In this post, we will be sharing some health benefits of cucumber you should know. Cucumber is high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.
They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content.
Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.
5 Health Benefits Of Cucumber
1. 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.
2. Control Blood Pressure
The studies done at DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) consisted of people consuming foods high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber. The results were clear; their blood pressure lowered to normal levels.
The group eating a diet rich in these complexes along with the other foods on the diet like seafood, low-fat dairy items, lean meat, and poultry saw their blood pressure falling by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic). Cucumber, therefore, regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, including those in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.
3. Manage Diabetes
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology throws light on the anti-hyperglycemic effect of cucumber. Cucumbers have been used for diabetic patients for many years. They possess a hormone required by the beta cells during insulin production.
The glycemic index (GI) of cucumbers is actually zero. The presence of carbohydrates and their result on the body is measured by the quantity of glycemic index (GI).
Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The carbohydrates contribute to raising the glucose level, however, the ones present in the cucumber can be easily digested by diabetic patients.
Thus, consumption of this cool fruit and others like ginger keeps the glucose level in check. Nowadays, most commercial stores have cucumber supplements as spiny sea cucumber extract powder, which is very effective in combating the effects of diabetes.
4. Prevent Constipation & Kidney Stones
Cucumbers are a perfect blend of both fiber and water. Therefore, they help to protect your body from constipation and kidney stones. It can also counter the effects of uric acid, which prevents inflammation from conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout.
5. Combat Bad Breath
One common cause of bad breath is odor produced when bacteria attack trapped food particles. The fluid in cucumbers, as well as the saliva production triggered by chewing, helps to cleanse the mouth and wash away these smelly culprits.
Extra Health Benefits of Cucumber
Another health benefits of cucumber include making a face toner with it.
5 Simple Steps To Make Cucumber Face Toner
- You can make a cucumber toner by mixing cucumber juice with juice from a lemon.
- To make the cucumber juice, you can begin by scraping the skin off, finely slicing the cucumber, and blending it with water.
- A sieve can be used to separate the mushy cucumber from its juice.
- The final product can be stored in the refrigerator. You can store it in a spray bottle and spritz it on your skin in hot weather.
- It is refreshing. Other ingredients that you can use in the toner instead of lemon juice are green tea or a herb like mint.
