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Cucumbers are widely cultivated long, lean and green plants. They are fruits and not vegetables as thought of by many, they are actually members of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, which includes other of your favorite fruits like watermelons and pumpkins.
There are a lot to mention when it comes to health benefits of cucumbers; starting with the amazing fact that they are good sources of phytonutrients (plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties) such as flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer benefits according to World’s healthiest Foods, their peels and seeds too are considered the most nutrient-dense part which contains fiber and beta-carotene, amazing right?
One medium sized unpeeled, raw cucumber has the following (www.webmd.com);
Calories – 30
Total fat – 0 grams
Carbs – 6 grams
Protein – 3 grams
Fiber – 2 grams
Vitamin C – 10% of the recommended daily value
Vitamin K – 57% of the daily value
Magnesium – 9% of the daily value
Potassium – 12% of the daily value
Manganese – 9% of the daily value
Other benefits are:
1. Hydration
Cucumbers are composed of about 95.2% water. This large percentage of water present in cucumber helps to keep the body hydrated when consumed.
Proper hydration of the body system is very important and can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism.
Generally, the regular intake of fruits and vegetables is a good source of water which helps to meet the body’s daily fluid needs.
Cucumber also possesses small portions of magnesium and potassium which plays a role in hydration.
2. Soothes skin
The pulp of cucumbers are primarily composed of water, vitamin C and caffeic acid, a natural chemical that possesses anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactive compounds provide a soothing effect on the skin, reduces skin irritations and swelling.
Cucumbers are therefore home remedies to promote anti-wrinkling and anti-aging activity of the human body.
3. Good source of vitamin K
This Vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. It is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.
The recommended daily consumption of vitamin K is satisfied up to about 20% by the intake of cucumber.
4. Lowers blood sugar
Studies and experiments has shown that cucumbers could effectively reduce and control blood sugar levels, thereby preventing some complications of diabetes. It contains high fibre content which is key in lowering blood sugar levels.
Cucumber also helps slow down digestion of carbohydrates and sugar in the body, which can further lower sugar levels.
5. High in antioxidants
Cucumbers are composed of several antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese, as well as flavonoids, triterpenes and lignans that have anti-inflammatory properties (livescience.com). These antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals. The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Cucumbers therefore help protect one’s cells against these free radicals and the harm associated with it.
6. Weight loss
Cucumbers are essentially low in calories and as such deals with the issue of weight loss.
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 (www.healthline.com).
7. Promotes Regularity
Dehydration is a major risk factor for constipation, as it can alter your water balance and make the passage of stool difficult (www.healthline.com).
Consumption of cucumbers supplies enough water to keep the body hydrated which in turn aids regular bowel movements.
Also the presence of a good amount of fibre helps prevent constipation and maintains body regularity.
So if you aren’t a cucumber lover, you might just want to reconsider loving it, at least for all that you stand to benefit from it.
Cheers!!!