity for calcium. These peptides form a peptide-calcium chelate, which enhances calcium absorption and reduces the formation of insoluble calcium compounds. Studies show that these chelates improve mineral bioavailability, making them a promising addition to functional foods aimed at improving bone health.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), cucumber seeds can be a brilliant addition to your diet for boosting bone health.
Here's how:
Prevents bone lossEating cucumber seeds regularly can help build strong bones. Compounds in cucumber seeds (CSP) stop cells that break down bones from becoming too active, helping maintain strong bones.
Improves bone strength
Cucumber seeds are especially useful in preventing bones from weakening as they have compounds that protect bone structure and loss, especially in conditions like osteoporosis.
Boosts bone-building signals
They increase helpful proteins (like OPG) that protect bones and reduce harmful ones (like RANKL) that cause bone loss.
Other benefits
Rich in nutrientsCucumber seeds contain peptides that improve mineral absorption and may help the body use calcium and other minerals effectively.
Natural alternative
They provide a safer, natural way to support bone health compared to some medications that have side effects.
Prevents constipation
Cucumber is rich in minerals, energy, protein and vitamins and its seeds have a cooling effect on the body. Additionally, with a large amount of fibre, they can also help prevent constipation.
It's used to get relief from a burning sensation and intermittent fevers. It is also rich in fibre and carbohydrates. It relieves dehydration too and is a useful addition to your diet during summer.
How to include cucumber seeds in your diet
- Do not remove seeds while including them in the salad and chew them well to absorb all the wonderful nutrients.
- Additionally, if you have to remove them for a certain recipe, you can dry them and roast them to include in a range of recipes from baked goods to garnishing them over porridge.
