Vellarikai (cucumber): Health Benefits, Recipes And More

Commonly known as a cucumber in English, it is called Vellarikai in Tamil, “kakdi” in Hindi, “Dosakaya” in Telugu, “Vellarikka” in Malayalam and “Sitalchinni” in Marathi. Vellarikka is cultivated as a field crop in South Asia. Vellarikka is a creeping plant that belongs to the gourd family, like watermelons and pumpkins. It is cylindrical and contains 95% water, 4% carbohydrates and 1% protein. It has high water content, is low in calories and has a refreshing taste. Vellarikka is famous for making salads and relishes.

Flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes, plant chemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities, are just a few of the phytonutrients abundant in Vellarikai. For example, the antioxidant beta carotene benefits immunity, skin, eyes, and cancer prevention. In addition, in a 2010 assessment of the research published in Scientific World Journal, researchers discovered that cucurbitacins could aid in blocking the signalling pathways crucial for the survival and proliferation of cancer cells.

Table Of Contents

1. Nutritional Value Of Vellarikai

2. Health Benefits Of Vellarikai

3. Vellarikai Recipes: Vellarikka Moru Curry

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

Nutritional Value Of Vellarikai

Naturally low in calories, carbohydrates, salt, fat, and cholesterol are some of the upsides of cucumbers. Including the peel, a cup of cucumber has only 16 calories and 15 calories without a peel. Regular consumption of cucumber can fulfil about 4% of your daily potassium, 3% of fibre, and 4% of your daily vitamin C requirements. They also provide small amounts of vitamins K, C and A, magnesium and manganese. According to NIN(National Institute Of Nutrition), the nutritional value of (100gm) Vellarikka:

• Calorie/energy- 13kcal
• Protein- 0.4g
• Fat- 0.1g
• Carbohydrate- 2.5g
• Moisture- 96.3g
• Fibre- 0.4g
• Iron- 0.60mg
• Vitamin C- 10% of the recommended daily value (DV)
• Vitamin K- 57% of the DV
• Magnesium- 9% of the DV
• Potassium- 12% of the DV
• Manganese- 9% of the DV

Health Benefits Of Vellarikai

Vellarikai, as a nutrient and water-rich food source, has numerous health benefits. The following are a few of them:

1. First, Vellarikka can help prevent dehydration in the hot season.

2. A 2017 Public Health of Indonesia research found that drinking Vellarikka juice for 12 days significantly reduced blood pressure in elderly participants with hypertension.

3. It helps prevent colorectal cancer.

4. It helps reduce weight.

5. It has several benefits for skin health.

6. It contains a variety of vitamins (vitamin A and vitamin B).

7. It helps manage cholesterol levels.

8. It promotes bone health.

9. It lowers blood sugar levels.

10 It helps prevent cardiovascular problems.

11. It prevents constipation and kidney stones.

12 It aids in controlling and preventing diabetes.

13. It has numerous anti-inflammatory properties, and reduced free radicals can improve your internal organs and skin, according to a study focused on the cosmetic applications of this use of Vellarikka.

Vellarikai Recipes: Vellarikka Moru Curry 

This particular Kerala-style recipe heroes Vellarikka and yoghurt. The spices in this healthy gravy dish add to the flavours to make it a delicious meal that can be paired with rice.

Ingredients

• Vellarikka/cucumber - 1 cup
• Green chillies - 3 chillies
• Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
• Curd - 1 cup
• Water - ½ cup
• Garlic - 2
• Fenugreek powder - ¼ tsp
• Mustard - ½ tsp
• Dried red chilly - 2
• Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
• Pearl onions - 4 onions
• Oil - 1 tbsp

Preparation Method

1. Use more water to achieve the desired consistency after beating the curd with a half-cup of water. Set aside.

2. Cook the cubed cucumber in some water

3. While cooking, add the green chillies, turmeric, and required salt.

4. Heat the oil in a kadhai, then add the mustard, curry leaves, and dried red chillies.

5. When the pearl onions and garlic are brown, add the beaten curd and continue stirring over a low temperature.

6. Mix in the fenugreek powder when the curry is beginning to warm up.

7. Turn off the flame.

8. Once cool, add salt and mix everything.

Dietitian’s Recommendation

As we now know, the health benefit of Vellarikai in terms of weight loss, disease, skin health etc. It is also used in dishes like smoothies, pickles, curries, Thoran etc. there are many benefits to skin care remedies. So it is an excellent addition to your everyday diet in my experience and knowledge.

The Final Say

Vellarikka tastes fresh and has high water content. Salads and relishes made with Vallarikka are well known for their health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels improving digestion and maintaining a healthy hydration level.

FAQs

1. Is consuming too must Vellarikai harmful?

An uncommon medical condition called hyperkalemia, which is brought on by the body having a high potassium concentration, may be caused by excessive consumption of Vellarikai. Consuming too much potassium-rich cucumber can cause cramps in the abdomen, gas, and, in rare situations, damage to the kidneys and renal system.

2. Is it harmful to eat Vellarikai at night?

Eating Vellarikai at night is relatively healthy since it contains various nutrients like vitamins, water, and dietary fibre that support healthy bodily functioning.

3. Should Vellarikai be peeled?

If you intend to eat a Vellarikka raw, it is typically not required to peel it or remove the seeds. Instead, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the Vellarikkar skin if it has been waxed (to help it seem shiny) or if you intend to cook the Vellarikka. This is because hard seeds are present in certain giant Vellarikka.

4. Is there a specific time when you should eat Vellarikai?

Vellarikka is a potent source of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Unfortunately, many folks don't know when or how to eat Vellarikia. It's been reported that Vellarikai is best consumed during the day. However, Vellarikka is beneficial when used in the afternoon.

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