Commonly believed to be a type of vegetable, Cucumber is a fruit that is highly nutritious and beneficial to the body. Studies have also shown that it has antioxidative properties that may well prevent and treat some types of diseases. So the benefits of eating cucumber cannot be overemphasized.
It can also aid weight loss because of the low-calorie content, soluble fibre, and large quantity of water that it contains. It gives a feeling of fullness and provides several vitamins.
So, there are several benefits derived from eating cucumber but we will take a swipe at just seven of them.
Health Benefits of Eating Cucumbers:
Easy to Add to Your Diet
Cucumbers can be used to add colour, flavour, and variety to your salads and sandwiches. It can be consumed raw or blended and taken as a juice.
This fruit can be eaten with just about everything like being paired with groundnut, olive oil or even with rice.
If you are creative enough, cucumber will be more than a snack to you.
Lower Blood Sugar
Studies have proven that cucumber may cause a reduction in the level of sugar in the blood. And it can also prevent further degeneration of the areas of the body affected by diabetes.
It was found that cucumber peel accounted for the reversal of diabetic complications in mice, during research.
Meanwhile, it is yet to be completely proven that cucumbers will reduce diabetic complications in humans and even reduce blood sugar.
It Could Promote Regularity
Lack of water in the body or dehydration has been one of the major causes of constipation but eating cucumbers may aid frequent bowel movements.
Cucumber contains very high portions of water, which means it promotes hydration.
Therefore, if you stay hydrated, your bowel movement will be regular.
Cucumbers also have high fibre, which is a product of pepsin – this may account for the increase in bowel movement as well.
It May Aid in Weight Loss
Given the low calories found in cucumber, it is potentially a weight-loss fruit.
300-gram cucumber contains just 45 calories. Meaning, you can eat plenty of cucumber without necessarily adding many calories to your system.
The high water content of the fruit means it can be a weight-loss food as well.
Basically, drinking plenty of water and consuming low calories can speed up weight loss.
It Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants slow down the process of damage to the cells of the body potentially caused by free and ravaging radicals. Antioxidants also prevent chronic diseases.
Vegetables and fruits like cucumber have antioxidative properties that may block the oxidation of free radicals
Nonetheless, it is worth noting that cucumber powder has more portions of antioxidants than a cucumber in its natural state.
Flavonoids and tannins are the two major compounds that effectively block ravaging radicals.
It Promotes Hydration
The importance of water to the body cannot be over-emphasized.
Water regulates the temperature of the body and transports nutrients, and waste products.
As a matter of fact, if the body is very well hydrated, it can affect the physical body as well as the body’s metabolism.
Some people take water directly while others get up to 40% of their water intake from the food they consume.
You may add vegetables and fruits to your diet to increase your water intake. Cucumbers are 96% water, so they are effective to stay hydrated.
It’s High in Nutrients
Cucumbers are packed with minerals and vitamins that are very good for the body to function properly.
It contains fat, protein, fibre, vitamins c and k, magnesium, carbs, potassium, calories and manganese.
Conclusion
Cucumber is a fruit that is highly nutritious and beneficial to the body. Studies have also shown that it has antioxidative properties that may well prevent and treat some types of diseases. Eating cucumber can also aid weight loss because of the low-calorie content, soluble fibre, and large quantity of water that it contains. 300-gram cucumber contains just 45 calories. Cucumbers are 96% water, so they are effective to stay hydrated.
High fibre, which is a product of peptin – may account for the increase in bowel movement. Antioxidants slow down the process of damage to the cells of the body potentially caused by free and ravaging radicals.
7 super Health Benefits of Eating Cucumber
