Cucumbers are vegetables that are member of the Cucurbita family. They are rich in water as well as in various nutrients and electrolytes. Cucumbers are refreshing and healthy and the best thing is they are very low in calories.
These are some of the best reasons why you should consume cucumbers often:
Minerals
Cucumbers contain essential minerals such as magnesium, silicon and potassium that are needed for many body functions.
Detox
The high amount of water in cucumbers makes them excellent for removing waste and toxins from the body as well as for dissolving kidney stones.
Fight diabetes, control blood pressure and lower cholesterol
Cucumbers can regulate blood pressure due to the high amounts of fiber, magnesium and potassium they contain. This vegetable can also fight diabetes because it is rich in hormones that regulates the production of insulin in the pancreatic cells.
Vitamins
Eating cucumbers will provide your body with many vitamins such as A, B and C which strengthen the immunity.
Moisturizer
Since cucumbers contain 90% water they are excellent for moisturizing the skin and hydrating the entire body.
Fight cancer
Cucumbers can prevent some types of cancer such as ovary, prostate, uterine and breast cancer because they are rich in cancer-fighting compounds called lignans, secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol.
Healthy joints
Cucumbers contain silicon which can strengthen the connective tissues and joints. The combination of cucumbers and carrots is a very potent natural remedy for reducing uric acid which causes arthritis pain and gout.
Support kidney health
By reducing the uric acid levels in the body cucumbers also protect the health of the kidneys.
Digestion and weight loss
Eating cucumbers can help you lose weight because they promote digestion, prevent constipation and the high amount of water they contain makes them the perfect snack.
Healthy gums and fresh breath
Chewing cucumbers releases juices which heal inflammation in the mouth. You can also fight breath by eating cucumbers because they destroy the bacteria due to the high amount of phytochemicals they contain.
Healthy hair and nails
The silicon and sulfur in cucumbers are very beneficial for the hair and nails, they make them stronger, healthier and also speed up their growth.
Fight solar damage
You can heal sunburns by applying cucumbers topically and you can also control the skin acidity by eating this vegetable.
Heal hangover
You can prevent hangover by eating a few slices of cucumbers before you go to sleep after drinking alcohol. Cucumbers work because they are rich in electrolytes, sugar and vitamin B which are excellent for treating hangovers and headaches.
Treat dark circles
Cucumbers have strong anti-inflammatory properties which can efficiently reduce the swellings and dark circles under the eyes.
Amazing taste
Cucumbers are extremely healthy vegetable which is also delicious and they can be used in various ways such as appetizers, salads and juices.
Low-calories cucumber recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of finely chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded)
- ¼ cup of chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup of finely chopped tomato
- 4 ½ teaspoon of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 chopped chili (seeded)
- 1 chopped garlic clove
- ¼ cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoon of lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
Preparation:
Put the first 7 ingredients first in a bowl and mix them. Mix the other 5 in another bowl and then combine the two mixtures together. Serve with whole-grain toast.