Cucumber – Nutrition and Health Benefits

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy life. “Have fruits and vegetables if you want to lead a beautiful life”, so let’s add them to our plate to lead a healthier life.  

The requirement for pills will reduce when one has a balanced plate with fruits and vegetables.  

What is cucumber?

Every fruit blessed on earth comes with unique health benefits. Cucumber falls under the Cucurbitaceae family. The scientific name of cucumber is Cucumis sativus. Cucumber originated in India. Later it spread to countries like China, Western Asia, Europe, etc.  

The cucumber is a creepy plant. It contains 95% water, which gives a refreshing feel while eating it. Eat cucumber and stay cool.   

What are cucumber calories?

Cucumbers are low in calories. Half a cup of peeled cucumber provides 8 calories, and a whole cucumber contains 45 calories. So, it fits into the low-calorie diet.

Features and varieties of cucumber

Cucumber comes in different sizes, tastes, shapes, colours and varieties. The rundown gives information about some common varieties of cucumber.  

• American cucumber is referred to as the common type of cucumber. Also known as snake cucumber because of the inwards curve at the end, forming a C like shape. These cucumbers are seedless and light green or yellow.
• English or European cucumber are commonly known as burpless. These cucumbers are seedless with thin skin. The cucumber has a low level of cucurbitacin, which gives a bitter taste to the cucumber.
• Japanese cucumbers or Kyuri are thin and dark green. These cucumbers are sweet and crisp with tiny seeds.
• Kirby cucumbers are commonly used for pickle recipes. These cucumbers are short and thick with bumpy skin.  
• Lemon , cucumber, as the name suggests, appears the size of a lemon with a pale lemon hued skin. 
• Persian cucumber is similar to an American cucumber but shorter and compact. These cucumbers are seedless and juicy with extra crisp.

Cucumber nutrition

The nutritional values in one cup of cucumber are as follows,

• Calories: 16
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrate: 4 grams
• Fibre: 2 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 2 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Vitamin K: 57%
• Vitamin C: 14%
• Potassium: 13%
• Magnesium: 10%
• Manganese: 12%

Cucumber benefits

Enjoy the summer days with cucumber, it helps to hydrate the body. Cucumber is rich in nutrients, plant compounds and antioxidants that help treat and reduce certain diseases.  

In addition, cucumber contains a good amount of fibre and water. The water reduces dehydration, and the fibre content prevents constipation. The presence of vitamin K boosts bone health and eases blood clots.  

The other major vitamin is vitamin A which helps in promoting eye health and the immune system. The antioxidants and flavonoids combat the harmful effects of free radicals, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The great source of magnesium and potassium aids in gaining muscle and bone health.  

Skin benefits

Apart from doing the part in a salad, cucumber benefits the skin as well. Here are some of the great ways to prove that cucumber is a better option for skincare.  

Revitalises skin

Cucumber refreshes the skin and revitalises it by removing the excess oil and toxin. It is the best home treatment to help dull skin. The presence of anti-inflammatory properties and hydrating power treat the skin and gives a revitalised skin.  

Reverses skin tanning

The water content in the cucumber keeps the skin hydrated, and the cooling quality removes the skin tan. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties promote the cucumber in treating skin irritations, mind burns and sunburns

Controls puffiness of the eyes  

Here is the reason why cucumber is good for the eyes. Cucumber exhibits two powerful antioxidants such as ascorbic and caffeic acid, which lowers the water retention rate and reduces the puffiness or swelling around the eyes. Cucumber slices are enough to cure the puffiness.  

Helps soothe sunburn

In general, cucumber is rich in antioxidant and analgesic properties that help soothe sunburns. Cucumber paste is preferable to treat sunburn. Chill the cucumber, then blend it to create a paste. Start applying it to the sunburn areas of the skin.  

The combination of cucumber paste with aloe vera juice will deliver the best healing home remedy for sunburn.

Rejuvenates skin

The 95% water content in cucumber rejuvenates the skin. Cucumbers are also rich in silica which is a beauty mineral. So, by eating cucumber or drinking cucumber juice, the skin gets refreshed. In addition, the presence of silica helps to improve overall health.  

Treats open pores

Cucumber acts as a natural astringent that helps to treat open pores. Cucumber paste works well to treat open pores. Grind the cucumber to make the paste. Before applying the cucumber paste, wash the face, then apply the paste on the face. Leave for 15 – 20 minutes. Then, wash it off.  

Fights cellulite

One of the reasons to love cucumbers is that they are a great fighter against cellulite. By applying cucumber directly to the skin, the phytochemicals in cucumber come in contact with the skin; as a result, the collagen in the outer layer of the skin tightens up. Gradual use can make cellulite vanish.  

Reduces dark circles

Cucumber serves as the best home remedy to treat the common beauty problem. The presence of silica treats the dark circle and makes the dark circle looks lighter. The way to treat dark circles is so simple.  

Get a cucumber, and slice it in a round shape with the help of a knife. Place one slice on both the eyes and do not disturb it for 15 -20 minutes. Then rinse the eye with cold water and enjoy the benefit.  

Treats blemishes

Cucumbers are high in skin-repairing properties. It serves as the best treatment for blemishes and dark spots. The anti-inflammatory properties and silica of cucumber soothe the skin and help to treat blemishes. Fresh cucumber paste can treat blemishes in the best way.  

Reduces eye wrinkles

The water content in cucumber makes it a natural moisturizer. So, applying cucumber slices around the eyes hydrates the skin. Regular use can reduce the line and treat wrinkles around the eyes. Cucumber is a natural eye moisturiser.

Under eye bags

Cucumber benefits in treating under-eye bags. The cucumber paste is a well-known treatment for under-eye bags and dark circles. The past hydrates the skin and tissue around the eyes, and the presence of lignans in cucumber reduces inflammation.  

Hair benefits

Cucumber, cucumber juice, water or paste ensures hydration and boosts hair growth. Health care providers and many beauty products infuse cucumber as a vital ingredient to treat hair and skin.  

The anti-oxidant rich cucumber combats dryness, strengthens hair follicles, helps to thicken the hair, repairs damaged hair, etc.  

Reduces hair fall

The scalp also needs hydration as the skin, so the water content in cucumber helps in hydrating the scalp. Apart from all the super properties, the sulfur and potassium present in cucumber treats hair fall. Cucumber contains silicon, sodium, sulfur and potassium, all the essential nutrients that are required for healthy hair growth.

Rinse the hair with cucumber juice is the best home remedy to gain the maximum benefit. The juice holds all the minerals and vitamins to increase hair growth. The vitamin C, A and silica in cucumber add strength to the scalp and thickness to the hair.  

Gives shiny hair

All the essential nutrients like vitamin A, C, potassium, sulfur, and silica promote hair growth and give shiny hair. Cucumber replenishes the scalp, which results in strengthening the hair follicles, reducing hair fall and giving shiny hair.  

Health benefits

Cucumber benefits health in multiple ways. For sure, eating cucumber regularly will keep the body hydrated. As cucumbers are low in the diet, they can easily fit into any diet plan.  

Other than hydration, cucumber is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for body function. Let’s enjoy the summer day with cucumbers.  

Here is the list of health benefits offered by cucumbers.

Relieves constipation

Constipation results because of irregular or dysfunction in bowel movement. The inadequate intake of fibre and water is the major reason for constipation.  

Cucumber contains 95% of water and 2 grams of fibre, which satisfies the daily amount of fibre. So, cucumber restores the fibre and water content in the body, hence preventing constipation and making way for smooth bowel movements.  

Keeps the renal system healthy

Cucumber is the best kidney cleanser. This is because cucumber helps to replenish kidney and bladder stones. The research found that regular consumption of cucumber regulates the uric acid level in the body, which prevents the formation of stones.  

This propriety of cucumber is mainly because of the high water along with potassium. Cucumber goes a long way to remove the debris in the bladder and kidney through urination.  

Aids digestion 

The presence of soluble fibre in cucumber aids in the digestion process. Apart from digestion, fibre plays an important role in execrating the toxins from the body. So, adding cucumber to the diet helps to promote healthy digestion.  

Fights intestinal worm  

For fighting the intestinal worm, cucumber seeds play a vital part. Cucumber seeds are the best medicine to remove the intestinal worm that resides in the intestinal tract.  

Maintains electrolyte balance

If electrolytes are suspended in water, it gives electricity to the body. Electrolytes are vital for body function. The electrolyte function helps to maintain or regulate the body fluid functions in the cells. It also helps in the electrical function of the nerve and aids in nerve signals.  

The essential electrolytes found in the body are sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, magnesium, calcium and phosphates. As most of the essential electrolyte is found in cucumber, it is said to provide a good source of electrolytes.  

Reduces inflammation 

Cucumber exhibits anti-inflammatory functions that reduce body inflammation. The presence of vitamin C is the key property that repairs the damaged cells, thus reducing the inflammations. The water content and antioxidants in cucumber play a part in enhancing the immune system to fight against inflammation and other disease-causing factors.  

Beneficial for diabetes  

Researchers believe that cucumbers can play a vital role in preventing and controlling diabetes. Cucumber is low in calories and carbohydrates, which makes them the best for diabetes.  

On the whole, cucumber helps to relieve the symptoms of diabetes and regulates the blood sugar level in the body.  

Cancer preventive

Cucumber exhibits anti-cancer properties, which prevent cancer. Apart from preventing cancer growth, cucumbers slow down the process of cancer throughout the body.  

The water content and antioxidants present in cucumber makes sure to repair the damaged cells and hydrate the whole body, including the cells and tissues. Cucurbitacin is a biochemical component found in cucumber, which involves decreasing the growth of cancer cells.  

Good for dental health

Cucumber falls under the category of teeth-friendly foods. It helps to clean the teeth and gums. Oral health is overall health, so it is important to follow proper oral health.  

Cucumber contains certain anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat the swelling, followed by brace instalment or adjustment. The fibre helps to clean the teeth and treats gingivitis. The phytochemicals present in cucumber treat the bacteria in the mouth, thus easing bad breath.  

Chewing cucumber is equal to a mouth freshener.  

Cures hangover  

Does cucumber really cure a hangover? The research is not clear about the question. However, cucumber treats some of the effects of alcohol. Cucumbers are full of vitamin C, B, electrolytes, and water, which replenish the whole body and help expel the toxin.  

Good for treating blood pressure

Blood pressure is turning into a common problem because of lifestyle changes. One major cause of high blood pressure is high sodium and falling potassium levels in the body. The high sodium dysfunctions in the body’s fluid state cause blood pressure.  

Cucumber treats blood pressure. Potassium is the key nutrient to balance the sodium and potassium levels of the body. So, eating cucumbers can regulate the potassium level as cucumbers are high in potassium.  

Detoxifies the body

Detoxification is the process of cleansing a body with water. In that way, cucumber aids in flushing out the toxins in the body. Cucurbitacins is a plant component found in cucumber, this plant component supports healthy liver and digestive function.   

The liver plays a major role in detoxifying the body naturally. The diuretic nature of cucumber supports the body to regulate urine that carries the toxin out of the body.  

Strengthens bones

Cucumber contains the key vitamins and nutrients that benefit bone health. The presence of calcium in cucumber strengthens the bone and lowers the risk of bone disease and loss. Vitamin K plays an important role in absorbing calcium and the formation of bone and prevents osteoporosis.  

All the other nutrients and vitamins help to improve bone health, repair damaged bones and prevent bone loss.  

Aids for weight loss

The combination of low calories and water content makes cucumber the best for weight loss.  

Benefits to the nervous system

The surplus vitamins and nutrients in cucumbers make them good enough for the function of the nerve system. The cucumber helps in relaxing the nervous system and also eases stress and anxiety. The B vitamins in cucumber take the role of reducing stress levels.  

Other benefits

Here are some of the other benefits offered by cucumber.  

Acts as a strain removal

Research shows that cucumbers are good at removing strain. Rub the slice of cucumber in the strain area and watch the magic happen. The strain on skin and stains caused by kitchenware or other cooking appliances can be removed by using sliced cucumber.  

Controlling pests

If the pests are pestering you, use cucumber to get rid of them. Instead of using harmful and chemical pesticides, try using cucumber. The act is simple, cut the cucumber into slices and place them in the pest area.  

If the cucumber is placed in soil, then it will decompose. If the cucumber is placed in a place other than soil, remember the place and change it regularly because rotting cucumber can attract more pests.  

Side effects of cucumber  

Too much of anything is good for nothing. Even though cucumber has surplus benefits, it leaves certain side effects in the body when excessive consumption happens. Here are some side effects of cucumber.

• Excessive fluid loss
• Allergy
• Sinusitis
• Side effect of excessive intake of vitamin C
• Indigestion

Conclusion 

The benefits of cucumber provide evergreen health as the fruit. Cucumber is loaded with adequate and essential vitamins and nutrients that benefit overall health.  

Cucumber is a seasonal fruit or vegetable available all day of summer. So, let’s enjoy the fruits of the season.  

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