Cucumber, the health shield to all deficiencies

Introduction

When asked about cucumbers, most of us say they are tasteless, not yummy, and avoid them without knowing how much medicinal values they have. Many of us study cucumber to be a vegetable but it is a fruit. Isn’t that fascinating? Adding to that, cucumber has an unexpected amount of nutrients in its flesh and even the peel. It has high water content, no fat, and very low calories which makes them ideal for weight loss and sustenance of proper hydration.

 

            So, if you have been not including this amazing fruit in the diet, you should reconsider them. Consuming cucumber on a daily basis is beneficial both inside and out. It may also provide resistance against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

1.A shield to diseases:

            Cucumbers contain an immense amount of antioxidants in it. These antioxidants prevent oxidative damage to the cells. These antioxidants bind with the free radicals and neutralize their effect and protect us from chronic disease and premature aging. Those free radicals can cause us severe diseases like heart-lung diseases, autoimmune disorders, and up to cancer.

            So, it is advised to take cucumbers on a daily basis which means more of antioxidants. A recent report says it has been proven that cucumber power has been given to them on a daily basis for 30 aged adults and found out that there was a significant increase in the antioxidant level.

2.Hydration:

            Even though all of us know drinking water and keeping ourselves hydrated is essential. People either forget due to work pressure or most of us don’t really drink enough water per day. Most of the time we don’t mind about it. Water plays a major role in body temperature regulation, metabolism, catabolism, physical activity, and excretion. A low level of dehydration can cause quite an impact on the overall performance of our body. 

            Here comes our savior, taking water-rich foods like cucumber in our daily diet helps us to worry less about dehydration. It has 96% of water content in it. Studies also show that eating fruits and vegetables with high water content improves the hydration level of our body.

3.Weight loss element

            Cucumber is a good ingredient for weight loss and a little lifestyle change like reducing the intake of carbohydrates like chocolates and sweets. Cucumbers aids in weight loss because it is rich in fiber and low in calories. So, consuming them for weight loss is most suggested. An intake of 1 whole cucumber each day has Vitamin K, C, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, and a significant amount of protein. Many articles state that taking high water content foods show significant loss in body mass.

4.Regulates Blood Sugar level

            The increased sugar level in the blood causes diabetes, mostly type-II diabetes. Doctors say that even a high blood sugar level can cause immense strain in our body which is positive in leading to the disease. This is termed as ‘pre-diabetes’. Hundreds of thousands of people are having this even without knowing them. So, it is vital to keep sugar levels under control. Many studies reveal that cucumber can reduce the risk of diabetes and blood sugar levels which had been tested on animals. Another study also shows that cucumber peel extract can reverse the changes with the disease. It was tested on a mouse.

5.Bowel Rhythm

            Nobody likes to talk about these in public, but constipation is surely a bummer. There are a lot of reasons for constipation such as stress, poor diet, and dehydration. But eating cucumber on a daily basis can make the bowel activity regular because it has fibers. It has a soluble fiber called pectin. Studies show that these fibers help in eliminating the stool and speeds up the movement of the intestinal muscles. It also provides nutrition to the gut bacteria which helps digestion. Another method is drinking a jar full of water on an empty stomach early in the morning regulates the bowel rhythm.

6.Skin benefits

            Cucumber has soothing and cooling effects which reduces inflammation and irritation. Applying this to the areas of sunburns can be relaxing. A slice of cucumber on the eyes can reduce the morning puffiness.

7.Bone Strength

            We know that Vitamin-k is vital for bone health. One cucumber has 19% of the daily needed amount of Vitamin-K. A report says that a daily intake of Cucumber can reduce the fracture rates. Few studies show that Vitamin-K deficiency causes low bone density more in women than in men. Another study also states that less intake of Vitamin-K causes a high risk of hip fracture in middle-aged women.

8.Brain health

            Cucumbers contain Flavonoid fisetin, which helps in protecting our nerve cells. A journal on Antioxidants & Redox Signaling states that eating cucumbers reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and improves memory. So, it keeps us focused and sharp. It is also found that fisetin is helpful in cancer prevention. So, to conclude a cucumber a day keeps the neurological diseases away!

9.Hair growth

            The vitamin-B in cucumbers is nourishing for the scalp. This prevents premature hair loss and greying of hair. Important factors that promote hair growth are biotin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.

10.Hormonal Balance

            Cucumbers contain phosphorus, which is a primary element for hormonal balance. It associates with the endocrine glands and indulges in the secretion of hormones. It has 4% of phosphorus content in it and is suggested for a daily intake for adults.

Conclusion

            Cucumbers are rich in fibers, fat-free, and are so refreshing and nourishing. It is because of the mild flavors people don’t prefer this but we call it versatile. We can consume this with any leafy vegetables like turnip greens and mustard greens. It can be used to make a smoothie, soup, and juice.

            Eating at least one cucumber each day can lead to a healthy life. It helps to lose weight, regulate hydration, lowers blood sugar, and prevent from several diseases. So, start taking it in your daily diet.