Cucumber is one of the oldest known cultivated vegetables and one of the most widely grown vegetables in the world. It is a member of the gourd family which includes gourds, melons and squashes.
Cucumbers are healthy foods because they contain plenty of vitamins and minerals and they are low in calories and fat. Many people include cucumber in their diets because of its health benefits which include:
1. It helps to keep the body hydrated.
Cucumber contains 96 percent water which is purer, cleaner, and more nutritious than regular or tap water. Consuming lots of cucumbers regularly helps to keep the body hydrated to keep its temperature normal. The water in cucumber also helps to rid the body from toxins that can cause diseases.
2. It helps to provide nourishment for the skin.
Aside from its high water content, cucumber is also loaded with vitamins A, B and C, magnesium, potassium and silica. These substances are essential for skin health. It is one of the reasons why many people, especially girls and women, use facial masks containing cucumber juice.
Cucumber also contains properties that help to bring down water retention rate which play a role in reducing or preventing skin puffiness and swelling under the eyes. It also works to treat skin damage caused by sunburn or windburn.
3. It helps to fight cancer.
Cucumbers are loaded with lignans lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. Lignans are chemical compounds that work like antioxidants and they have a strong potential to fight certain types of cancer such as the ones that affect the breast, ovary, prostate and uterus.
4. It helps to control blood pressure
The potassium, magnesium and fiber content of cucumber help to regulate blood pressure.
5. It helps to provide nourishment to teeth and gums.
Cucumber is rich in vitamin C and fiber which are essential in providing nourishment to your teeth and gums.
5. It helps to keep digestion normal.
Cucumbers have high water and dietary fiber content which work to ensure proper digestion and to prevent acidity, gastritis and heartburn.
6. It helps to eliminate tapeworms.
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that are difficult to eliminate. Eating cucumbers on a regular basis can help to remove them from the intestines.
7. It helps to provide nourishment to your nails.
Cucumbers contain silica which is essential in keeping the nails of your fingers and toes strong and healthy.
8. It helps to relieve gout and arthritis pain.
Cucumbers are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B6, C, D, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients help to lower uric acid levels of the body, which in turn provide relief from gout and arthritis pain.
Cucumber is just a small vegetable but is is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. These nutrients work together to keep you healthy and protected from diseases.
