Fresh cucumbers are an incredibly delicious refreshment in the hot summer days, but apparently, they are also ones of the healthiest vegetables one can consume! They are full of water, electrolytes, and nutrients, and very low in calories.
Cucumbers belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, alongside squash, melons, and pumpkins. These veggies are native to the northern Himalayan plains of India, but are nowadays grown all around the globe.
Cucumbers are full of potassium, manganese, copper, potassium, vitamin K, B vitamins, and vitamin C, so they are a tasty way to correct the deficiencies of these nutrients. They are also loaded with unique polyphenols and other compounds that lower the risk of numerous chronic diseases.
We will give you several great reasons to start consuming cucumbers on a daily basis:
Delicious taste
These healthy vegetables have a unique, refreshing, and delicious flavor, so you can add them to various juices, salads, and appetizers.
Detoxification
Cucumbers mostly consist of water, which removes the excess waste from the body and dissolves kidney stones.
Fight diabetes, regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol
Cucumbers are high in potassium, fiber, and magnesium, which lower high blood pressure and cholesterol and stimulate the production of insulin by the pancreatic cells.
Improve kidney function
Cucumbers lower the levels of uric acid in the body and thus support the function of the kidneys.
Boost the immune system
Cucumbers are abundant in vitamins C, A, and B, that energize the body and strengthen the immune system.
Skin health
Cucumbers are rich in magnesium, potassium, and silicon, which smooth, tone, tighten, and enhance the appearance of the skin.
Moisturize the body
The high water content hydrates the body and keeps the skin moisturized.
Improve joint health
Cucumbers contain silicon that strengthens the connective tissues and the bones, and in a combination with carrots, it lowers uric acid levels, and thus treats gout and arthritis pain.
Digestion and weight loss
Since they are loaded with water, high in fiber, and very low in calories, cucumbers help digestion and help weight loss.
Hair and nails
The high sulfur and silicon content of cucumbers improves the health of the nails and hair and speeds up their growth.
Healthy gums and fresh breath
Cucumbers contain juices that heal and refresh the gums. Moreover, they are high in phytochemicals that fight bad breath and destroy bacteria.
Prevent skin damage due to sun exposure
Cucumbers regulate the acidity of the skin, and their application on sunburns relieves the discomfort and pain.
Eliminate dark circles
The anti-inflammatory properties of cucumbers eliminate the dark circles and swellings under the eyes.
Treat hangover
Cucumbers are full of electrolytes, sugar, and vitamin B, that soothe headaches and treat hangovers.
We suggest the following recipes that contain cucumbers and will help you reap all these health benefits:
Low-Calorie Cucumber Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of finely chopped cucumber
- ½ a cup of tomatoes
- ¼ cup of chopped onion
- ¼ cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoon of lime juice
- 1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 chili
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
Preparation
Mix all the ingredients in a larger bowl, leave them for a while, and then serve on whole grain toast.
The second recipe we suggest is known as Sassy Water, in honor of the Prevention nutrition director Cynthia Sass, who created it. This drink is a powerful detoxifying drink that soothes the GI tract, fights stomach bloating, and helps weight loss. Here is how to prepare it:
Sassy Water Recipe
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
- 12 small spearmint leaves
- 2 liters water (about 8 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Directions:
In a larger pitcher, mix all the ingredients listed above, and leave the drink until the next morning for the flavors to blend.
Drink this delicious refreshing drink during the entire day.
The post After Reading This, You Are Going To Eat Cucumber Every Day! appeared first on The Healthy Food House.
