You have probably listened to the phrase “cool as a cucumber” which means calm and relaxed. This phrase describes the soothing and cooling nature of cucumbers when eaten. You may find sliced cucumber being sold during summer in India. When it comes to benefits of cucumber, it is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help in rejuvenating dry skin. In addition to these, cucumber is rich in many essential nutrients like Vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium. You can consume cucumber raw, one can include it in various beauty packs and face masks. Keep reading to know a number of health benefits of eating a cucumber.
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Are Cucumbers Good For You?
There are amazing benefits of cucumber and you can enjoy it more in summer days as it provides high water content. A glass of water filled with slices of cucumber is a more refreshing drink. You can put the slices of cucumber over your eyelids to reduce dark circles and puffiness. But when it comes to eating cucumbers, what are the nutritional benefits? Let us have a look at the benefits of cucumber.
People usually consume cucumbers raw. A serving of 100gm cucumbers raw provides Nutrition Values:
- Water: 95.23 gm
- Energy:15 kcal
- Protein: 0.65 gm
- Carbohydrate: 3.63 gm
- Fiber, total dietary: 0.5 gm
- Sugars: 1.67 gm
- Calcium (Ca): 16 mg
- Iron (Fe): 0.28 mg
- Magnesium (Mg): 13 mg
- Phosphorus (P): 24 mg
- Potassium (K): 147 mg
- Sodium (Na): 2 mg
- Zinc (Zn): 0.2 mg
- Vitamin C: 2.8 mg
- Vitamin B-6: 0.04 mg
- Vitamin E: 0.03 mg
- Fatty acids: 0.08 g
Amazing Health Benefits of Cucumber
Cucumber contains all the nutrients that are essential for our body. Cucumber has antioxidant properties that remove free radicals from the body and protect our body from various diseases. Cucumbers also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here we have listed some benefits of cucumber you’ve probably never heard of before.
Promotes Weight Loss
Cucumbers are low in calories because 100gm of serving contains approximately 15 calories. Low in calories means you can eat plenty of cucumbers without bothering for the extra calories that lead to weight gain. Moreover, Cucumbers are rich in water content that can promote weight loss as well.
Rich in Antioxidant
Free radicals or you can say that highly reactive unpaired electrons in our body can lead to various types of chronic illness. Cucumber has antioxidant properties that block the oxidation of these free radicals. The oxidative effect of these free radicals has been associated with cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Cucumber contains polyphenols which are known as lignans that reduce the risk of these conditions. Cucumber is a good source of antioxidant dose and some studies found that it also contains flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals.
Keeps you Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for our body, mind and overall health. Drinking 7-8 glass per day can prevent constipation and avoid kidney stones. Everyone knows that a cucumber is a rich source of water and some important electrolytes. Cucumber helps to get rid of inflammation and dryness. Therefore eating cucumber daily may prevent dehydration. A cucumber can accomplish 26% of your daily water requirement through food.
Improves Digestion
Cucumbers provide both fiber and water, helps in digestion and relieve constipation. It is a low-calorie food and all the calories come from fiber. It promotes a person’s BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). BMR is the rate at which food dissolves. Eating cucumber along with the meal helps to digest it easily. You can have it in the form of salad or make a juice or soup.
Eliminates Toxins
Toxins can enter our body via three ways and that are ingestion, skin contact, inhalation. After the absorption of toxins, it takes less than 1 minute for most of the chemical to enter the bloodstream. Cucumber is rich in water and can help to flush out toxins from the body. You can make a powerful detox drink of cucumber that cleanses the body and maintain a healthy complexion.
Helps in Lower Blood Sugar
Cucumbers contain essential substances that may help lower blood sugar and decreases the risk of diabetes. Cucurbitacins play an important role in the processing of blood sugar. Cucumber contains cucurbitacins that regulate insulin release and metabolism activity. Cucumber peel is rich in antioxidant properties and may prevent type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Heart Association, cucumber is high in the electrolyte and these electrolytes may reduce sodium-induced water to keep your blood pressure in check. Hypertension or high blood pressure can cause many diseases like an aneurysm, stroke.
Skin Care: Benefits of Cucumber
Some studies suggest that cucumber is beneficial for skin health whether you consume it internally or apply it externally on your skin. You can use a slice of cucumber on your eyes to reduce morning puffiness. It provides a cooling effect that soothes the skin and helps to ease up a sunburn, also reduces swelling and irritation of the skin.
Cucumber is rich in silica, which is an essential component for healthier and brighter skin. Additionally, High content of water highlights the importance of hydration for beautiful skin. The extract of cucumbers is often used in various beauty products to treat skin ailments like sunburn.
Bonus: The cucumber face pack is safe for all types of skin and it has astringent properties that may help to clear the pores. For a simple cucumber face mask, mix an equal amount of yogurt and cucumber juice. Apply this on your face or skin and leave it on. Wash it off after 30 minutes. this face mask will help you to reduce dryness of the skin and blackheads.
How To Eat Cucumber?
The refreshing taste and crunch make people consume cucumber with the peel. Adding cucumber slices to salads or sandwiches is the best option to consume it. Cucumber is safe to eat but you should take care of some points before consuming a cucumber.
- People use pesticides to increase the yield of cucumber, therefore pesticide is a concern.
- Cucumbers may be waxed to store or maintain the freshness during shipping. Therefore consume it without peel or wash it off with lukewarm water thoroughly.
You can easily add cucumber in your diet. Apart from eating cucumber raw, it can be enjoyed in many ways with a little bit of creativity. Here are some simple and healthy recipes to add cucumber in your diet.
- Salad
- Cucumber and Peanut Salad
- Chilled Cucumber Soup
- Virgin Cucumber Cooler
- Kapa Maki
- Cucumber Raita
Final Words:
Cucumbers are grown mainly to be eaten fresh and eating cucumbers may lead to many health benefits. You can consume cucumbers as a low-calorie diet for weight loss or can add flavor in a variety of dishes.
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