Cucumbers are widely cultivated plant treasures that are rich in water. This is a perfect addition to your diet plan. Aside from its amazing and delicious taste, it is also an astonishingly versatile because it has low carbohydrates. Also, there are a lot of health benefits of cucumber that can contribute to a healthier and better you.
WHAT IS CUCUMBER?
Scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, cucumber belongs to the same plant family as watermelon, squash and the likes. Just like some other member of this plant family, cucumber is mostly made up of water, approximately 95 %. This means, if you eat them in the hot season, you can stay hydrated.
Generally, all over the world, cucumbers are eaten raw. It is believed to help in losing weight. It also helps in decreasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, mortality, and much more. Research shows it promotes healthy skin, improved energy, and total weight loss.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUCUMBER
Here are some of the wonderful benefits of cucumber to us, people:
HYDRATION. Since cucumber is 95% water (95.2% to be exact), it is ideal for hydration on warm weather. In a 5-ounce cucumber serving, there is a 4.8ounces or 15 milliliters of water. This is about 26% of daily water intake already. It is also packed with electrolytes which are perfect in preventing dehydration. You can add cucumber into the water to crease water consumption as well.
HEART HEALTH. The wonder fruit, cucumber has 152 mg per cup of potassium. This can already help in lowering high blood pressure. Research states that the higher the cucumber intake, the lower the tendency to experience a stroke. It can also lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The proper balance of potassium inside and outside your cells is crucially important for the better function of your body.
BRAIN HEALTH. Fisetin, an anti-inflammatory substance is also present in cucumbers. This is also present in some other fruits like strawberry and grapes. Fisetin is a very helpful in maintaining mental health. It can also help prevent learning and memory impairments in a certain sample they used for the research.
PREVENTING SKIN AGING. Cucumbers have anti-wrinkle potential which protects the skin from the effects of aging. Cucumber has a cooling and soothing effect. And because of that, there is a decrease in inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the skin. Lastly, you can use it to alleviate and to treat sunburn.
FIGHTING INFLAMMATION. Cucumbers can help lower inflammation in the body. Moreover, t provides a cooling effect in the body which reduces the tendency of inflammation.
REDUCING CANCER RISK. Cucumber contains Polyphenols, often referred to as lignans. Lignans can potentially help reduce some cancer risk and some cardiovascular illnesses. It also has phytonutrients called as cucurbitacins which also contain anti-cancer properties.
RELIEVING PAIN. Tannins and Flavonoids present in cucumber can both minimize the tendency of free radical release in the body. It is also effective in reducing pain.
PROTECTING BONES. Vitamin K is present in cucumber which is essential for bone health. One cup of cucumber contains 22% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. Since it has a lot of Vitamin K, there is a small tendency that you experience bone fractures. It also helps in improving the absorption of calcium in the bones.
PREVENTING CONSTIPATION. The skin of the cucumber contains insoluble fiber, and the cucumber itself is rich with water. Both fiber and water helps in making the food move more easily and quicker through the digestive system.
REDUCING BAD BREATH. The bacteria in the mouth cause bad breath. Water and the fiber-rich plant can boost your saliva production. In turn, it washes away all the bacteria that cause bad breath.
MAINTAINING HEALTHY WEIGHT. Cucumbers have low-calorie content, yet they create a filling snack. The fiber in the skin of cucumber also helps especially in slowing down your digestion.
MANAGING STRESS. There are lots of B vitamins present in cucumbers, including vitamin B1, B5, and B7. These B vitamins are essential in easing anxiety or stress.
HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. For a healthy digestive system, you need two of the most basic elements: fiber and water. Adding cucumbers to your drinks or salad helps you meet the right amount of fiber and water your body needs. It can help prevent some serious symptoms of acid reflux.
Cucumbers can be seen and can be bought easily since it is one of the most cultivated plants in the whole world. However, you can buy them from a local market where the freshness of it is unquestionable. It is not only a delicious fruit and a refreshment, the health benefits of cucumber is undeniably amazing.
