Cucumbers contains 96% per cent of water.
They are ideal for detoxification and preventing dehydration.
Cucumbers are rich in phytonutrients and vitamin K.
They are also a very good source of pantothenic acid and Molybdenum.
They also contain copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin B1.
However, cucumber nutrition offers a simple yet effective way to stay hydrated and nourished.
.Regulates Blood Pressure:
Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre. These nutrients are known to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases.
Research has also proved that regular consumption of cucumber juice was helpful in reducing blood pressure, in elderly people with hypertension.
. Good for Digestion:
Cucumbers act as a coolant for our stomach. The soluble fibre in cucumbers helps in slowing our digestion.
Also, the high content of water in cucumber makes our stools soft, prevents constipation and keeps our bowel movements regular
. Reduces Blood Sugar:
Cucumbers are known to reduce blood sugar levels, thus being helpful in the management and prevention of diabetes mellitus.
. Helpful in Weight Loss:
Calories in cucumber are low as it contains 96% of water, with only 15.5 calories in 100g of cucumber. Cucumber benefits in weight loss due to itshigh water and low-calorie content .
7. Soothes our Eyes:
Cucumber benefits the eyes, as placing the cucumber slices on the eyes for about 10 minutes relaxes our eyes and reduces puffiness around the eyes.
8. Reduces the Risk of Cancer:
The fibre in cucumbers protects from colorectal cancer.
Also, cucurbitacin present in cucumbers possesses anti-cancer properties.
. Good for Hair and Nails:
Cucumber benefits for hair in many ways. Cucumbers contains silica which is excellent for hair and nail care.
They help in strengthening the nails and prevent them from becoming brittle.
10. Prevents Bad Breath:
Phytochemicals present in cucumber destroy the bacteria in our mouth that cause bad breath.
. Cucumber Benefits for Men:
Cucumbers offer numerous health advantages for men.
Rich in antioxidants, they help combat free radicals, promoting cell health. The high water content contributes to hydration, supporting overall well-being. Additionally, cucumbers are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for weight management.
Including cucumbers in a balanced diet can enhance men’s health and vitality.
. Cucumber Benefits in Pregnancy:
Cucumbers offer valuable benefits during pregnancy.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, they aid fetal development and support the health of expectant mothers.
The high water content helps prevent dehydration, while the low-calorie count supports weight management. Additionally, cucumbers can alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, such as swelling and constipation, making them a nutritious and refreshing choice for pregnant women.
. Cucumber Benefits for Diabetes
Cucumbers can be a beneficial addition to a diabetes-friendly diet.
With a low glycemic index, they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Their high water content aids in hydration, and the presence of fiber supports better blood sugar control.
Additionally, cucumbers offer vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy and diabetes-friendly snack or addition to meals.
How to store cucumbers?
Wrap cucumbers in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator, so that they remain fresh and last longer.
.Side-Effects of Consuming Cucumbers:
Consuming cucumbers may lead to digestive problems like bloating and flatulence in some people.
People with kidney problems should not consume too much cucumber as it can increase the water content and potassium in their body, which is harmful to them.
People on blood thinners should not consume too much cucumber, as Vitamin K in them can make blood clotting further difficult.
People allergic to cucumber may show symptoms like hives, swelling and difficulty in breathing.
Easy Cucumber Recipes
Now that you know the health benefits of eating cucumber, you may be curious about how you can incorporate it into your regular diet. We’ve got you covered with easy methods below to add cucumber to your diet:
Salads are the best way to start adding cucumber to your diet. You can go extremely simple and just have sliced cucumber with seasoning and a hit of lemon, or add it to a veggie salad with a dressing of your choice.
Smoothie/Juice – Using a blender or a juicer, mix cucumbers into a pulp along with ingredients like mango, coconut water and honey. This drink is amazingly refreshing, and has all the benefits of cucumber and coconut water!
Rolled Cucumber – Using a vegetable slicer, you can make yourself some super-thin sheets of cucumber, wrap these around other veggies or a filling of your choice and create neat little healthy appetisers.
Sushi – If you like sushi, you can try out some inventive dishes like an avocado-cucumber sushi preparation. Make your own vegetarian sushi dishes at home to save on costs!
Pickled – Pickled cucumber is all the rage in places like North America (often called dill pickles) with similar preparations being made across the world (in Japan a pickled preparation called Kyuri Zuke calls for cucumber to be added to the mix). You can try to make this yourself at home, for the simplest version you just need salt, water, vinegar, sugar (if preferred) and some fresh cucumbers.
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