Here are reasons why you should add cucumber or more cucumber to your diet:
1. Skin Care
Cucumber is rich in silica, which is an essential component that aids in developing strong and healthy connective tissues in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Doctors often recommend cucumber juice because of the silica content for healthier and brighter skin. Additionally, research in the journal Nutrition Review highlights the importance of fluids and hydration for the skin health. Cucumber’s high water content makes it naturally hydrating. Ascorbic and caffeic acid are the two vital compounds in cucumbers that help prevent water loss from the body.
The extract of cucumbers is often used topically for treating various types of skin ailments like sunburn and under-eye swelling. They may also be recommended to assist in the treatment of other skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. These are some of the reasons why cucumbers are applied topically for various skin problems.
2. Prevent Constipation & Kidney Stones
Cucumbers are a perfect blend of both fiber and water. Therefore, they help to protect your body from constipation and kidney stones. Regularly enjoying a cucumber rich salad is a great way to increase fiber intake. Cucumber is also a good source of vitamin C, silica, potassium, and magnesium; all of which have their own health benefits. Cucumber skin contains high levels of vitamin A, so you will gain more of this nutrient if you eat the entire thing without removing the skin.
3. Control Blood Pressure
The studies done at DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet was developed based upon research from the United States National Institute of Health as a method to help lower blood pressure. It found that consuming foods high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber were key. Those eating a diet rich in these complexes, along with the other foods like seafood, low-fat dairy items, lean meat, and poultry, saw their blood pressure drop. Cucumber, therefore, contributes to healthy regulation of blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, including those in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.
4. Manage Diabetes
An animal study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology sheds light on the anti-hyperglycemic effect of cucumber. Cucumbers have been used for assistance with glucose control in diabetic patients. They possess a hormone required by the beta cells during insulin production. The presence of carbohydrates and their impact on the body is measured by the glycemic index (GI). Glycemic Index measures how carbohydrates contribute to raising glucose (or blood sugar) levels. Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The glycemic index (GI) of cucumbers is actually zero, meaning that it is a good choice for diabetic patient and, thus, can help keep the glucose level in check. Nowadays, most commercial stores have cucumber supplements as spiny sea cucumber extract powder, thought to be effective in combating the effects of diabetes.
5. Provide Antioxidant Power
Cucumbers can often act as antioxidants when consumed along with processed foods and high sugar foods. As per a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging, month-long consumption of cucumber powder shows improvement in the body’s antioxidant activities.
