Cucumbers are a popular choice for salads and healthy snacks because they’re packed with nutrients.  This seemingly simple plant is also delicious and easy to prepare.  Here are the top health benefits of cucumbers and why you should add them to your regular diet.

Health Benefits of Cucumbers

1. Provides hydration for your body

Composed more than 90% of water, cucumbers are perfect for keeping the body hydrated and providing it with important electrolytes.  This significantly helps you reach the recommended daily intake of water for your body.

2. Promotes healthy digestion

Water does not just hydrate the body, it’s also essential for softening waste and moving it smoothly through your digestive system.  Cucumbers have a high water content, plus fiber which facilitates better and easier bowel movement.

3. Aids in controlling diabetes

Since cucumbers have a small amount of carbohydrates, these are just enough to satisfy your hunger.  At the same time, this means they have a low glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar levels.

4. Helps you lose weight

Because cucumbers have a low calorie content, they do not contribute to weight gain.  The fiber in cucumbers also encourages good digestion , to support your weight loss goals.

5. Improves the health of your skin

Aside from eating cucumbers, you can place them on your skin to calm your skin, and reduce any inflammation.  Another benefit of the water in cucumbers is that it also keeps your skin moisturized.

6. Lowers the possibility of cancer

Thanks to the cucurbitacins in cucumbers, the body can better combat inflammation and lower the risk of developing cancer.  In particular, cucumbers have the potential to protect the body from cancers of the reproductive organs.

7. Supports strong bones

Another vitamin found in cucumbers is vitamin K.  This vitamin fortifies the bones by enhancing their ability to absorb calcium and keeping them strong and resilient against injury.

8. Aids in improving your cardiovascular health

The potassium in cucumbers contributes to a healthy heart as meeting the daily potassium needs of the body has been linked to lower levels of blood pressure.

9. Rich in antioxidants

There are many antioxidants found in cucumbers which can protect and heal the body from the damage of free radicals.  The most well-known of these antioxidants are Vitamin C and beta-carotene which the body converts to Vitamin A.

10. Helps prevent bad breath

The water in cucumbers keeps your body hydrated and helps it create more saliva which aids in cleansing your mouth of bacteria.  Ayurvedic medicine also recommends cucumbers for removing heat in the stomach which causes bad breath.

As we can see, cucumbers offer many benefits for the body.  You can enjoy cucumber by itself raw or as part of a salad.  You may also include it in your vegetable juices together with lemon, mint or celery.

Also read: HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEDITATION