10 Health Benefits of cucumber

10 Health Benefits of cucumber

Superfoods are natural foods that have an array of nutrients that synergistically work to together to exponentially expand the individual nutritional components.  Many raw, organic vegetables fall into this category.  One of the world’s favorite superfoods are cucumbers.  This article will go over 10 health benefits of cucumbers and why you and I should be including these in our diet on a regular basis.Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot summer day can help you stay hydrated.

Protect Your Brain

Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline,fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer's disease.

Help you stay hydrated

Cucumbers are 95.2 percent water, which means that a 5-ounce serving contains 4.8 ounces or 150 ml water. That’s already about 26 percent of your daily water intake through food.

Fight inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of cancer

Cucumbers can help lower the inflammatory response in the body. They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.They also contain plant nutrients called cucurbitacins, which have anti-cancer properties.Scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways required for cancer cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins.

 Freshen Your Breath

Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath

Easy to Add to Your Diet

Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavor, cucumbers are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches.Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more flavor.

Support Heart Health

Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly.As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.

Protect your bones

Cucumber are a good source of vitamin K: One cup contains 22 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Vitamin K is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.

Cucumbers Make For Beautiful Skin

Cucumbers are often used topically to enhance skin function.  The natural ascorbic acid and caffeic acid within the cucumber act to prevent water retention in the skin.  This reduces swelling under the eyes and helps the skin heal from sunburn, inflammation and eczema

Treats Diabetes, Reduces Cholesterol And Controls Blood Pressure

Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers may help reduce cholesterol levels. Cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber. These work effectively for regulating blood pressure. This makes cucumbers good for treating both low blood pressure and high blood pressure.

 Prevent constipation

Cucumbers are rich in water, and their skin contains insoluble fiber. Both water and fiber help food to move through the digestive tract quicker and more easily, helping prevent constipation.