Cucumber: 12 Reasons To Include It In The Diet
Foods of plant origin are a rich source of nutrients which, in general, help preserve the health and vitality of the organism. Among them, cucumber should never be missing in our diet, given the multiple benefits it brings.
It is a vegetable that is grown in different places around the world due to its versatility and its nutritional properties.
They can be found in different sizes, shapes and colors, but they are all natural sources of water, fiber, vitamins and many other substances that are beneficial to health.
It can be found fresh at almost any time of the year and is the ideal ingredient for salads, smoothies and many other recipes.
In this article, we share 12 good reasons to include cucumber in your regular diet . And you, do you eat enough?
1. Cucumber helps you lose weight
Those who try to improve their diet to lose a few extra pounds will find a fantastic ally in cucumber.
Given its rich water content, it is one of the vegetables with the lowest caloric index : a bowl of cucumbers provides just 13 calories.
Instead, it contains fiber and antioxidants that promote digestion and various other functions that participate in weight loss.
Furthermore, cucumber confers a serious sense of satiety, proving to be useful for controlling food anxiety, as this article published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition points out .
2. Hydrate the body
Another reason for including cucumber in your diet is its high water and mineral content. For this reason it is a perfect solution to hydrate yourself daily and to counteract the symptoms of dehydration.
3. Detoxifies the body
According to popular belief, the consumption of cucumbers helps eliminate toxins from the body, due to its diuretic effect.
Therefore, its intake is thought to stimulate the function of the body’s purifying organs and simplify the general purification process.
It should be noted that there is no scientific evidence that foods and natural remedies, in general, are able to detoxify the body.
4. It’s good for your joints
Although there are no scientific studies that support the relationship between cucumber consumption and joint health, it is believed that its intake of silicon can be an excellent ally for joint health, when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
Silicon strengthens connective tissues and reduces the risk of serious health problems, such as gout and arthritis.
5. Reduces cholesterol levels
It is thought that, due to its high water and sterol content, cucumber is a recommended food to keep cholesterol levels low.
Sterols help inhibit the oxidation of cholesterol in the arteries and promote a lower risk of obstruction.
In addition, the intake of fiber allows to partially block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, according to experts.
6. Control constipation
Natural fibers and water are the ideal combination to stimulate intestinal transit and therefore reduce constipation problems.
Their presence in the body improves digestive processes and lubricates the stool, making it easier to expel.
7. Accelerates the healing process of the skin
Given the high content of vitamin E, combined with its ability to regulate the natural pH of the skin, cucumber can be considered an excellent remedy for sunburn and scars.
Antioxidants promote cell regeneration and reduce damage caused by free radicals.
In that sense, it can be used topically to improve skin health.
8. Improve kidney health
Both the whole cucumber and the juice are indicated to fight water retention and expel the substances that favor the formation of kidney stones.
We also remember its power in reducing the presence of uric acid; a substance that, in excess, causes serious illness.
However, this is a popular culture-based claim that has not been confirmed by scientific studies. Although it is well known, even scientifically, that optimal hydration reduces the risk of suffering from stones.
9. Healthy hair and nails with cucumber
Also on an aesthetic level, cucumber has important qualities that are worth mentioning. The high content of silicon and sulfur strengthen hair and nails, keeping them healthy and shiny.
10. Keeps your breath fresh
The phytochemicals present in this vegetable act against the bacteria that cause oral infections and therefore help prevent bad breath.
Chewing a piece of cucumber for 15 to 20 minutes refreshes the inflamed gums and reduces the presence of pathogens.
In any case, bad breath is a multifactorial problem. Ingesting cucumber alone is not in itself sufficient to solve the problem. If you suffer from this disorder it is advisable to consult a doctor.
11. Regulates blood pressure
The fiber, magnesium and potassium contained in cucumber are essential for regulating blood pressure levels.
For this reason, both hypertension and hypotension can be treated naturally by consuming this vegetable regularly.
12. Cucumber is extremely versatile
Cucumber can be eaten raw, cooked, smoothed or centrifuged, offering various organoleptic qualities that enrich any type of recipe.
Thanks to this it is extremely simple to introduce it in the daily diet. You just need to find the right way and start consuming it regularly. Also remember that the best way to consume vegetables is in their raw form, so as to take full advantage of all the micronutrients.
Cucumber, a healthy and fresh food
It’s amazing how such a vegetable can boast so many benefits for the body. Well… there will be a reason why it is the fourth most harvested in the world.
Finally, it is advisable to include this vegetable in a balanced and varied diet. Furthermore, its consumption should never replace any drug treatment, as it is not capable of curing any disease by itself.
