18 Health Benefits of Cucumbers

cucumbers

Cucumbers, formally called Cucumis sativus, are one of the most popular vegetables farmed in the world. They belong to the same family as melons and squash. On average, they grow up to 12 inches. However, there are some types of cucumbers that can grow up to 20 inches.


Cucumbers come in two types: slicing and pickling. Slicing cucumbers are farmed for fresh consumption, while pickling cucumbers are farmed to eventually be processed into pickles. The two types are noticeably different in size, shape, and skins. However, they both have a wide assortment of health benefits.

  • Hydration – Since cucumbers are of the same family as watermelons, they are comprised of at least 95% water which helps to keep the body hydrated, core temperature regulated, and flush out toxins that accumulate through natural processes.
  • Regulate Blood Pressure – Cucumbers are high in potassium, which can regulate blood pressure levels. The high levels of potassium helps to prevent both high blood pressure and low blood pressure.
  • Cancer Prevention – Cucumbers contain the following lignens: ariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These lignens have been scientifically linked to preventing certain cancers like breast, ovarian, prostate and uterine cancer.
  • Skin Care – Cucumbers contain solid levels of Vitamins A, B and C. They also contain high levels of magnesium. These high levels of water, vitamins and minerals help to nourish one’s skin. Cucumbers can be processed into a cream or cut up and directly applied to one’s skin to treat various conditions like skin tightening.
  • Sun Burns – The high amounts of water, vitamins and minerals help to treat sun burn or wind burn. Typically, the cucumber skins are place directly on the sun or wind burns.
  • Improve Teeth and Gum Health: Cucumbers are high in fiber, which helps to improve the overall health of one’s teeth and gums. Cucumbers can be used to treat a condition known as pyorrhea where there’s an inflammation of the tissue surround one’s teeth.
  • Weight Loss – Cucumbers are a great food when trying to lose weight. On average, a medium sized slicing cucumber is roughly 13 calories. They are low in carbohydrates and fat as well. However, the high amount of water and fiber help to make individuals feel full.
  • Diuretic – The high levels of water in cucumbers can help to act like a diuretic by improving the body’s process of flushing out toxins. Cucumbers have also been linked to treating gallstones.
  • Improve Digestion – Cucumbers can help treat the following gastrointestinal issues: heart burn, acid reflux and gas. Cucumbers have also been linked to having a positive impact on ulcers. The high amounts of water and fiber also help prevent constipation.
  • Reduces Cholesterol – Cucumbers have high levels of sterol which help to reduce cholesterol levels, specifically the bad cholesterol also known as LDL.
  • Treat Tapeworms – Cucumber seeds have long been uses as a natural remedy for treating tape worms.
  • Treat Arthritis Pain – Cucumbers contain a high amount of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammations that may cause a flare up of arthritis.
  • Treat Gout – The high levels of vitamins and minerals help to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid can lead to health issues like gout.
  • Nail Health – Not only does the high amount of silica help to improve connective tissues, it also helps to improve the overall health of fingernails and toenails.
  • Diabetes – Cucumber juice is loaded with vitamins and minerals, like manganese, which helps the pancreas produce more insulin. Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas doesn’t make any more insulin, which means that individuals need insulin shots. However, Type 2 diabetics still produce insulin but the body doesn’t process it well enough. Cucumbers can help with the synthesis of insulin.
  • Hair Growth – The high levels of silica in cucumbers, helps to improve hair growth. It makes the hair healthy and shiny.
  • Joint Health – Cucumbers are high in silica, which has been scientifically linked to improving overall joint health by strengthening the connective tissues like ligaments and tendons.
  • Protein Digestion – There are several enzymes in cucumbers that help to breakdown the consumption of proteins. This leads to the proteins being absorbed in the body quicker and transferred to the muscles for repair and growth.

With all of the health benefits that cucumbers are associated with, there’s no wonder why many people consider it a miracle food. Cucumbers have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Make sure you select cucumbers that are dark green in color and have a firm touch. This will ensure better quality, more fresh, and filled with maximum vitamins and minerals. Also make sure the cucumbers are organically grown and void of being sprayed with any pesticides. Some pesticides have been linked to various health conditions.

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