Long, lean, and green cucumbers are common garden crops. Although they are technically fruits related to watermelons and pumpkins, most people regard them as vegetables.
Cucumbers are originally from India. This long green veggie has a flavour that is a little melon-like and occasionally a little bitter.
It contains a lot of healthy nutrients as well as antioxidants and certain plant components that may be used to treat or even prevent specific illnesses.
Cucumbers are also a great food for boosting hydration and assisting in weight loss because they are low in calories, high in water, and contain soluble fibre.
Let’s explore what else this fruit/veg has to offer and why it should be consumed regularly:
Improves heart health
According to Cleveland Clinic, blood pressure rises as a result of heavy sodium intake. By reducing the effects of sodium, potassium lowers blood pressure. Your blood pressure will benefit from cucumbers’ high potassium and low sodium content when combined.
The health publication also notes that cucumbers provide other health benefits for the heart besides lowering blood pressure. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), an antioxidant found in cucumbers, protects your heart by preventing atherosclerosis, or fatty buildup on the walls of your arteries. Furthermore, fibre lowers cholesterol. Fibre can even reduce your risk of developing heart disease, according to research.
Protects against cancer
Cucumbers contain high amounts of CuB — a naturally occurring plant compound gaining attention for its effect on cancer cells.
A recent research review confirms that CuB might be useful in fighting liver, breast, lung and prostate cancer. It shows that CuB may help stop cancer growth and possibly destroy cancer cells.
Aids in weight loss
Cucumbers contain almost no calories. You can also combine them with other foods to feel fuller. By doing that, you’ll get an excellent meal with fewer calories.
Healthy bones
In addition to aiding blood clotting, vitamin K may also assist bone health.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 142-gram chopped, unpeeled, raw cucumber contains 10.2 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K.
Calcium absorption is enhanced by vitamin K. These nutrients can support strong bones when taken together.
Skincare
Cucumber nutrients may provide benefits for skin health.
Applying sliced cucumber directly to the skin can help cool and soothe the skin and reduce swelling and irritation. It can also alleviate sunburn. Placed on the eyes, they can help decrease morning puffiness.
