This article contains important information on benefits of cucumber on skin, face, hair, weight loss and on general health. Cucumber or cucumber juice has many benefits and this write-up covers the same.
Cucumber & Its Nutritional Value
Cucumber is the best thing to ‘hog on’ in the hot summer season. It is the most refreshing, cooling fruit and is also high in water content. In the summer season, every meal in an Indian family is served with cucumber salad. It has been grown in India for consumption and also for medicinal uses since ancient times.
How To Use Cucumber To Reap Its Benefits
People mainly consume cucumber raw and unpeeled; they also drink cucumber juice or water with cucumber slices. It is also famous for its use in spas across the world and in cosmetics. Cucumber is a fruit that belongs to the member of the Cucurbitaceae family, same as bitter melon, squash, pumpkin, etc. It contains 96% of water and has zero fats. Its nutritional value is really high and is also loaded with antioxidants. It keeps us hydrated and contains a high amount of soluble fibre which aids digestion.
Cucumber Nutrients & Their Value
The calories are really low in an unpeeled cucumber which is just 45. It contains 2 gms of each protein and fibre. Cucumber can provide you 62% and 14% of the daily requirement of vitamin K and Vitamin C respectively. It also contains high content of magnesium, manganese and potassium. It is beneficial to eat unpeeled cucumber as peeling will reduce the fibre content.
Benefits Of Cucumber On Skin, Face, Hair, Weight Loss & More
Benefits Of Cucumber On Skin, Face & Hair
1. Cucumber is loaded with antioxidants and micronutrients
Cucumber contains antioxidants such as beta carotene, tannins and flavonoids that kill the free radicals present in our body. It prevents cells from damage and many related chronic diseases. While the micronutrients and antioxidants help in maintaining the glowing skin, they also help our body fight inflammation. Cucumber blocks oxidation that is caused by free radicals which increases the risk of cancer, heart diseases, lung and autoimmune diseases.
2. Cucumber is a natural skin toner
Studies have shown that cucumber can soothe our skin. It is good for skin health, can reduce irritation, and swelling, reduce puffiness and is good for acne-prone skin. It also slows down ageing and eliminates wrinkles. It is used in many skincare products and is highly used as a toner.
3. Cucumber on hair can give you healthy & shiny locks
Eating cucumber can prevent hair fall. Cucumber juice can assure healthy and shiny locks. “The vitamin A, C, and silica content of cucumber juice repairs and adds strength to your thinning tresses. It is generally combined with eggs and aloe vera to prepare an effective hair pack.
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Benefits Of Cucumber On Weight Loss & Healthy Digestion
4. Cucumber helps in maintaining healthy weight
Cucumber is very well known for its effects on weight. It develops the feeling of fullness and reduces cravings. It is also low in calories and increases the absorption of healthy fats and lean proteins from the foods that we eat. The fibre and water content present in cucumber also aid in healthy weight loss.
5. Cucumber aids digestion & maintains healthy metabolism
Cucumber provides lots of soluble fibre which is good for our gut health and supports regular bowel movements. Dehydration increases the risk of constipation; cucumber is high in water and prevents constipation. It is also good for our intestinal bacteria that help in digestion.
6. Cucumber promotes hydration
It is really important to keep your body hydrated all the time, water plays a crucial role in many bodily functions like digestion, temperature regulation, excretion, etc. Cucumber contains 96% of water and is one of the most hydrating foods. As not only water but fruits and vegetables in our diet also help us maintain hydration. Cucumbers can provide up to 26% of the daily water intake requirement through foods.
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Cucumber Benefits: Healthy Heart & Brain
7. Cucumber improves heart health
The content of potassium and magnesium present in a cucumber is good for our heart. It reduces the cholesterol level and free radicals that can develop certain heart diseases. The cucurbitacins present in cucumber also prevent atherosclerosis, it happens when the arteries become narrow and hard.
8. Cucumber regulates blood pressure
Next on the list of benefits of cucumber is that it contains a high amount of potassium which reduces blood pressure and maintains it. A higher level of blood pressure is associated with a high risk of stroke, which weakens the arteries’ walls ṣṣand other heart diseases.
9. Prevents brain from neurological diseases
The anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin is present in cucumbers that prevents progressive memory and learning impairments. The cucumber can prevent us from age-related neurological diseases. It also reduces the risk of the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
10. Cures inflammation
The cooling effects and other substances present in cucumber can lower the inflammatory response in our body. Inflammation can lead to many illnesses, which can be reduced by just having a cucumber daily. The inflammation can trigger the development of diseases related to heart, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune and even depression.
Some More Cucumber Benefits
11. Cucumber maintains insulin levels and hence control diabetes
Cucumber helps in controlling blood sugar levels and stops blood glucose levels from rising too high. It has been noticed that cucurbitacins present in cucumbers regulate the insulin level. It reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes and also reduces the cravings for sugary foods. The substance that reduces the insulin level is mainly present in cucumber peel.
12. Improves bone health
Cucumber is rich in vitamin K which is beneficial for bones; it improves the absorption of calcium through bones. An unpeeled cucumber contains 10.2 mcg of Vitamin K and also 19.9mg of calcium. All these nutrients that are present in cucumber are beneficial for our bone health.
13. Prevents colorectal cancer
Cucumber contains polyphenols called lignans which can possibly reduce the risk of certain cancers. The other antioxidants present in cucumber also reduce inflammation and kill free radicals that also lead to the development of cancer. Cucumbers are also good for our gut health; it reduces bad bacteria and increases the production of good bacteria. The fibre content present in cucumber also protects us against colorectal cancer.
Other than all these benefits, cucumber can also help in relieving pain and preventing bad breath. The cucumber should be consumed 3-4 hours before bedtime as it is hard to digest and too much consumption of cucumber can also increase the risk of blood clotting. Our parents also advised us not to drink water just after having cucumber as it reduces the absorption of nutrients.
