Did you know that cucumbers are one of the healthiest foods on the planet? It’s true, these low-calorie vegetables are packed with nutrients and can help your body fight off various diseases.
Health Benefits of Consuming Cucumbers
Cucumbers are made up of mostly water – around 95% – which makes them an excellent choice for deep body hydration. And since they contain vitamin B, K, C, potassium, copper, and magnesium, they provide the body with many necessary nutrients, so should be consumed as a regular part of a healthy diet. Furthermore, cucumbers contain unique polyphenols that are known to reduce the risk of various chronic diseases.
Here are 5 reasons to eat a cucumber every day:
1. Keeps you Hydrated and Free of Toxins
Since they’re primarily made up of water and important electrolytes, cucumbers can help your body stay hydrated. In addition, all that water helps your body flush out toxins and can even dissolve kidney stones. This makes cucumbers a perfect food choice on a hot summer day.
Tip: Add a few slices of cucumber to your water and sip away.
2. Nourishes you with Antioxidants and Vitamins
Cucumbers contain numerous vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and kaempferol. Many of these antioxidants protect against free radicals and can even help with allergies. Research has suggested that kaempferol may even help fight cancer.
3. Protects Your Brain
Thanks to a flavonol called fisetin, cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them an excellent choice for brain health. This flavonol can improve memory and protect nerve cells. In fact, research on mice has found that fisetin can help fight symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Helps with Weight Loss
Because they’re so healthy, cucumbers boost the immune system and can help fire up metabolism, which is great news for those trying to lose weight. Furthermore, they’re very low in calories and rich in water and fiber, which support the body’s digestive system.
5. Keeps Skin Healthy and Supple
Have you ever wondered why so many spas use cucumbers as a skin treatment? It’s because they contain magnesium, silicon, and potassium, which are essential for healthy skin. Cucumber slices are known to decrease puffiness and irritation, so they can be used for reducing under-eye bags and puffy eyes.
