From constipation to diabetes: 7 cucumber benefits that you probably didn’t know about!

Salads are a big part of a conventional healthy diet, and a major component in every salad bowl is the good-old cucumber. Ever wondered what is it that makes cucumber a must-have salad item? Cucumber benefits are multiple including them being water-rich and perfect to maintain hydration. Cucumber nutrition is high, plus, it contains many important vitamins and minerals. It is great to treat conditions such as constipation, and helps with diabetes as well. What’s more? It’s super low in calories and can help you lose weight as well. 

Cucumber Nutrition

If you are wondering how many calories are there in cucumber and if its good for weight loss, then note that half a cup of sliced cucumber contains only 8 calories but 1.9 grams of carbohydrates, 0.3 grams of fibre, and 0.3 grams of proteins. It also contains magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, says nutritionist Manisha Chopra.

7 benefits of cucumber

Cucumber benefits range from better hydration to treating constipation. Here are some of the ways it helps your body.

1. Hydration

Cucumber is mostly water, about 95 percent. Hence, it keeps your body hydrated for a long time. Cucumbers help to replenish your skin as well. These are anti-inflammatory and help to eliminate toxins from the body.

2. It will prevent constipation

Another big cucumber benefit is that it is rich in fibre content which prevents constipation and ensures regular bowel movement. Pectin is the soluble fibre in cucumber that helps treat constipation. A study, published by the National Institutes of Health, observed that pectin provided beneficial bacteria to the gut as well as helped to speed up movement in the intestines.

3. Eating cucumbers can help you lose weight

Cucumbers are low in calories and high in nutrients. What’s more, eating cucumber makes you feel full and does away with hunger pangs. A study, published in Nutrients, states that eating foods with high water and low calories, such as cucumber, were very effective in weight loss.

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4. It helps in maintaining the blood sugar level

Cucumbers may help you in regulating blood sugar levels. So, it may basically prevent diabetes and other complications related to it. A mice-study, published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, states that cucumber peel extract reversed diabetes.

5. Your immunity will be strengthened

Cucumbers are high in antioxidants. They prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals. They even reduce the risk of chronic disease. They contain flavonoids and tannins that help in blocking free radicals, that make us sick.

6. Consuming cucumbers can help with your vision

Cucumber also contains vitamin A which improves our vision. The anti oxidants present in cucumbers can also help with over eye health. In fact, the vitamin K prevent in cucumbers help with dark circles as well.

7. You will thank cucumber for glowing skin

Cucumbers are often used in skincare because they’re extremely soothing to the skin. These can also help to naturally lighten skin tone. The vitamin C and folic acid present in cucumbers are great for your skin. Check out cucumber-based DIY face masks for glowing skin.

How to incorporate cucumber into your diet!

The easiest ways to add cucumber to your daily food include:

• Pickled cucumber
• Baked cucumber chips
• Cucumber salad
• Cucumber sandwich
• Cucumber-infused detox water
• Cucumber cooler
• Cucumber raita

Summary

Cucumbers are a great addition to your diet as they come with many benefits. Cucumbers benefits include them being great for glowing skin, maintaining hydration, improving your immunity as well as making your eyes stronger. What’s more, these are extremely low calorie and helps to lose weight as well. So, ladies, make sure you’re consuming cucumber on a daily basis to stay healthy and fit!

FAQs

Are cucumbers easy to digest?

Yes, cucumbers are fairly easy to digest. In fact, they help you break down food, and prevent constipation as well.

What are the side effects of eating cucumbers?

If not consumed in moderation, cucumbers can lead to bloating as well as ingestion. Therefore, make sure to not over eat cucumbers as well.