HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUCUMBER TO THE BODY

                 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUCUMBER TO THE BODY 

BY: Orohu Victor Agida

Though commonly thought to be a vegetable, cucumber is actually a fruit.It’s high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.

Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.

Cucumbers have a mild, refreshing taste and a high water content. They can help relieve dehydration and are pleasant to eat in hot weather. People eat cucumber as a savory food, but it is a fruit. It also features in some beauty products.

1. IT IS HIGH IN NUTRIENTS.

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals.

One 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled, raw cucumber contains the following (1):

• Calories: 45
• Total fat: 0 grams
• Carbs: 11 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
• Potassium: 13% of the RDI
• Manganese: 12% of the RDI

Although, the typical serving size is about one-third of a cucumber, so eating a standard portion would provide about one-third of the nutrients above.

Additionally, cucumbers have a high water content. In fact, cucumbers are made up of about 96% water.Trusted Sourc).

To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins and minerals.

2. FOR HYDRATION

Cucumbers consist mostly of water, and they also contain important electrolytes. They can help prevent dehydration in hot weather or after a workout.

For people who do not enjoy drinking water, adding cucumber and mint can make it more attractive.

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy intestine, preventing constipation, avoiding kidney stones, and more.

Cucumber is one of the most hydrating foods. What other foods are good for hydration?

3.IT CONTAINS ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals.

The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic illness.Trusted Source.

In fact, oxidative stress caused by free radicals has been associated with cancer and heart, lung and autoimmune disease.Trusted Sourc).

Fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, are especially rich in beneficial antioxidants that may reduce the risk of these conditions.

One study measured the antioxidant power of cucumber by supplementing 30 older adults with cucumber powder.

At the end of the 30-day study, cucumber powder caused a significant increase in several markers of antioxidant activity and improved antioxidant status.Trusted Source

However, it’s important to note that the cucumber powder used in this study likely contained a greater dose of antioxidants than you would consume in a typical serving of cucumber.

Another test-tube study investigated the antioxidant properties of cucumbers and found that they contain flavonoids and tannins, which are two groups of compounds that are especially effective at blocking harmful free radicals

3. IT HELPS PREVENT CANCER.

As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family of plants, cucumbers contain high levels of bitter-tasting nutrients known as cucurbitacin.

According to an articleTrusted Source in the  of Health Services research, cucurbitacins may help prevent cancer by stopping cancer cells from reproducing.

A 133-g cupTrusted Source of chopped cucumber with its skin also provides around 1 g of fiber. Fiber may help protect against colorectal cancer

.

4. IT DISCOURAGES THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIABETES.

Cucumbers may play a roleTrusted Source in controlling and preventing diabetes. It contains substances that may help lower blood sugar or stop blood glucose from rising too high.

One theory is that the cucurbitacins in cucumber help regulate insulin release and the metabolism of hepatic glycogen, a key hormone in the processing of blood sugar.

StudyTrusted Source found that cucumber peel helped manage the symptoms of diabetes in mice. This may be due to its antioxidant content.

Fiber, too, may help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, according to tre research

Cucumbers score low score on the glycemic index (GI). This means they provide essential nutrients without adding carbohydrates that can increase blood glucose.

5.IT AID WEIGHT LOSS.

Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.

First of all, they are low in calories.

Each one-cup (104-gram) serving contains just 16 calories, while an entire 11-ounce (300-gram) cucumber contains only 45 calories.

This means that you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing on the extra calories that lead to weight gain.

Cucumbers can add freshness and flavor to salads, sandwiches and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternatives.

Furthermore, the high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.

One analysis looked at 13 studies including 3,628 people and found that eating foods with high water and low calorie contents was associated with a significant decrease in body weight .

6.IT LOWER BLOOD SUGAR BECAUSE OF WATER CONTENT.

Several animal and test-tube studies have found that cucumbers may help reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some complications of diabetes.

One animal study examined the effects of various plants on blood sugar. Cucumbers were shown to effectively reduce and control blood sugar levels.Trusted Source).

Another animal study induced diabetes in mice and then supplemented them with cucumber peel extract. Cucumber peel reversed most of the diabetes-associated changes and caused a decrease in blood sugar.Trusted Source).

In addition, one test-tube study found that cucumbers may be effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes-related complications.

7. INFLAMMATION.

Inflammation refers to your body's process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system.

Cucumbers may have anti-inflammatory benefitsTrusted Source. Inflammation is a function of the immune system.

Experts believe inflammation may help trigger the development of various health conditions, such asTrusted Source:

• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• autoimmune conditions
• depression
• cancer

 8.HELPS IN SKIN CARE.

Some research has suggested that cucumber’s nutrients may provide benefits for skin health.

Applying sliced cucumber directly to the skin can help cool and soothe the skin and reduce swelling and irritation. It can alleviate sunburn. Placed on the eyes, they can help decrease morning puffiness.

Other cucumber beauty tips include:

Toner: Blend and sieve cucumber to collect the juice for a natural toner. Leave on the skin for 30 minutes, then rinse. Cucumber may have astringent properties, and it may help clear the pores.

Face pack: Mix equal amounts of cucumber juice and yogurt to make a face pack that helps reduce dry skin and blackheads.

Cucumber is safe for most people to use on the skin. People should start by applying a small amount. If they do not experience an adverse reaction, it is probably safe to use.

TYPES; Cucumber are of different types, according to their specific breed, which are;

 Armenian, or snake cucumbers: These are long and twisted with thin, dark green skin and pale furrows. People often use them for pickling.

Kirby cucumbers: People often use these for dill pickles. They are crispy, with thin skin and small seeds.

Persian cucumbers: Shorter and fatter than the hothouse cucumber, these are crunchy to eat.

Lemon cucumber: These are around the size of a lemon, with pale skin. The taste is sweet and delicate.

Japanese cucumbers: These are dark green and narrow. The skin is thin with small bumps on it. People can eat them whole.

CONCLUSSION.

Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any diet.

They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content.

Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.

Trusted Sourc).