Cucumbers, commonly thought to be vegetable is actually a fruit. It’s high in beneficial nutrients as well as antioxidants that help treat’s and even prevent some conditions.
Cucumbers are low in calories and contains a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.
Cucumbers have a high water content of about 96% and to maximize their nutrient content, it should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces some amount of fibers,as well as certain vitamins and minerals
300gram unpeeled raw cucumber contains the following, carbohydrates 11g, protein 2g, fat 0g, fiber 2g, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin k, magnesium, potassium, manganese and so much more.
Health Benefits Of Cucumbers.
It Promotes Hydration.
Water is crucial to our body’s function, it plays numerous important roles in processes like temperature regulation and transportation of waste products.
Proper hydration can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism. While some people meet majority of their fluid needs by drinking water or other liquids, some may as well get as much as 40% of their total water intake from food
Because Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs.
Refreshes The Mouth.
Cucumber juice refreshes and heal diseased gums, leaving your mouth smelling good.
Aid Weight Loss.
Cucumbers could potentially help lose weight in a few different ways.
First of all, they are low in calories and this means that you can eat plenty of Cucumbers without packing on extra calories that leads to weight gain.
Cucumbers can add freshness and flavour to salads, sandwiches and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternative.
furthermore, the high water content of Cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.
Contains Antioxidants.
Cucumbers contain antioxidant, which prevents accumulation of some harmful free diseases and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
It Protects Brain Health And Memory.
Cucumbers are good source of flavonoid fisetin, which studies have associated with protecting nerve cells, improving memory and decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Build Bone Health.
Vitamin K is important to Bone Health And according to university of Maryland medical center, one cup of cucumber juice contains about 19 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K.
Another review in Nutrition, noted that vitamin K intake might reduce fracture rates, work with vitamin D to increase Bone density and positively affect calcium balance.
The human body uses vitamin K when building bones, and the effects seems to be especially important for women. when it comes to men, the affects of vitamin K and bone Health may become more apparent as they age. A 2000 study saw reduced risk of hip fracture among both elderly women and elderly men who consumed more vitamin K.
Cooling And Soothing Effect On The Skin.
Cucumbers have a cooling and soothing effects that decreases swelling, irritation and inflammation when used topically.
Cucumber slices placed on the eyes can decrease morning puffiness or alleviate and treat sunburn when placed on the affected areas. It is also noted that high vegetable and fruit intake is associated with a healthy complexion in general.
AS A Toner: Blending and sieving to collect the juice for a natural toner. Leave on the skin for 30 minutes,then rinse. This is said to have astringent properties and to help clear the pores.
AS A Face Pack: mix equal amount of cucumber juice and yogurt to make a face pack that help reduce dry skin and blackheads.
Help Control And Prevent Diabetes.
Researchers have concluded that Cucumbers may help Control and prevent diabetes.
Cucumbers contain cucurbits which may help reduce spikes in blood sugar.
Theory has it that cucurbits in cucumber stimulate insulin release and regulate the metabolism of a key hormone in the processing of blood sugar, hepatic glycogen.
They also have a low score on the glycemic index (GI) which means they provide important nutrients without adding carbohydrates that can increase blood glucose.
Aid Digestion.
Cucumbers are noted to help relieve constipation because they provide both fiber and water.
Nourishes You With Vitamins.
Cucumbers nourishes You With Vitamin A, B, C and K which boost immunity, give you energy and keep you radiant. You can give it more power by juicing cucumber with carrot and spinach.
Flushes Out Toxins.
Water in Cucumbers acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is know to dissolve kidney stone.
Smooths Hair And Nails.
Silica the wonder in cucumber makes hair and nails stronger and shinier.
HEALTH RISK.
Researchers and studies has shown that some people find some type of cucumber hard to digest and been relatively high in vitamin K, a high consumption of cucumber could have an affect on blood clotting.
Environment working group also produces list of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, know as the dirty dozen. Cucumbers are high on the pesticide residue list.
Healthy as they are, you don’t have to overdo it on Cucumbers, my recommendation is always to vary selections.
Cucumbers are great hydrating foods so keep them in along with other plant foods that offers other benefit. Variety is always the key, Says Lemond
Nutritionalfacts.com 