7 Good Reasons To Consume Cucumber
The cucumber is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family , along with the squash and melon. It is a well known food in the world, as it is frequently used in the preparation of various types of recipes and drinks. Do you want to know why it is good for your health? Find out below.
7 good reasons to eat more cucumber
First of all, it is important to clarify that cucumber is not a “super powerful”, “healing”, “miraculous” or similar food. Although there is evidence of some of its health benefits, it alone does not have the ability to treat disease or prevent health problems.
Simply included in a balanced diet, it provides nutrients that help promote well-being. In addition, it is a low calorie food that can be consumed on a regular basis as part of any meal plan. Discover several reasons to increase your consumption.
1. Provides antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction often associated with an increased risk of chronic disease. Cucumbers, by providing a significant amount of antioxidants, are ideal for promoting well-being.
A test-tube study published in the Journal of Young Pharmacists found that cucumber contains flavonoids and tannins, two types of antioxidants that help block the damaging effects of free radicals.
2. Hydrates
Cucumber is made up of approximately 96% water. For this reason, it is one of the most effective foods to promote hydration and stimulate body functions associated with the expulsion of retained fluids and water balance.
It is worth remembering that adequate hydration is essential to regulate temperature, transport nutrients and eliminate waste, according to a publication in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition .
3. Promotes blood glucose control
Cucumber is not a miracle ingredient against health problems such as diabetes. However, its high content of water and antioxidants make it an ally to promote blood glucose control. This, as long as it is included in a balanced diet.
In an animal study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition , cucumber peel helped reverse some of the changes associated with diabetes and resulted in lower blood sugar levels. However, before drawing conclusions about its effect in humans, more research is required on this topic.
4. It favors the relief of constipation
A dehydrated organism is exposed to problems such as constipation, since the fluid balance is affected and it generates a difficulty for the passage of stool. Cucumbers, being composed of a high percentage of water, hydrate.
According to information from a study in the medical journal Nutrition Reviews , a hydrated body improves stool consistency, prevents constipation, and maintains regularity.
5. Helps maintain body weight
This data is well known to us. In fact, cucumber is the most consumed vegetable in weight loss diets in various ways. At this point it is convenient to clarify that to lose weight in a healthy way it is not necessary to base the diet only on the consumption of cucumber, but to integrate this food into a healthy diet.
In other words, cucumber is a suitable food, but it must be integrated into a varied and healthy diet so that the body can obtain everything it needs to be healthy.
6. Helps take care of heart health
There are no studies that directly link cucumber consumption to better heart health. However, it is important to note that this food contains fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants that are suitable for promoting cardiovascular health.
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.
7. Helps skin care
The last thing we want to highlight about cucumber is what perhaps many already knew: its water and antioxidants are suitable for taking care of the skin. In fact, we see that it is a widely used ingredient in the beauty industry.
As detailed in a publication in the journal Phytotherapy , cucumber helps soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. In addition, it is used to nourish the dermis and refresh it in case of sunburn.
Definitely
Cucumbers are healthy foods that we can take advantage of to take care of health and beauty. However, we must bear in mind that its properties are not miraculous and the evidence of its effects is still limited. Therefore, we have to consider it simply a healthy option to complement and vary the diet.
