6 facts about the benefits and harm of cucumbers for the liver + options for their use

Recent studies indicate that cucumbers may have hepatoprotective properties, protecting the liver from the effects of negative factors and removing toxins from it.

Thus, eating cucumbers can be useful for the prevention of certain liver diseases.

With already existing liver pathologies, the question arises about the expediency of including them in the diet. Whether cucumbers have properties that will be useful in this case, whether they can cause harm, and also in what form they are better to use – these are the main aspects that we will consider in this article.

6 beneficial properties for the liver

Cucumbers differ from other vegetables in their high water content, low calorie content and poor mineral composition. But they can be good helpers for the liver.

1. Cleansing and regeneration of the liver. Cucumbers contain organic acids, which are antioxidants, that is, they are able to bind and remove harmful compounds from the body. Due to this, tissues are cleansed, their regeneration improves, and they become more resistant to negative influences. Liver tissue especially needs such cleaning, because it filters all venous blood.
2. Oxygen supply. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), contained in cucumbers, also has antioxidant properties, and in addition, provides strengthening of capillary walls. A full supply of oxygen is the basis for the normal functioning of any organ. The dense network of capillaries in the liver tissue is always under high stress, it needs additional support.
3. Reducing alcohol harm. They interact in an amazing way with ethyl alcohol derivatives, neutralizing their harmful effects. This property is possessed by both fresh and salty fruits. But in pickled form, they are already deprived of their beneficial properties due to an increase in the acid content.
4. Stimulation of the absorption of B vitamins. They themselves contain very small amounts of these beneficial compounds, but contribute to their successful absorption from other products. Vitamins of this group are necessary for the construction of liver structures, as well as for the removal of lipids from its tissues.
5. Increased excretion of bile. This action facilitates the work of the gallbladder, prevents the development of cholecystitis.
6. Overall diet improvement. Regular consumption of cucumbers improves the nutrition system as a whole, indirectly reduces the amount of fat in the diet. In diets aimed at protecting the liver, cucumbers and other greens are given a prominent place, as they help to reduce the volume of adipose tissue in the body, unloading the work of all organs.

Possible harm

The negative effects of eating cucumbers on the liver and gastrointestinal tract are few, but still they should be mentioned.

1. Excessive increase in bile outflow. The choleretic effect of these vegetables can lead to a violation of the enzyme balance in the small intestine, and as a result, unpleasant sensations will appear there, and the stool will become more liquid.
2. Exacerbation of gallstone disease. Excessive fascination with cucumbers can lead to an exacerbation of gallstone disease. Cucumber juice has the ability to dissolve gallstones, but it should be consumed for this purpose in small portions, gradually increasing them.

Unlike fresh or salted fruits, pickled cucumbers create an additional burden on the digestive tract. The main reason is the high content of acetic acid and spices.

Usage options

The most popular, healthy and delicious methods of reception are:

1. In the form of a salad. According to nutritionists, the best option for using these vegetables on the menu is a salad of fresh, peeled fruits. As monobludes, they can have an irritating effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa, so it is better to use their combination with other products.
2. Cucumber juice. For intensive cleansing of the body, it is suggested to prepare cucumber juice. It works much more effectively without rigid fibers, but it also requires more caution. This drink should not be used for peptic ulcer disease, gastritis in the acute stage, intestinal disorders.
3. In the form of pickles. Pickles in small amounts can stimulate appetite and enzyme production. But the salt they carry can cause edema in case of impaired kidney and liver function. Therefore, the presence of pickles in the menu should be strictly dosed. A pleasant exception were hot dishes with their use – pickle and solyanka. In them, salted vegetables play the role of a flavor enhancer and vitamin supplement.

Is it possible to eat them with cirrhosis and hepatosis?

In case of impaired liver function caused by various diseases, it is prescribed to follow a certain diet, the so-called table. Table No. 5 is provided for diseases such as hepatosis and cirrhosis.

He allows the use of fresh vegetables, and cucumbers are especially welcome in it, as they have a choleretic effect .

In cirrhosis, the functions of blood purification and bile production are severely impaired. But to provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals, moderate consumption of fresh, non-starchy vegetables is recommended.

One of the causes of hepatosis is considered to be a violation of lipid metabolism. The active substances contained in cucumber juice contribute to its normalization. And a significant amount of potassium helps to maintain the internal homeostasis of liver cells.

Other recommendations for making a menu

To maintain the work of such an important organ, a varied menu is required, from which fatty, spicy, irritating foods, as well as fried and smoked dishes are excluded.

1. Recommended products. Protein sources such as lean meat and fish, low-fat cottage cheese are welcome. Cereals can be used in a wide variety of ways: in soups, porridges, side dishes, sweet dishes. Vegetables in fresh and heat-treated form will be suppliers of vitamins and minerals. Low-fat dairy dishes also help improve digestion. Fruits and berries are used to make desserts.
2. The consumption of a number of products is limited. Sour berries, vegetables with a sharp taste and high content of essential oils have a strong irritating effect on the digestive organs. Bread in the framework of this diet is better to choose stale, first or second grade. Sweets are not a forbidden part of the menu, but you need to eat them a little. Eggs contain too much animal fat, so their presence is limited to one yolk per day.
3. Forbidden dishes. Sausages, especially raw smoked, spicy cheeses, fatty cottage cheese and sour cream, marinades, caviar and smoked fish are extremely undesirable on the diet table.

Interesting video

And now we invite you to familiarize yourself with the video:

 

Conclusion

So, it is obvious that the beneficial properties of cucumbers many times outweigh the potential harm. A moderate amount of fresh cucumbers will help in the regeneration of liver tissues, detoxification, enhance the outflow of bile, strengthen the walls of blood vessels. They can also be used in salted form for cooking hot dishes. A well-developed menu, taking into account the recommended products, will help to maintain health and vigor.