7 Great Reasons to Eat Cucumber Every Day
The cucumber is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with pumpkins and melons. It’s a well-known food worldwide, as it’s used in the preparation of various types of food and drinks. Do you want more reasons to eat cucumber? Find out below.
7 Great Reasons to Eat Cucumber More Often
First of all, it’s important to clarify that the cucumber is not a “super”, “healing”, “miracle” or similar food. Although there is evidence for some of its health benefits, on its own it doesn’t have the ability to treat disease or prevent health problems.
But as part of a balanced diet, it provides nutrients that help promote wellness. In addition, it’s a low-calorie food that can be consumed on a regular basis as part of any eating plan. Discover some reasons to eat more.
1. They provide antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that is often associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. Cucumbers, by providing a significant amount of antioxidants, are ideal for promoting wellness.
A test tube study published in the Journal of Young Pharmacists found that cucumbers contain flavonoids and tannins, two types of antioxidants that help block the damaging effects of free radicals.
2. They hydrate
Cucumbers are composed of approximately 96% water. For this reason, they’re one of the most effective foods for promoting hydration and stimulating body functions associated with the expulsion of retained fluids and water balance.
It’s worth remembering that adequate hydration is crucial for regulating temperature, transporting nutrients and eliminating waste, according to a publication in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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3. They help with blood glucose control
Cucumber is not a miracle ingredient for health problems such as diabetes. However, their high water content and antioxidants make them an ally in helping control blood glucose. As long as they’re part of a balanced diet of course.
In an animal study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, cucumber peel helped reverse some of the changes associated with diabetes and produced a decrease in blood sugar levels. However, before conclusions can be drawn about its effect on humans, more research is needed on this topic.
4. They help relieve constipation
A dehydrated body is exposed to problems such as constipation, since the fluid imbalance generates a difficulty for the passage of stool. Cucumbers have a high percentage of water, and as such are great for hydration.
In fact, according to information from a study in the medical journal Nutrition Reviews, a hydrated body improves stool consistency, prevents constipation and maintains regularity.
5. Reasons to eat cucumber: they help control your weight
This is a well-known fact. In fact, cucumbers are the vegetable that’s included in most weight loss plans. At this point it should be clarified that to lose weight in a healthy way you shouldn’t base your diet only on cucumbers, but that they should be integrated into a healthy diet.
In other words, cucumbers are a great food to help with weight loss, but only as part of a varied and healthy diet that includes everything the body needs to be healthy.
6. Cucumbers help keep your heart healthy
There are no studies that directly link cucumber consumption with better heart health. However, it’s important to note that this food contains fiber, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants that all help with cardiovascular health.
In fact, a study in the journal Nutrients highlighted that regular consumption of some vegetables can help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and inflammation.
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7. They help with skin care
The last thing we want to highlight about cucumbers is something that many people already know: its water and antioxidants are good for skin care. In fact, many beauty industry products use cucumber.
As detailed in a publication in the magazine Fitoterapia, cucumbers help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. In addition, they nourish the dermis and refresh it in case of sunburn.
The bottom line
Cucumber is a healthy food that can help you take care of your health and beauty. However, bear in mind that its properties aren’t miraculous and the evidence of their effects is still limited. But there are many reasons to eat cucumber, and it’s definitely worth keeping it in mind as a healthy option to complement and vary your diet.
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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- Jéquier, E., & Constant, F. (2010). Water as an essential nutrient: The physiological basis of hydration. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Nature Publishing Group. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.111
- Dixit, Y., & Kar, A. (2010). Protective Role of Three Vegetable Peels in Alloxan Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Male Mice. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 65(3), 284–289. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-010-0175-3
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- Tang GY, Meng X, Li Y, Zhao CN, Liu Q, Li HB. Effects of Vegetables on Cardiovascular Diseases and Related Mechanisms. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):857. Published 2017 Aug 10. doi:10.3390/nu9080857
