There are very interesting reasons why taking cucumber has remained a very strong tradition for thousands of years in many countries around the world. Beautifully summarizing these reasons, Katherine Tallmadge of the American Dietetic Association, simply said, “There doesn’t seem to be a downside to taking cucumber”. This basically means that every bite of cucumber is a refreshing magic for health, vitality and defense for the body.
Although cucumber is commonly thought to be a vegetable, cucumber is actually a fruit. Cucumber is known to have excellent cleansing properties, and those properties actively eradicate accumulated toxins from the body system.
The health benefits of cucumber cannot be overemphasized. As a matter of fact, it is extremely beneficial.
According to history, cucumbers were very popular in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece; their uses were not limited to just being food. It was also known for the positive effect it had on the skin.
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water and several important vitamins and minerals. Eating cucumbers with the peel provides the maximum amount of nutrients.
In addition to the above benefits, cucumber also contains unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Health benefits of cucumber
1. It Promotes Hydration
Water is crucial to your body's function, playing numerous important roles
It is involved in processes like temperature regulation and the transportation of waste products and nutrients
In fact, proper hydration can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism
While you meet the majority of your fluid needs by drinking water or other liquids, some people may get as much as 40 percent of their total water intake from food
Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be a good source of water in your diet.
In one study, hydration status was assessed and diet records were collected for 442 children. They found that increased fruit and vegetable intake was associated with improvements in hydration status.
Because cucumbers are composed of about 96 percent water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs.
2. It protects the brain
Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin. And the importance of this fisetin cannot be overemphasized when it comes to playing a major role in brain health. Because it improves your memory and protects your nerve cells from age-related decline.
3. It reduces bad breath
When bacteria find comfort in the mouth, bad breath becomes a guest. However, with the rich presence of water in cucumber, the production of mouth saliva increases upon consumption; which in turn helps wash away the bacteria that cause the odour in the mouth.
4. It helps reduce the risk of cancer
Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower the risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
They also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, which has been proven to have anticancer properties.
5. It helps manage diabetes
Over the years, cucumbers have been useful for diabetic patients. Cucumbers possess a hormone required by the beta cells during insulin production.
The Glycemic Index of cucumbers is actually zero. The presence of carbohydrates and their result on the body is measured by the quantity Glycemic Index.
Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The carbohydrates contribute in raising the glucose level, however, the carbohydrates present in the cucumber can be easily digested by diabetic patients.
Thus, the consumption of cucumbers keeps the glucose level in check.
6. It keeps the body in a healthy state
Cucumber is known to have excellent cleansing properties. Those properties actively eradicate accumulated toxins from the body system.
And since these properties also help in the removal of uric acid, it has, therefore, been effective for the treatment of arthritis.
Furthermore, cucumber is very good for optimizing urinary bladder, kidney, liver and pancreatic functions. It is also considered a natural diuretic because it aids in urine secretion.
7. It protects the bones
Cucumber is a good source of vitamin K: One cup contains 22 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture.
Vitamin K is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.
8. It keeps the heart in shape
Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly.
As an electrolyte, potassium is a positively charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration (about 30 times higher inside than outside your cells) in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.
9. It May Aid in Weight Loss
Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.
First of all, they are low in calories. This means that you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing on the extra calories that lead to weight gain.
Cucumbers can add freshness and flavor to salads, sandwiches and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternatives.
Furthermore, the high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.
One analysis looked at 13 studies including 3,628 people and found that eating foods with high water and low calorie contents was associated with a significant decrease in body weight.
Summary: Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss.
