What are the benefits of cucumber?

Fruits and vegetables of all kinds offer a range of health benefits.

Plant foods such as cucumber have been linked to a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, among others, while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and healthy body weight.

The chemical profile of cucumbers is thought to give them a number of possible health benefits.

Health benefits of cucumber

1. Hydration

Cucumbers consist mostly of water and contain important electrolytes. As a result, they can help prevent dehydration during hot periods of the year or during and after a workout.

Here’s a secret many don’t know: Adding cucumber and mint to water can increase water consumption by making it more attractive to drink.

Hydration is important for many things including maintaining healthy intestines, preventing constipation, and avoiding kidney stones.

2. Bone health

A sufficient intake of vitamin K has been associated with healthy bones that are less likely to fracture.

One cup of cucumber provides 8.5 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) recommends that women aged 19 years and above consume 90 mcg of vitamin K each day, and men 120 mcg. It also contains calcium. Vitamin K helps improve calcium absorption. Together, these nutrients contribute to good bone health.

3. Cancer

As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family of plants, cucumbers contain high levels of nutrients known as cucurbitacins, which may help prevent cancer by stopping cancer cells from proliferating and surviving.

Cucumbers contain cucurbitacins A, B, C, D, and E.

There are currently no current anti-cancer therapies that utilize cucurbitacins. Laboratory research has produced promising results, but more work is needed to confirm their antitumor effects.

4. Cardiovascular health

The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages people to eat more fibre, as this can help prevent a buildup of cholesterol and the cardiovascular problems that can result from this. Cucumbers are good sources of fibre, particularly their skin. They also provide potassium and magnesium.

The AHA also recommend reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake to help prevent high blood pressure.

The cucurbitacins in cucumber may also help prevent atherosclerosis.

5. Diabetes

Researchers have concluded that cucumbers may help control and prevent diabetes.

Cucumbers, like squash, gourd, melon, and other related foods, contain Cucurbita ficifolia, which may help reduce spikes in blood sugar.

Cucumber peel too has been found to help with symptoms of diabetes in mice.

One theory is that the cucurbitacins in cucumber stimulate insulin release and regulate the metabolism of a key hormone in the processing of blood sugar, hepatic glycogen.

They also have a low score on the glycemic index (GI), which means they provide important nutrients without adding carbohydrates that can increase blood glucose.

6. Skin

Cucumbers are believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Used directly on the skin, sliced cucumber has a cooling and soothing effect that decreases swelling, irritation, and inflammation. It can alleviate sunburn. Placed on the eyes, they can help decrease morning puffiness.

Cucumber beauty tips include:

Toner: Blending and sieving to collect the juice for a natural toner. Leave on the skin for 30 minutes, then rinse. This is said to have astringent properties and to help clear the pores.

Face pack: Mix equal amounts of cucumber juice and yoghurt to make a face pack that help reduce dry skin and blackheads.

Source: medicalnewstoday