Health Benefits Of Cucumbers

Did you know that cucumbers are the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world? Besides, they have many health benefits. In fact, the cucumber is commonly referred to as a superfood. However, cucumbers are not just for eating.

1. Aid in Digestion

Besides water, cucumbers are loaded with fiber. That's a great combination that is also a remedy if you suffer from digestive problems such as acidity, gastritis, heartburn, and ulcers.

Cucumbers are known to raise the stomach pH, which can assist with acid reflux that affects many people.

2. Prevents Dehydration and Constipation

Cucumbers prevent dehydration because they are made of about 95 percent water and are full of important electrolytes.

Add cucumber slices to water for a great taste to help you increase your water consumption. Since dehydration is a cause of constipation, the water in cucumbers helps with regular bowel movements.

3. Weight Loss

Cucumbers are extremely high in nutrients but very low in calories. Therefore, they make a great healthy snack. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips or a handful of cookies, eat healthy cucumber slices. One 11-ounce unpeeled raw cucumber contains only 45 calories.

Cucumbers dissolve into a gel-like texture, which helps to slow down digestion and make you feel full quickly and longer. That makes cucumber a great food to eat to fill you up and help you lose weight at the same time.

Make a cucumber salad or add cucumber slices to other salads, sandwiches, and side dishes.

4. Brain Protection

Cucumbers are known to improve memory and even protect nerve cells from age-related decline.

Cucumbers can prevent learning and memory impairments. They play a very important role in brain health. They improve memory and have been connected with the prevention of memory loss because of Alzheimer's disease.

5. Cancer risk reduction

Cucumbers are small, but they have a lot of health benefits, including lowering the risk of breast, ovarian, uterine, and prostate cancers.

6. Antioxidant Properties

Cucumbers are especially rich in beneficial antioxidants that may reduce the risk of many diseases. The vegetable has antioxidant properties from vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as antioxidant flavonoids. They are also a source of natural antihistamine.

7. Reduces inflammation

Cucumber juice helps reduce unwanted inflammation in the body.

8. Controls Diabetes

The juice of cucumbers contains a hormone that is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin. That is beneficial for those who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

9. Lowers High Blood Pressure

The juice from cucumbers reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure. Sterols help reduce cholesterol levels. Because cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium, and fiber, they work effectively for regulating blood pressure. Therefore, cucumbers are good for regulating both low blood pressure and high blood pressure.

10. Hair Care

Cucumber juice will condition the hair because of the high silicon and sulfur content. It makes hair silky and shiny. Applying cucumber juice also helps promote hair growth.

Simply apply cucumber juice to the scalp. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes before washing it out with a good shampoo. You can also purchase cucumber shampoo from beauty supply stores, department stores, and even from some grocery stores.

11. Skin Care

Slices of cucumbers can do wonders for the skin. For instance, cucumber slices on an oily face can remove excess oil.

Older people can help their appearance by rubbing thick slices of cucumber on cellulite and wrinkles for a few minutes. The outer layers of the skin become firm.

Cucumbers can be used as a natural toner and astringent because of their cooling properties. The juice is ideal as a cleanser to remove blemishes and acne.

12. Eye Care

Cucumbers can be used as a skin lightener. The ascorbic and caffeinic acids in them help to eliminate the water retention in the skin under the eyes.

Place a slice over puffy eyes, and the anti-inflammatory properties of cucumbers will help reduce the swelling and puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

13. Treatment for Tired Feet

If you suffer from foot pain, cucumbers can soothe, cool, and exfoliate them. A cucumber foot mask will help heal blisters, lighten dark skin, and rejuvenate your feet.

14. Freshen Breath

Cucumbers reduce bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth. Freshen your breath by placing a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth. The fiber and water in it help produce saliva, which washes away bacteria that cause odor in the mouth.

Cucumbers also contain phytochemicals that kill the bacteria. Juice from cucumbers also refreshes and heals diseased gums.

15. Stress Reliever

Cucumbers contain many different B vitamins, including B1, B5, and B7 that are helpful in preventing anxiety and stress.

16. Hangovers and Headaches Preventative

After drinking alcoholic beverages, eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed. They contain enough sugar, B vitamins, and electrolytes to replenish many of the essential nutrients the body lost due to alcohol consumption. Cucumbers are great for preventing both a hangover and a headache.

Any Other Benefit?

Feel free to comment about other benefits of cucumbers not listed in this article!