Cucumber is a fruit that has various uses and benefits. There is also a lot of conjecture about whether cucumber is a fruit or a vegetable. It is a scientifically proven fact that cucumbers are fruits. Cucumbers have seeds and grow from the flower of their plant. Therefore they have been classified as fruits.
Some healthy benefits of cucumber on the skin and body
Let us have a look at some of the healthy benefits of cucumber.
Hydration
Cucumbers are an excellent source of hydration especially during summers when your body needs all the hydration it can get for sun protection. Dehydration can lead to heat strokes and blackouts. Each cucumber is 95% of water. Therefore, one whole cucumber is an excellent way of hydrating yourself when sipping water every few hours seems like a chore.
Keeps weight worries at bay
Cucumber is food and therefore has calories. It is perfect when used for salad as it has minimal calories. One cup of cucumber has 16 calories. This is perfect for when you are aiming for a calorie deficit in your diet. The fewer calories you consume in your diet, the easier it is to lose weight.
Healthy nutrients
One cup of cucumber slices contains up to 19% of the vitamin. Additionally, cucumber contains vitamins B, C, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.
Blood sugar
Studies have shown that cucumber helps control blood sugar levels in animals. This subject is still being pursued by researchers in hopes of stumbling across some solid findings. High blood sugar manufacturers ROS and ROC, both of which damage cells. It has been found after conducting a study in rats that consumed cucumbers produced less ROC and ROS.
Antioxidants
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants. They contain lignan, triterpenes, and flavonoids. They help prevent inflammation in cases such as arthritis and protect against cell damage.
Cardiovascular health
Health professionals advise people to include cucumbers as a part of a well-balanced diet. The antioxidants present in cucumbers helps tackle heart diseases. Some studies show that cucumber seeds directly affect one’s cholesterol count positively. This directly impacts your cardiovascular health.
Healthy digestive system
Cucumbers are responsible for a healthy digestive system. They also help cure constipation owing to the hydrating nature of the fruit. They have a healthy amount of fibre which benefits your digestive system.
Fermented pickles for your system
To ferment cucumbers leave them in a salt solution. Allow the bacteria to feed on it. The solution has a sour taste. It is considered to be good for the system and contains ‘good bacteria’ or probiotics. This helps your body to attack germs, control anxiety, digest food and absorb nutrients into your system.
Bone health
Cucumbers improve bone health and support blood clotting. Cucumbers not only contain vitamin K but also calcium. Vitamin K helps in calcium absorption. Both of these contribute to your bone health.
Cancer
Cucumber comes from the Cucurbitaceae plant family. They contain bitter-tasting cucurbitacin in high amounts. Studies suggest that this ingredient can help control cancer cells from reproducing. The fiber in the cucumber provides protection against colorectal cancer.
Diabetes
Cucumbers help lower blood sugar. This stops your glucose from rising too high. Therefore, this helps in controlling diabetes. A certain study shows that cucumber peels help in regulating diabetes symptoms in mice. The cucurbitacins in cucumber regulate insulin and hepatic glycogen which is directly responsible for blood sugar.
Cucumbers score low on the glycemic index and therefore one may enjoy all the nutrients without being burdened by the presence of carbohydrates.
Anti-inflammatory
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties. Thereby, they help prevent diseases caused by inflammation such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, depression, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
Skin benefits
One of the widely known healthy benefits of cucumber is that Cucumber has largely effective skin benefits.
Rubbing sliced cucumber slices on your skin helps cool your skin. You can use it to soothe irritated skin or skin that is swollen. Additionally, cucumber helps soothe sunburn. Cucumber treats puffy eyes effectively and makes your under-eyes look fresh.
Cucumber helps open up pores and clear them. Consider blending the cucumber and turning it into cucumber juice. Use this juice as a toner afterward on your face. Cucumber is also used in face packs with yogurt to eliminate blackheads and dry skin. Cucumber is safe for everyone to use on the skin. However, if you are worried about developing a skin allergy then you can test a small amount on your skin.
Good nails and hair
Cucumber contains silica. Silica is good for nails and hair. Silica helps in strengthening nails and prevents the formation of brittle nails. Additionally, it helps strengthen the roots of the hair.
Eliminates bad breath
Cucumbers contain phytochemicals that help eliminate the bacteria that are responsible for bad breath in the mouth.
What are some common side effects of cucumber?
- Cucumbers can be the cause of flatulence and bloating in some people.
- People with kidney issues should not consume a lot of cucumbers. This is because it leads to an increase in the amount of water retention and potassium in the body.
- If you are on blood thinners then you should not be consuming a lot of cucumber as the vitamin K in the cucumber can make blood clotting even more difficult.
- If you notice swelling, hives, or issues with breathing after consuming cucumber then there are high chances of you being allergic to it. In that case, do not consume cucumber without the express advice of your doctor.
Final thoughts
To avail healthy benefits of cucumber some people prefer to not peel their cucumber before consumption. This is because it stops the loss of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. You can consider adding cucumbers to your salad, yogurt, or sandwiches to add some taste to it. Additionally, you may consider adding them to your soup with other vegetables.
To keep your cucumbers fresh for a longer time wrap them in plastic wrap and put them protects in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator.
