Health Benefits Of Eating Cucumber

Exclusive members of Cucurbitaceae family, cucumbers for generations, are valued for their nutritional value. This extremely hydrating and refreshing vegetable is popular due to its many health advantages. It brilliantly works on digestion, hydration and general well being. Further, it also complementsa  healthy lifestyle whether consumed raw or juiced.

Through this comprehensive guide let’s learn the significance of cucumbers in fostering general well being while some common uses of cucumber are also explained.

Advantages of Cucumber 

Cucumber Is Rich In Nutrients

Cucumber is although very low in calories, but its nutrient percentage is really high. Brimmed with various nutrients and minerals, cucumber is store of essential vitamins, fulfilling the nutrient requirements of our body. Let’s take a deeper look by knowing how much a 100 grams of cucumber contains :

An Excellent Promotor Of Water

Cucumber is 95% water, hence consuming cucumbers means improving the overall hydration of the body. The processes like temperature regulation, transporting waste products and nutrients also get regulated. The overall metabolism gets enhanced almost 40% of your water intake from food gets fulfilled.

Enhances Digestive Health

Being rich in fiber, cucumbers aid in good digestion. With the maximum fiber in the peel of this vegetable, cucumber helps prevent constipation, bowel movements and soothes stomach lining. Some significant studies have soon that a digestion health helps shed those kilos fast as it helps you feel full for long.

Support Heart Health

Cucumbers contain potassium, which balances the sodium level of your body and helps regulate the blood pressure. The fibers and the antioxidants present in cucumbers also reduce cholesterol levels. Hence these numerous benefits of cucumber ultimately lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Gives You A Healthy Skin

Cucumber has natural cooling and hydrating effect. It’s high water content helps reduce the dark circles, puffiness and acne on your face skin. The antioxidants present soothes any irritation in the skin and provide a natural glow.

Cucumber Helps Lower Blood Sugar Level

Cucumbers can even help in reducing the complications of diabetes. It’s low glycemic index and  other essential compounds which reduce the oxidative stress and prevent diabetes relations complications and sugar spikes.

Excellent Ailment For Eye Relaxation

Cucumbers’ high water content and antioxidants help lessen inflammation and puffiness in the eyes. Cucumber slices applied to the eyes help reduce irritation and fatigue.

Natural Mouth Freshener

By increasing saliva production, chewing cucumber slices helps remove the microorganisms that cause foul breath. Additionally, its unique phytochemicals aid in the fight against oral bacteria.

Helps Improve Kidney Health

Due to its diuretic properties, cucumbers aid in the kidneys’ removal of extra fluid and toxins. This characteristic enhances kidney function and lowers the danger of kidney stones.

Detoxification

Cucumber also helps flush all the toxins from the body because of it’s high diuretic properties and high water content. Detoxification can further support liver functions, as all toxins gets removed from the liver and also kidney health gets promoted.

Enhanced Brain Health

Cucumber being rich in flavonoids, also contains fisetin which works on improving memory and protecting the nerve cells. Hence, consuming cucumber also aids in enhancing the cognitive function of brain. Further, it also reduces inflammation with the help of bioactive compounds and protect the brain against neurological disorders. Cucumbers also promote essential nutrients such as vitamin B and potassium.

Strengthens Bone Health

Cucumbers are a great source of vitamin K as well, which helps activate proteins in the body that are responsible for bone formation and mineralization. It also helps prevent osteoporosis by providing essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium to support bone health. Through proven studies its also found that increased intake of vitamin K from cucumber consumption can reduce the risk of bone fracture.

Good Dental Health

The antioxidants present in cucumbers can help prevent oral diseases like periodontitis and oral cancer by reducing the reducing the inflammation in mouth. It also helps strengthen gums and teeth by reducing the gum diseases and tooth decay.

May Prevent Cancer

Studies have found some Anti-cancer compounds in cucumber such as cucurbitacins and lignans, which are known to have anti cancer properties and may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This may result in prevention of breast, colon and prostate cancer. Further, the compounds of cucurbitacins are also known to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and increase cells sensitivity to treatment.

Maintains Prenatal Health

In addition to alleviating common pregnancy symptoms, cucumbers are good for fetal growth and minimizing pregnancy-related problems. Their high water content helps reduce bloating, constipation, and swelling during pregnancy, and they are a good source of folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Uses of Cucumber

Skincare Uses

• You can use the cucumber puree in face masks which can help hydrate the skin.
• Slices of cucumber are known to reduce to the swelling or puffiness under the eyes while also works on dark circles.
• Cucumber is an excellent agent for soothing sunburns and skin irritation.

Haircare Uses

• Cucumber juice is an excellent hair strengthening ingredient and also add shine.
• It can also be used as a dandruff control mask when mixed with lemon juice.

Household uses

• Cucumber can be used as a natural air freshener. If you place cucumber slices in water and keep it at one side of your room, you can feel a fresh scent around you.
• Cucumber juice can also be used to clean stainless steel and remove stains.

Medicinal Uses

• Cucumber water detoxifies and hydrates the body which helps release many toxins.
• Cucumber extract can also be used as the medicinal ointment and as other skincare products.

Culinary Uses

• Cucumbers are a staple ingredient for fresh salads.
• It is used intensively in making refreshing drinks and smoothies.
• It is famous for adding crunch to sandwiches and wraps.
• It can also be added to cold soups like gazpacho.

To Wrap Up

Cucumber versatility and nutrient rich nature offer numerous health benefits. It will not only help keep you hydrated but also help in digestion, support heart health and also enhance your skin glow. So, start enjoying this refreshing hero vegetable today and experience its numerous benefits.