Cucumber is a vegetable from the melon family which also includes watermelon, squash and zucchinis. It has a cylindrical shape and grows between 6 and 9 inches. Cucumbers have a green skin and white or greenish juicy flesh. It’s a tropical plant which is available all around the world. It can be eaten raw, but some cultures use it to make pickles through a process which destroys the vegetable’s nutrients.
The vegetable offers a variety of health benefits – here are the main ones:
Keeps your hydrated
Cucumbers contain up to 96% of water, which means that they can regulate your body temperature. They can neutralize acids in the stomach, and applying fresh cucumber pieces on your skin is an effective way to relieve sunburns.
Eliminates toxins
The high water content in the cucumber can absorb toxins in your body and clean the waste from your intestines. Consuming it regularly can hydrate your body and dissolve kidney stones.
An excellent source of vitamins
Cucumbers are rich in vitamins A, B and C which can boost your immune system and your energy levels as well. To enjoy even more of the vegetable’s benefits, consume carrot juice mixed with some carrot and spinach juice.
Provides the skin with minerals
Cucumbers contain potassium, magnesium and silica which can improve the quality of your skin.
Promotes weight loss
Add cucumbers in your salads and meals to accelerate your metabolism and stimulate weight loss.
Great for your eyes
Put a few cucumber slices on your eyes to reduce the swelling and inflammation in your skin and relieve problems such as dark bags under the eyes.
A powerful anti-cancer agent
According to studies, cucumbers can reduce the risk of several types of cancer. Add them to your diet starting today in order to prevent the development of cancer.
Stabilizes your blood pressure
Cucumbers can regulate your blood pressure and prevent numerous cardiovascular problems.
Fights bad breath
Cucumber juice contains powerful compounds that can clean your mouth and neutralize the bacteria in it, eliminating problems such as bad breath.
Boosts your digestion
Chewing cucumbers will strengthen your jaw muscles while the fiber boosts your digestion.
Softens the hair and nails
The high silica content of cucumber can make your hair and nails stronger and brighter.
Relieves joint and muscle pain
The vitamins and minerals in the vegetable can easily fight joint and muscle pain.
Improves the health of your kidneys
Cucumbers can reduce the levels of uric acid in the body and keep the kidneys healthy.
Treats diabetes
Cucumbers contain a special hormone which assists the pancreas in the production of insulin and prevents diabetes.
Lowers your cholesterol levels
Cucumbers are rich in sterols, powerful compounds which can reduce the LDL cholesterol in your blood and prevent a variety of ailments.
Source: