Cucumber is low in calories, but rich in water and other essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin C, potassium and calcium.
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Cucumbers are a powerhouse of hydration and nutrition. They aid digestion, support weight management, regulate blood sugar, and promote heart and bone health. They can be consumed in salads, smoothies, juices, and pickles.
Cucumber is really cool. Not just because it is 95% water, but due to its versality as a food item and several health benefits. You can eat cucumbers raw in salads, pickle them, add them to soups, or use slices of cucumber to soothe your tired eyes.
Belonging to the gourd or Cucurbitaceae family, cucumber is packed with water and other essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin C, potassium and calcium. And it low in calories.
Hydration
Drinking water is vital for maintaining good health. Cucumber contains about 95% water. They are an excellent source of refreshing hydration especially if you are the kind who keeps forgetting to eat optimum amount of water daily.
Weight Management
Cucumbers are low in calories, carbs and sugar. Also, water in cucumbers makes you feel full and thus help you eat less. It has very low energy density and if you eat foods having low energy density, it is easier to lose weight.
Blood Sugar Control
Cucumbers have a very low glycemic index. Therefore, cucumbers don’t have much effect on blood sugars, which them a healthy option to include in your diet. Studies indicate that that antioxidants in cucumbers may delay diabetes progression and reduce related health issues.
Heart Health
When consumed with a well-balanced diet, cucumbers also promote the heart health. The antioxidants in them slow or stop heart-related disease. The nutrients in the seeds of cucumbers may help lower cholesterol levels, which directly impact the heart health.
Also, the high content of potassium and low sodium in cucumbers is very good for lowering your blood pressure.
Gut health
The exceptionally high-water content in cucumbers naturally supports digestion by helping break down food and absorb nutrients in the body. The fiber in cucumbers maintains digestive health as it helps control bowel movements, preventing constipation.
Pickled cucumbers provide additional benefits to improve your gut health. Some of the cucumber pickles have probiotic properties when fermented. The good bacteria in fermented pickles stop unhealthy bacteria from growing in your gut. You can go for pickled cucumbers now and then.
Bone Strength
Cucumbers strengthen bones because of high levels of vitamin K in them, which protects bone health. Your body needs vitamin K from foods to maintain bone strength and prevent fractures. Cucumbers provide additional bone advantages through their vitamin K and calcium content. The body uses vitamin K to help with calcium absorption, which is a vital mineral for developing and preserving healthy bones.
It is a very good idea to include cucumbers in your daily diet, if you haven’t already done so. They provide excellent nutritional value and multiple health advantages while fulfilling your body's hydration requirements. From smoothies and salads to juices, sandwiches, snacks, and pickles, cucumbers add freshness and flavor in many ways.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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