10 Health Benefits Of Cucumber That You Should Know

Cucumbers and salads are synonymous with each other. It is often considered as a
fruit as well as a vegetable by experts as it belongs to the same plant family as
that of the pumpkin, squash and watermelon, i.e. the Cucurbitaceae family.

Amazingly refreshing cucumbers are long and lean, available in many colours. They
have a distinct mild melon-like taste and smell due to the presence of aldehydes.
The slight bitterness of cucumber skin is because of cucurbitacins in it.

Cucumber Nutritional Facts

Cucumbers contain 96% per cent of water. They are ideal for detoxification and
preventing dehydration. Cucumbers are rich in phytonutrients and vitamin K. They
are also a very good source of pantothenic acid and Molybdenum. They also contain
copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin B1.

10 Health Benefits of Cucumbers:

Good for Hydration & Detoxification:
Boost your health with antioxidant-rich cucumber extracts. These extracts may help
protect your cells from damage by scavenging harmful free radicals. They also might
promote a balanced cellular environment by regulating intracellular reactive oxygen
species (ROS). Include cucumbers in your diet to enjoy the natural benefits of
their antioxidant properties.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Cucumbers are 96% water. Consuming cucumbers, adds to the daily requirement of
water by the body, thus keeping us hydrated. This is helpful, especially during
summers when we tend to get dehydrated easily. Cucumber also acts as a coolant,
providing us relief from the summer heat.

Detox water made using cucumber and mint, effectively eliminates toxins from the
body, improves hydration and thus results in innumerable health benefits.

Regulates Blood Pressure:

Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre. These
nutrients are known to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart
diseases.

Research has also proved that regular consumption of cucumber juice was helpful in
reducing blood pressure, in elderly people with hypertension.

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Did you know that cucumbers are more than just a hydrating snack? They are a
nutritional powerhouse hiding in plain sight! With just one cup, you get 4% of your
daily potassium, 3% of your daily fiber, and 4% of your daily vitamin C intake.
They also pack a punch of vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and other
vital nutrients, making them a great addition to your diet.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Did you know?

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Cucumbers are a low-calorie vegetable, making them a healthy choice for consumers.
source: USDA
Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and
bone health. source: USDA
Cucumbers are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune
function and collagen production. source: USDA
Cucumbers are a hydrating vegetable, as they are composed mostly of water. source:
USDA
Good for Digestion:
Cucumbers act as a coolant for our stomach. The soluble fibre in cucumbers helps in
slowing our digestion.

Also, the high content of water in cucumber makes our stools soft, prevents
constipation and keeps our bowel movements regular.

Reduces Blood Sugar:

Cucumbers are known to reduce blood sugar levels, thus being helpful in the
management and prevention of diabetes mellitus.

Cucumbers pack a punch when it comes to bone health. Inside those crunchy slices
lies vitamin K, a secret weapon. Vitamin K, in combination with vitamin D, can help
increase bone density and reduce fracture rates. It supports the building of strong
bones.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Also read: Honeynut Squash: A Deep Dive Into Its Nutritional Benefits And Culinary
Uses

Helpful in Weight Loss:

Cucumbers contain 96% of water and are low in calories. There are only 15.5
calories in 100 g of cucumber.

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The high water and low-calorie content of cucumbers help in reducing weight.

Better Skin:
Cucumbers are great beauty enhancers. They show amazing effects on the skin.

The application of cucumber juice on the skin makes it soft and glowy. Anti-
inflammatory effects of cucumber naturally lighten our skin and reduce tanning.

It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

Read More: 7 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin.

Soothes our Eyes:

Keeping cucumber slices on the eyes for about 10 minutes relaxes our eyes and
reduces puffiness around the eyes.
Read More: How to Keep Eyes Healthy?

Reduces the Risk of Cancer:

The fibre in cucumbers protects from colorectal cancer. Also, cucurbitacin present
in cucumbers possesses anti-cancer properties.

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Good for Hair and Nails:

Cucumbers contain silica which is excellent for hair and nail care. They help in
strengthening the nails and prevent them from becoming brittle.

Prevents Bad Breath:

Phytochemicals present in cucumber destroy the bacteria in our mouth that cause bad
breath.

Also Read: Is Cucumber a Fruit? Debunking the Popular Myth

How to consume cucumbers?

It is best to eat cucumbers unpeeled, to prevent loss of some fibre, vitamins and
minerals.
Raw cucumbers can be tossed in salads, sandwiches and curd for a crunchy taste.
You can make sabzi and soups out of them.
How to store cucumbers?
Wrap cucumbers in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator, so that they
remain fresh and last longer.

Side-Effects of Consuming Cucumbers:

Consuming cucumbers may lead to digestive problems like bloating and flatulence in
some people.
People with kidney problems should not consume too much cucumber as it can increase
the water content and potassium in their body, which is harmful to them.
People on blood thinners should not consume too much cucumber, as Vitamin K in them
can make blood clotting further difficult.
People allergic to cucumber may show symptoms like hives, swelling and difficulty
in breath