CUCUMBER
Health Benefits of Eating Cucumber
Though commonly thought to be a vegetable,
cucumber is actually a fruit.
It's high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant
compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.
Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.
It's High in Nutrients
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals.
Although, the typical serving size is about one-third of a
cucumber, so eating a standard portion would provide about one-third of the
nutrients above.
Additionally, cucumbers have a high-water content. In fact,
cucumbers are made up of about 96% water
To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten
unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins
and minerals
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.
Water is crucial to your body's function, playing numerous
important roles .
It is involved in processes like temperature regulation and the
transportation of waste products and nutrients .
In fact, proper hydration can affect everything from physical
performance to metabolism .
While you meet the majority of your fluid needs by drinking water or other liquids, some people may get as
much as 40% of their total water intake from food .
Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be a good source of
water in your diet.
In one study, hydration status was assessed and diet records
were collected for 442 children. They found that increased fruit and vegetable
intake was associated with improvements in hydration status .
Because cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are
especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily
fluid needs .
It May Aid in Weight Loss
Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.
First of all, they are low in calories.
Each one-cup (104-gram) serving contains just 16 calories, while
an entire 11-ounce (300-gram) cucumber contains only 45 calories (1).
This means that you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing
on the extra calories that lead to weight gain.
Several animal and test-tube studies have found that cucumbers
may help reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some complications of
diabetes.
One animal study examined the effects of various plants on blood
sugar. Cucumbers were shown to effectively reduce and control blood sugar
levels .
Another animal study induced diabetes in mice and then
supplemented them with cucumber peel extract. Cucumber peel reversed most of
the diabetes-associated changes and caused a decrease in blood sugar .
Eating cucumbers may help support regular bowel movements.
Dehydration is a major risk factor for constipation, as it can
alter your water balance and make the passage of stool difficult .
Cucumbers are high in water and promote hydration. Staying
hydrated can improve stool consistency, prevent constipation and help maintain
regularity .
Moreover, cucumbers contain fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements.
In particular, pectin, the type of soluble fiber found in
cucumbers, can help increase bowel movement frequency.
One study had 80 participants supplement with pectin. It found
that pectin sped up the movement of the intestinal muscles, all while feeding
the beneficial bacteria in the gut that improve digestive health .
Easy to Add to Your Diet
Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavor, cucumbers
are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches.
Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can
be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more
flavor.
With just a bit of creativity, cucumbers can be enjoyed in many
ways.
Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile
addition to any diet.
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.
SUMMARY
Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including
flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals
and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water,
which may increase hydration and help you meet your daily fluid needs.
Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as
a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss
Test-tube and animal studies show that cucumber may help lower
blood sugar and prevent diabetes-related complications, although additional
research is needed
Cucumbers contain a good amount of fiber and
water, both of which may help prevent constipation and increase regularity.
Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or pickled. They
can be enjoyed as a low-calorie snack or used to add flavor in a variety of
dishes