Cucumbers are a vegetable from the Cucurbita family which includes pumpkins and melons as well. It has an elongated shape and variable size. The shell is usually dark green, while the flesh is almost transparent. The vegetable has a crunchy texture and great taste, and is pretty easy to grow and widely available around the world.
Here are some of the main health benefits of cucumber:
1. Detoxifies the body
Cucumbers are rich in water which can eliminate waste and toxins from your body and even treat kidney stones.
2. A great source of minerals
Cucumbers are rich in minerals such as magnesium, silicon and potassium which the body requires for various functions.
3. A great source of vitamins
Cucumbers contain vitamin A, B and C which can boost your immune system and improve your overall health.
4. Fights diabetes, regulates blood pressure and cholesterol
The vegetable contains a healthy amount of fiber, potassium and magnesium that can control your blood sugar levels and reduce the levels of cholesterol. Consuming the vegetable regularly will also regulate your blood pressure.
5. Fights cancer
Cucumbers contain lignans, secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol, anti-carcinogenic compounds which can fight breast, prostate, uterus and ovary cancer.
6. Hydrates the body
The high amount of water in the vegetable will keep your tissues and skin hydrated.
7. Improves the health of your kidneys
Cucumbers can reduce the amount of uric acid in your body and improve the health of your kidneys.
8. Improves the health of your joints
Cucumbers contain minerals such as silicon which can reinforce your joints and connective tissues and reduce the pain caused by inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or gout.
9. Improves digestion and maintains your weight
Cucumbers are full of water and low on calories, making them ideal for weight loss. Additionally, they’re rich in fiber which will improve your digestion.
10. Improves the health of your hair and nails
Cucumbers contain a healthy portion of sulfur and silicon, two minerals that are vital for proper hair and nail health.
11. Improves your oral health and eliminates bad breath
Drinking cucumber juice often can revitalize your gums and reduce the irritation in your mouth. Cucumbers contain phytochemicals which can fight bad breath and eliminate bacteria in your mouth.
12. Fights sunburns
Applying slices of cucumber on your skin can fight sunburns effectively and quickly.
13. Great for hangovers
Cucumbers are the one of the ideal hangover foods – they are rich in electrolytes, water and vitamin B which the body requires after a night of drinking. Experts suggest eating a bit of the vegetable before going to bed in order to neutralize the effects of the alcohol.
14. Reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of the vegetable can reduce the swelling and bags under your eyes.
15. Great taste
Cucumbers are really tasty and thanks to their health benefits, they are among the most popular vegetables on the planet. You can eat them raw or juice them thanks to their great flavor.
Here’s a tasty cucumber recipe that is low on calories and will improve your overall health:
Ingredients
2 cups of finely chopped cucumber
¼ cup of chopped onion
½ a cup of tomatoes
2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley
1 garlic clove
1 chili
¼ cup of Greek yogurt
¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
¼ teaspoon of sea salt
1 ½ teaspoon of lime juice
1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
Preparation
Mix the ingredients in a bowl adding them one by one, then cover the mixture and leave it for a while. Serve the delicious mix on whole grain toast and enjoy.
