Cucumber Benefits for Your Health

Cucumbers are essential to maintain overall health. Cucumbers consist of 95% water and important nutrients that hydrate the body and prevent nutrient deficiencies. The flesh of the cucumber is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid and the hard skin is rich in fiber and a range of minerals including magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium. Both also have cleaning properties such as removing waste and toxins from your body. Cucumbers are great for optimizing urinary bladder, kidney, liver and pancreatic functions.

9 Reasons to Eat Cucumbers

1. Protect your Brain

Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that plays an important role in brain health. It improves memory and protects your nerve cells from age-related decline.

2. Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans and phytonutrients called cucurbitacins which may help to lower the risk of breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancer.

3. Fight Inflammation

Cucumbers may help to "cool" the inflammatory response in your body, and studies suggest that cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation.

4. Antioxidant Properties

Cucumbers contain antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotene. These work by preventing the release of histamines.

5. Freshen Your Breath

Studies show that placing a cucumber on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. Also, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath

6. Manage Stress

Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins that help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress

7. Support Digestive Health

Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.

8. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack. The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer.

9. 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, such as nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.