Benefits of Eating Cucumber

Cucumber is a widely-cultivated creeping vine plant in the Cucurbitaceae gourd family that bears cucumiform fruits, which are used as vegetables. There are three main varieties of cucumber—slicing, pickling, and burpless/seedless—within which several cultivars have been created.Wikipedia

Cucumis sativus

Cucumber is actually a fruit.

It's high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.

Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.

Health benefits of eating cucumber

1. It's High in Nutrients

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals.

One 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled, raw cucumber contains the following:

Calories: 45

Total fat: 0 grams

Carbs: 11 grams

Protein: 2 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI

Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI

Magnesium: 10% of the RDI

Potassium: 13% of the RDI

Manganese: 12% of the RDI

Although, the typical serving size is about one-third of a cucumber, so eating a standard portion would provide about one-third of the nutrients above.

2. It Contains Antioxidants

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 several types of chronic illness.

In fact, oxidative stress caused by free radicals has been associated with cancer and heart, lung and autoimmune disease.

Fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, are especially rich in beneficial antioxidants that may reduce the risk of these conditions.

3. 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% of their total water intake from food.

Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be a good source of water in your diet.

4. Cucumbers are the best cosmetic for your skin

Cucumbers are used topically for various types of skin problems, including dark circles, swelling or puffiness under the eyes and sunburn. Two compounds in cucumbers, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, prevent water retention which may explain why cucumbers applied topically are often helpful for swollen eyes, burns and dermatitis.

5. Hair growth

Silicon and Sulphur promote hair growth. It's best to juice cucumber with some mint leaves and carrots to increase this function.

6. Eat cucumbers to loose weight

Since they are 95% water, they fill you up adding volume to meals. With 16 calories per cup, cucumbers are nutritionally dense, this means you can eat more and feel satiated.

7. Helps improve heart health

Lignans found in cucumbers have immune boosting, anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for fighting cardiovascular disease. Cucumbers also provide important minerals like potassium and magnesium that are extremely beneficial for healthier blood pressure levels. Magnesium rich foods are also beneficial for blood pressure in addition to general nerve functioning, fluid balance, heart beat regulation, better blood sugar levels and higher energy expenditure.

The bottom line

Cucumbers are the best hydrating food for summers, so enjoy this treat.Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any diet.They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. I recommend choosing cucumbers that have been organically grown, since cucumbers are among the foods on which pesticides residues have been most frequently found. In addition, cucumbers are often waxed, since you may not be able to determine the source of these waxes, again I recommend choosing organically grown cucumbers or else peel the skin.

Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.