Cucumber is known for its refreshing nature. They are a healthy addition to any diet with their low-calorie count and high water content. The cucumber is loaded with beneficial nutrients. They also have certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions. Cucumber is best enjoyed raw in the summers, as juice, sandwiches, smoothies, or salads.
Nutrients In Cucumber
Cucumbers are high in water, they are made up of 96% water. It has many important vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories. One 300-gram raw unpeeled cucumber contains the following things:
- Vitamin C: 12%
- Vitamin K: 60%
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calories: 43
- Total fat: 0 grams
- Magnesium: 9%
- Potassium: 12%
- Manganese: 11%
1. Promotes Hydration
As water is important for body function, it plays essential roles. Water is involved in processes such as the transportation of waste products and nutrients and temperature regulation of the body. However, hydration can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism. According to research increased fruit and vegetable intake is connected with improvements in hydration status. As cucumbers are composed of about 96% water. It is particularly effective at promoting hydration and can help an individual meet daily fluid needs.
2. Promote Lower Blood Sugar
As per studies, cucumbers can help reduce blood sugar levels and even prevent some complications of diabetes. Cucumber juice contains hormones that are needed by the pancreas for producing insulin. It can be effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes-related complications.
3. Aid in Weight Loss
As mentioned above cucumbers are low in calories. One cup of serving contains just 16 calories. That means that an individual can consume plenty of cucumbers without packing on the extra calories that lead to weight gain. The high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well. The cucumber seeds even help in losing weight and prevent indigestion. They are loaded with vitamins and fiber that aid in increased metabolism.
4. Reduce Puffiness Of The Eyes
Cucumber contains ascorbic acid and caffeic acid that bring down the water retention rate which diminishes the swelling and puffiness around the eyes. As per studies, cucumbers can easily reduce the puffiness in your eyes. Slice some cucumber, and refrigerate it for a while. Then place it on your closed eyelids. It will bring down the puffiness and also help you relax.
5. Reduces Eye Wrinkles
The skin around our eyes is the thinnest in our body. Cucumber is a natural moisturizer. Its juice is rich in ascorbic acid, which can exhibit significant free radical scavenging activity as well as potent anti-hyaluronidase and anti-elastase activity. Placing cold cucumber slices on your eyes can hydrate the eyes and the skin around with its cooling effect.
6. Provide Dental Health
Cucumber contains phytochemicals that kill the bad breath-causing bacteria. Its juice can effectively treat gum diseases such as pyorrhoea and weak gums. The photochemical present in it kills the bacteria in the mouth. Including cucumber in daily diet along with its seeds neutralizes acids in the mouth and promotes salivation.
7. Cures Hangover
Cucumbers can be used to cure a hangover and a headache. It is because cucumber help to rehydrate the body’s nutrients and eliminate the toxins from the body that are present due to the intake of alcohol. The electrolytes, vitamin B, and sugar present in cucumber will reduce the intensity of the hangover and the headache.
8. Strengthens Bones
Cucumber is known for strengthening bones. It contains vitamin K which plays an essential role in strengthening bones by promoting orthotropic activity. The cucumber is also loaded with a compound called silica that promotes bone health by strengthening the connective tissue in the joints.