Composed of nearly 95% water, a 5 oz. serving of this hydrating fruit can supply a quarter of your suggested daily intake. Recognized for its cooling effects from the spa to the dinner plate, you’d be surprised about the health benefits of cucumbers!
- Cancer Fighter: The powerful polyphenols in cucumber called lignans help lower risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Other cancer combatting phytonutrients such as cucurbitacins are also present, and research has proven that these compounds can discontinue the development of estrogen-related cancer cells.
- Strong in Antioxidants: This robust fruit has antioxidants like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and beneficial flavonoids such as quercetin, which is considered a natural antihistamine. The flavonoid Kaempferol also helps battle cancer and decreases the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
- Healthy Urinary Tract & Kidneys: High water content encourages kidney cleansing through urination, and has also been shown to dissolve kidney stones over time if consumed regularly.
- Supports Joint Health: Studies have shown that extracts of cucumber have the power to halt the inflammatory response of enzymes such as cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). Silica in cucumbers also strengthens connective tissues, and if mixed with carrot juice can reduce pain caused by gout and arthritis by dropping uric acid levels.
- Brain Protection: Cucumbers contain flavonols, which help to improve memory and shield your nerve cells from degeneration that naturally occurs over time. A flavonol called fisetin has shown to prevent learning and memory decline in those that have Alzheimer’s disease.
- Essential for Diabetes: Cucumbers contain critical hormones, which help the pancreas produce more insulin. This is vital to maintaining a normal blood glucose level, and can even balance high or low blood pressures.
- Promotes Digestive Health: High amounts of water and fiber greatly influence digestive regularity, and drinking more water helps to suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux. Insoluble fibers that make up the skin of cucumber allow food to move through the digestive tract quickly, and they contain an enzyme named Erepsin that also helps break down proteins. The daily consumption of cucumber is said to relieve digestive issues such as gastritis, heartburn, acidity, even ulcers, and constipation.
- Heart Healthy: Cucumbers contain a ton of potassium, an essential electrolyte, which helps to lower blood pressure levels. Ions surrounding cells in your body must maintain a healthy balance of potassium to have synergy with sodium levels. This positively charged interaction regulates the aptitude of the heart, nerve impulse, and muscle contraction. Adequate levels of Vitamin K are also crucial to having a healthy blood flow throughout your body.
- Anti-Wrinkle: Incorporated into many cosmetics, cucumber extracts counteract signs of aging and promote youthful skin. Nourishing vitamins and minerals like biotin and silica maintain radiant skin, hair, nails, and also fights cellulite!
- Strong Gums & Fresh Breath: Pressing cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds defeats odor-causing bacteria. Principles of Ayurveda has also determined that cucumber cools down excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be the origin of bad breath. Research also proves that drinking the juice of cucumbers can successfully heal gum diseases such as weak gums and pyorrhea.
