Over 4000 years ago cucumber was spread beyond Indian borders and was moving through Ancient Greece, Rome, Europe, China – eventually cucumber became fourth most widely cultivated vegetable in the world.
Fat free, cholesterol free and extremely low in sodium and calories – cucumber is considered beneficial to health for numerous reasons. Cucumber is a good source of antioxidants and its water content is 95% – these are making cucumber a very hydrating food. Cucumber can also fulfill some vitamins and microelements which we lose throughout the day – vitamin K, C, A, B, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium and manganese.
Several studies concluded that consumption of cucumber can decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease as well as can also contribute to healthy complexion, increased energy and overall lower weight.
Cucumber anti-oxidant properties can play a crucial role in prevention of several diseases and unpleasant health conditions.
Cucumber health benefits – good morning
Morning wake up mood is absolutely important for having nice day. Many people start morning with a cup of coffee. It can work properly if you don’t have increased blood pressure or other coffee contraindications. What if you don’t have coffee (forgot to buy) or had late party? Best solution is cucumber which is very effective as fast immediate pick up property (based on minerals and vitamins that are important for wakefulness and clarity of mind).
Do you have morning hangover problem? Again, the best is cucumber because it’s Vitamin B and microelements are perfect cure for hangover and headache. Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed – it will reduce the intensity of both hangover and headache.
Do you feel morning breath smell? Solution is cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth (for 30-40 seconds) – it can help clean your mouth from odor causing bacteria. At the same time, eating cucumber could also help to release excess heat in the stomach, which can be a primary cause of bad breath.
Cucumber health benefits – skin
In general, cucumber is great for skin health. Women know that the skin of the cucumber is very effective as a soothing agent for sunburn and other skin problems. Putting cucumber slices on your eyes, you can not only prevent and treat puffiness but also help the skin to tighten which will result in a more youthful appearance. Local (topical) cooling and soothing effect of cucumber can reduce swelling, irritation and inflammation.
If you are allergic to mosquito bite, you can use cucumber – it works as mosquito repellent. Just rub a cucumber on your skin and avoid irritating insect bites.
Cucumber health benefits – hair
Cucumber is known as hair grow supporter – cucumber contains silicon and sulfur – both are minerals which usually promote hair growth and support hair strengths.
Cucumber health benefits – cancer
Cucumber health benefits
Several scientific studies confirmed that cucumber has cancer fighting potentials. Cucumber contains 3 lignans (lariciresinol, pinoresinol, secoisolariciresinol) which have been associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
It is well known that cancer cells cannot survive in alkaline environments, and this is why alkaline anticancer diet is recommended for cancer sufferers. Cucumber is known as alkalizing food – it can correct the acid imbalance in your body and insure body alkaline environment.
Cucumber contains phytonutrients called “cucurbitacins” which also have anti-cancer functions – cucubitacins can block cancer cells development and survival.
Cucumber health benefits – diabetes
As cucumber is high in magnesium, fiber and potassium, it can be useful for prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Cucumber health benefits – stress
Cucumber is rich in multiple B vitamins which are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and reduce some damaging effects of stress.
Ancient medicine also recommend “cucumber aroma” for stressful situations. To get this aroma, you need to boil water and put several pieces of cucumber in it.
Cucumber health benefits – hydration
Thanks to its increased water contain (about 95%) cucumber can be used as hydrating product and eliminating toxins from the body. This function of cucumber is pretty useful during hot summer seasons.
Cucumber health benefits – weight control
As cucumber is very low in calories (about 16 Kcal), it is the best food for weight loss and weight control. At the same time, rich in fiber cucumber can slow down the digestion – it helps to feel full longer. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation – another effective action for weight control.
Cucumber health benefits – bone health
Several nutritionists associated higher risk for bone fracture with low intakes of vitamin K. Cucumber is a good source of vitamin K which is also important for improving calcium absorption in the body – essential for optimal bone health.
Cucumber health benefits – arthritis
Cucumber is well known anti-inflammation food – it can inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes. This is why cucumber is recommended during arthritis – it can reduce inflammation and decrease the pain in the joints. Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is improving joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.
Cucumber health benefits – digestion
Cucumber is rich in two most important basic elements needed for healthy digestion – water (about 95%) and fiber. This helps food to move through the digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.
