Cucumbers are great for more than just adding a little extra to your facials; they have several health benefits you might not have known about. Filled with many essential vitamins and minerals, cucumbers can easily help you feel better inside and out.
Keep reading to find out just how cucumbers can benefit your health!
Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Essential vitamins and minerals: Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (approximately 95%), and are an excellent way to stay hydrated. Cucumbers contain manganese, potassium, and copper; they also contain vitamins K, vitamin C, and several B vitamins.
Full of antioxidants: Cucumbers are full of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene vitamin C. Cucumbers also contain flavonoids such as apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin. These antioxidants act as natural antihistamines, helping to fight off illness and are thought to help lower the risk of chronic diseases and cancer.
Fight inflammation: Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them great for decreasing swelling. This is why they are used to decrease under-eye puffiness and dark circles. While eating cucumber won’t help you get rid of under eye circles, it will help to lower the inflammatory response in the body; this is due to polyphenols called lignans.
Relieves stress: We’re not just talking about using them for your facials; cucumbers contain several B vitamins (B1, B5, and B7) which are known to help reduce levels of anxiety and stress.
Promote healthy digestion: Cucumbers are filled with water and fiber, two elements needed for a healthy digestive system. Adding cucumbers to your meals or juice cleanses can help you get your daily dose of fiber and relieve acid reflux.
Support heart health: Cucumbers contain potassium, which is known for lowering blood pressure. A healthy blood pressure level also ensures that your heart is healthy and able to function properly as well.
Maintain a healthy weight: Since cucumbers are made of mostly water, they are also low in calories, making them a healthy snack that will also help you lose weight. The fiber in cucumbers helps to slow down your digestion, making you feel full longer and less likely to overeat.
How to Incorporate Cucumbers into Your Diet
Cucumbers have many health benefits and can be very easy to add to your daily meals. Cucumbers make a great base to vegetable juices, especially when used with other greens, such as romaine lettuce and spinach. When you drink fresh, raw green-based juices, you are filling your body with several vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that go straight into your system, ensuring that you feel the benefits quickly.
Cucumbers are also a great addition to your favourite salad or sandwich. They make a great snack on their own, or with a low-fat vegetable dip. No matter how you prefer to incorporate them into your diet, cucumbers are sure to leave you feeling and looking great.