Cucumbers are the 4th most cultivated vegetable worldwide. This is largely because they are known to provide a variety of benefits for your overall health. Cucumbers are often referred to as a super food due to their high nutrient content. Listed below are some of the many benefits of consuming cucumber.
Nutrition Facts of Cucumber
Cucumbers contain several essential nutrients that can provide benefits for your overall health. Consuming cucumbers regularly can provide you with a healthy dose of these vitamins and minerals to help fill in the gaps in your diet.
|
Nutrient |
Value |
% of RDA |
|---|---|---|
|
Pantothenic Acid |
.259mg |
5 |
|
Pyridoxine |
.040mg |
3 |
|
Riboflavin |
.033mg |
3 |
|
Vitamin A |
105 IU |
3.5 |
|
Vitamin C |
2.8mg |
4.5 |
|
Vitamin K |
16.4µg |
13.6 |
|
Potassium |
147mg |
3 |
|
Iron |
.28mg |
3.5 |
|
Magnesium |
13mg |
3 |
|
Manganese |
.079g |
3.5 |
|
Phosphorus |
24mg |
3 |
Benefits of Cucumber
In addition to providing a good source of vitamins and minerals, there are plenty of benefits of consuming cucumber. You can also apply cucumber to the skin or other areas of the body to gain these benefits.
|
Benefits |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
|
Keeps hydration |
Cucumbers are 96 percent water which can help to compensate if you are not drinking enough water daily. |
|
Combats internal and external heat |
Consuming cucumber can help to reduce the effects of heartburn. Applying cucumber on the skin can help to reduce the effects of sunburn. |
|
Flushes away toxins |
The high water in cucumber helps to remove waste from the system and can help to dissolve kidney stones. |
|
Supplies nutrients to the skin |
Health spas will often use cucumber-based treatments because they are filled with potassium, magnesium and silicon that is good for the skin. |
|
Helps with weight loss |
Cucumbers can be added to snacks, soups and salads or consumed with low fat-yogurt dip in place of more fattening foods. |
|
Improves the appearance of the eyes |
Placing a chilled slice of cucumber on each eyelid can help to reduce puffiness and under-eye bags. |
|
Reduces cancer risk |
Several studies have indicated that eating more cucumber can reduce your risk of developing cancer. |
|
Stabilizes blood pressure |
Those that suffer from high or low blood pressure can stabilize their symptoms by consuming more cucumber. |
|
Refreshes mouth |
Consuming cucumber juice can heal diseased gums and get rid of bad breath. |
|
Aids digestion |
Cucumbers are full of fiber so you can work out the jaw when eating it and promote better digestion |
|
Soothes nails and hair |
The high silica content in cucumbers can make your hair and nails shiner and stronger. |
|
Relieves joint and muscle pain |
The high vitamin and mineral content in cucumbers can help to ease away muscle and joint pain. |
|
Improves kidney health |
Eating cucumbers lowers the level of uric acid in the body to reduce the impact on the kidneys. |
|
Improves diabetes symptoms |
Cucumbers contain a hormone that helps the pancreas produce insulin. |
|
Reduces cholesterol |
The sterol compounds in cucumbers can lower bad cholesterol levels. |
The following video outlines how to make dill pickles out of cucumbers: