The Benefits of Cucumber Juice
Cucumber juice is a healthy, nutritious and versatile drink. Due to its high nutrient content, it has multiple health benefits that go beyond the general benefits of eating a lot of vegetables.
Some of their contributions to the organism include: the improvement of the vital signs of the body, the ability to eliminate renal calcifications and the ability to reduce the risks of obesity.
Cucumber is one of the most widely available tropical plants in the world. It’s mainly used to make pickles, but most of its nutrients are lost in the process.
The nutritional disadvantage of juice when compared to the whole cucumber, is that the dietary fibre is lost; the carbohydrates in an intact cucumber. For this reason, if you drink cucumber juice daily, make sure you eat whole vegetables to make up for the lost fibre.
You can still use the leftover cucumber fibre after making the juice. Simply collect the pulp from your blender and freeze it. Then you can add it to mashed potatoes, soups and sauces whenever you like.
The nutritional value of cucumber
Cucumber contains an impressive amount of naturally distilled water (about 96%), which makes it better than ordinary water. The skin contains lots of vitamin A so don’t peel it.
It also contains minerals that form alkalis. This means that it helps create a more alkaline environment in the body, which helps against bacteria and diseases.
It’s also an excellent source of vitamin A and C (both antioxidants), manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulphur, and smaller amounts of vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium and phosphorus.
Furthermore, you’ve probably seen beauty tips where they recommend using slices of cucumber on your eyes. This is because of the caffeic acid it contains, which helps prevent water retention, and when applied topically, reduces swollen eyes.
Health benefits
Most people are unaware of the immense benefits that cucumber has for your body and there are even those who avoid eating it altogether. Although this vegetable may be “boring” for some people, the truth is it’s very refreshing. Here’s a list of the benefits of drinking fresh cucumber juice:
Acidity
The alkalinity of the minerals in cucumber juice effectively helps regulate the pH of your blood, neutralizing the acidity. It’s also good for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Blood pressure
Like celery, this colourless drink can help regulate blood pressure due to its minerals and traces of sodium.
Connective tissues
It’s an excellent source of silica which helps the correct construction of connective tissues in your body, such as bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
Cooling
During dry and hot weather, drinking a glass of cucumber juice mixed with celery juice really helps to normalize body temperature.
Diuretic
Cucumber juice encourages the removal waste through urination. It also helps dissolve kidney stones.
Fever
Cucumber juice has temperature regulating properties, making it a good drink for when you have a fever.
Inflammation
It’s great for counteracting the uric acid that causes inflammation in the joints. When taken daily, it helps clean the joints; thus decreasing pain, since it gets rid of the uric acid. This means that it also helps improve other conditions such as arthritis, asthma and gout.
Hair growth
The silicon and sulphur in cucumbers makes it especially useful for hair growth. You can mix it with carrot juice, lettuce or spinach.
Skin conditions
The large amount of vitamin C and antioxidants in cucumbers, makes it an important ingredient in many beauty creams and for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.
Fluid retention
It provides the necessary electrolytes and restores the hydration of body cells, thus reducing fluid retention.
Vitamin K
Drinking cucumber juice fights the effects of vitamin K deficiency, which can include nosebleeds, bruising and bleeding gums.
Consumer advice
Choose cucumbers that are dark green and firm to the touch. Avoid ones that are yellowish or wrinkled at both ends. Thinner cucumbers have fewer seeds than thicker cucumbers.
Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Cut cucumbers should be kept wrapped or in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. Consume within a day or two.
As well as enjoying cucumber juice by itself, you can also use it as a base for other healthy smoothies. Try mixing it with frozen melon balls and fresh mint, or with strawberries and basil, for a fantastic refreshing drink.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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