Cucumbers, like squash, watermelon, and pumpkin, are made up of mostly water which makes this vegetable a good choice for snack especially in the summer so you can stay hydrated. But aside from being an ideal summer snack, cucumbers should be part of your diet because it contains B vitamins, magnesium, copper, manganese, vitamin K, and vitamin C all of which are essential to one’s health. Add to this the fact that cucumbers have certain types of polyphenols that can help protect you against various health issues and you know that this vegetable certainly offers a lot in terms of health benefits.
If you are still unsure of what cucumbers can do for you, here are a few health benefits that you can get from it.
It can fight heat both inside and outside. Since cucumber contains mostly water, eating some can help give you relief against heartburn. If you have been out under the sun for hours and have sunburn, applying some cucumber on the affected areas can offer you some relief from the stinging sensation.
Reduces your risk of cancer. Like it was mentioned before, cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans that reduce your risk of uterine, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer. Another reason why cucumbers are effective against fighting cancer is because they have cucurbitacins which is a type of phytonutrients that have anti-cancer properties.
It can revive your eyes. You’ve probably heard about using cucumbers for the eyes and although this may sound cliché, placing a slice of cucumber on each eye can actually help reduce the puffiness and eye bags under the eyes.
Freshens your breath. Bad breath can be a turn off in many cases but with the help of cucumber, you can make it go away. You just need to place a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth to eliminate bacteria that causes bad breath. You can even eat cucumbers to remove any excess heat in your stomach which is believed to contribute to bad breath.
It can help you maintain your weight. For those who are keeping an eye on their weight, cucumbers can be a good addition to your list of foods to eat because they are low in calories but can fill up your stomach. The soluble fibers that are found in cucumber transform into gel-like substances that slow down your digestion so you will feel full for hours. This is one of the reasons why eating foods that are high in fiber is often recommended to those who want to keep their weight down.
Reduces stress. If you are feeling a bit stressed out, have some cucumber. This vegetable is packed with B vitamins like vitamin B1, B5, and B7. These vitamins are known for their abilities of easing anxiety as well as reducing the effects of stress.
Cucumbers have much to offer us in terms of vitamins and minerals. If you want to remain healthy and strong, you should definitely mix this vegetable in your salads and other dishes.
