Cucumbers and salads are synonymous with each other. It is often considered as a fruit as well as a vegetable by experts as it belongs to the same plant family as that of the pumpkin, squash and watermelon, i.e. the Cucurbitaceae family.
Amazingly refreshing cucumbers are long and lean, available in many colours. They have a distinct mild melon-like taste and smell due to the presence of aldehydes. The slight bitterness of cucumber skin is because of cucurbitacins in it.
10 Health Benefits of Cucumbers:
1. Good for Hydration & Detoxification:
Cucumber benefits your health as it contains antioxidant-rich cucumber extracts. These extracts may help protect your cells from damage by scavenging harmful free radicals. They also might promote a balanced cellular environment by regulating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Include cucumbers in your diet to enjoy the natural benefits of their antioxidant properties.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Cucumbers are 96% water. Consuming cucumbers, adds to the daily requirement of water by the body, thus keeping us hydrated. This is helpful, especially during summers when we tend to get dehydrated easily. Cucumber also acts as a coolant, providing us relief from the summer heat.
Detox water made using cucumber and mint, effectively eliminates toxins from the body, improves hydration and thus results in innumerable health benefits.
2. 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.
Did you know that cucumbers are more than just a hydrating snack? They are a nutritional powerhouse hiding in plain sight! With just one cup, you get 4% of your daily potassium, 3% of your daily fiber, and 4% of your daily vitamin C intake. They also pack a punch of vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and other vital nutrients, making them a great addition to your diet.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
3. 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.
4. Reduces Blood Sugar:
Cucumbers are known to reduce blood sugar levels, thus being helpful in the management and prevention of diabetes mellitus.
Cucumbers pack a punch when it comes to bone health. Inside those crunchy slices lies vitamin K, a secret weapon. Vitamin K, in combination with vitamin D, can help increase bone density and reduce fracture rates. It supports the building of strong bones.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
5. 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 .
6. Better Skin:
Cucumber benefits for skin are numerous as they are great beauty enhancers. They show amazing effects on the skin.
The application of cucumber juice benefits on the skin as it makes it soft and glowy. Anti-inflammatory effects of cucumber naturally lighten our skin and reduce tanning.
It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
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.
9. 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.