If two slices of cucumber can pacify the burning, redness, puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes so quickly, can you imagine how beneficial would it be for your internal health? Cucumber is mainly a water-packed vegetable, which is wonderful for your overall well-being, if consumed on a daily basis. Let’s see how much it can benefit you with these 12 health benefits of cucumber.
12 Health Benefits of Cucumber
1. Fights Heat
The cooling effects of cucumber can heal burns effectively, whether heartburn or sunburn. Consumption of cucumber can relief your body from the bad effects of heat.
2. Helps in Losing Weight
As cucumber is loaded with water, it is excellent in weight management, as well. You can consume cucumber as salad without the fear that it can increase your inches.
3. Prevents Cancer
Cucumbers have various potent chemical compounds, like pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol, which are helpful in curing uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
4. Hydrates the Body
Cucumber is packed with loads of water because of which, it hydrates your body well and prevents dehydration in summers. Cucumber also washes out toxins from the body.
5. Cures Hangover
To avoid the effects of morning hangover and headache, have a cucumber before going to bed as it has strong compounds, which can nullify the bad effects of headache and hangover.
6. Alleviates Bad Breath
Cucumber juice is very effective in alleviating the bad breath and keeping your mouth and gums healthy and fresh.
7. Aids in Digestion
The fibrous contents in cucumber gives you required amount of fibres to regulate digestion and gives your jaws a healthy workout to be fit.
8. Safeguards Kidneys
Consumption of cucumber curbs down the formation of uric acid in kidney and keeps them hale and hearty.
9. Good for Diabetics
Cucumber is well-off with those hormones, which keep pancreas healthy. Those hormones produce insulin, which are helpful in treating diabetes.
10. Promotes Healthy Joints
Abundant in silica, cucumber is great in strengthening muscles, joints, and connective tissues. It is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folate, which holds back the formation of uric acid in the body, thereby reducing arthritis and gout pain.
11. Reduces Cholesterol
The sterols found in cucumbers are effective in reducing cholesterol of the body.
12. Kills the Tapeworms
Cucumbers have proved to be excellent in banishing tapeworms from the intestine, thereby reducing their harmful effects.
Delicious Ways to Eat More Cucumber In Your Diet
Now that you’re aware of the 12 health benefits of cucumber, it’s time to discover some delectable ways to eat more of this versatile vegetable.
Eat it is a nutritious snack with hummus, or create a mini cucumber sandwich with cheese and prosciutto. Its flavor is so light and fresh that it’s perfect to nibble on in-between meals. Or incorporate it into your favorite dishes to add more vitamins to your diet. Here are some wonderful ways to please your appetite.
Smoothies
Cucumber has a refreshing flavor that is great for a chilled smoothie on a hot day. Combine with fresh mint, avocado, baby spinach, and orange or pineapple to receive a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals in one drink.
Alternatively, switch the above ingredients for coconut water, basil, kale, and mango for a delightfully sweet and refreshing drink that contains all your essential greens in a sweet flavor.
For those days when you’ve eaten too much processed food and need to feel healthy and back on top, use celery, apple, and lemon for a smoothie that’s bursting with vitamins. This is also a nutritious smoothie to kick-start your mornings.
Salads
Cucumber is a great addition to any salad and can be served within the main or as a side. For last-minute meals, prepare pickled cucumbers, salt, pepper, avocado, and couscous. This salad works best with all ingredients mixed together.
For a hot and spicy salad, incorporate lime juice, cilantro, shallots, and jalapeno to the mix. Top with a handful of mixed nuts for added fiber.
This delectable vegetable works perfectly with fruit, so combine with refreshing strawberries and top with a lime-juice dressing to add freshness to your day.