15 Health Benefits of Cucumber
Cucumbers are widely used in spas for skincare because they are antioxidant rich, provide soothing effect against skin allergies and rashes, prevent constipation and cleanse toxins and waste from the body. So, cucumbers can do more than just helping you get rid of dark circles!
Cucumis sativus, commonly known as a cucumber, is a culinary vegetable, belonging to the gourd family. Eaten raw, cooked or pickled, it provides a variety of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Here are 15 impressive cucumber benefits for skin, hair & more…
Detoxification
Cucumber benefits the digestive system by cleansing the liver, which is the main detoxifying organ in the body. Daily intake of cucumber juice benefits you by flushing out the waste and harmful toxins from the body and the drink can be very rejuvenating. Cucumber also helps to flush out fat from within.
Read more: Vegetable juices that detoxify your body
Diabetic friendly
Cucumber benefits for men and diabetes persons in general as it contains an insulin-producing hormone that is needed by the pancreas for producing insulin. It is low in carb and so a great choice for those with diabetes. One bowl of cucumber has less than 5 grams of carbohydrates. So, eat as much as you like without worrying about raising your blood sugar levels.
Treats kidney stones
Cucumber is loaded with nutrients – vitamin A and C, potassium, folate, magnesium and dietary fibre. These nutrients are as good as any natural remedy for kidney stones. Cucumber has the capability of cleansing the toxins from the kidneys and dissolving the small stones. It also lowers uric acid in kidneys. If you experience to have kidney stone, drink one glass of cucumber juice daily to prevent the stone from forming in the kidneys and bladder.
Maintain a healthy weight
Cucumber benefits because it is low in calories – around 16 calories per cup. This means you can eat plenty of it without worrying about gaining weight! It is filling and helps you stay hydrated thanks to the 96% water content. Cucumber is rich in fibre, which keeps you full for a long time and helps maintain weight. Here’s an interesting recipe called Cucumber Boats Salad. Try it!
Fights inflammation
Cucumbers are highly anti-inflammatory. They have a substance called beta-carotene that acts as an antioxidant and helps fight free radicals. Cucumbers cool down the body; in fact, fresh cucumber extracts are known for reducing unwanted inflammation.
Lowers cancer risk
A study has found that cucumber helps fight cancer. It contains lignans, which lowers breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancer risk. Vitamin C found in cucumber as an antioxidant and boosts your immunity.
Acts as a mouth freshener
Bacteria found in the mouth causes bad breath, so fibre-rich foods such as cucumber helps banish odour-causing bacteria and heals diseased gums.
Aids digestion
Cucumber contains fibre and water, the basic elements needed for good digestion. So, just eating cucumber daily will reduce your chances of suffering from heartburn, acidity, gastritis and ulcers.
Stabilises blood pressure
Cucumber contains potassium which treats both high and low blood pressure. It has mild diuretic properties due to high content of potassium and water. This helps in regulating high and low blood pressure.
Soothes pain & strengthens bones
Packed with vitamins and minerals, cucumber soothes muscle and joint pains and strengthens the bones. It is rich in vitamin C which plays an important role in strengthening the bones. The high amount of silica found in cucumber also boosts the health of joints.
Cures hangover
A few slices of cucumber can also be used to cure hangover and the headache associated with it. The nutrients present in cucumber eliminate the toxins that enter the body after alcohol is consumed. The sugar and vitamin B reduce the intensity of headaches as well as the hangover.
Cucumber Benefits for Skin
Revitalises skin
Cucumber benefits skin as it contains skin-friendly minerals such as magnesium and silicon that provide a radiant look. The cucumber skin is rich in fibre, so it is often applied on the face for soft and supple skin. It also helps get rid of mild tanning and heals sunburnt skin. You can add lemon juice to cucumber juice and apply the mixture on tanned parts of the skin as well as face. Cucumber benefits for men as well who can apply face masks made of the vegetable.
Treats open pores & dark circles
Use cucumber slices around the eyes for around 20 minutes as this will help reduce dark circles. You can also cotton balls in cucumber juice and place them on your eyes. Cucumber juice when mixed with apple cider vinegar, tomato pulp and aloe vera gel is a great natural remedy for treating open pores and heat bumps. Cucumber juice absorbs the heat and closes the open pores.
Reduces wrinkles
Being a natural moisturiser, cucumber hydrates the eyes and the skin around it. Place cucumber slices on your eyes for some time to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Aren’t these some amazing cucumber benefits for skin? Try them at home for quick smooth, youthful and glowing skin!
Benefits of Cucumber for Hair Growth
One of the best foods that works best for your scalp and hair loss is cucumber! This nutrient-rich food when combined with other ingredients gives even better results. Take peeled cucumber, peeled lemon and a little olive oil. Prepare a mixture of cucumber and lemon and add olive oil to it. Massage this paste on your hair and scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Then rinse with cold water. This provides smooth hair. You can also massage cucumber juice on your scalp for thinning hair. Try these at home to get maximum cucumber benefits for hair.
Drink cucumber juice daily to control hair loss. It can also be used to rinse to get silky and shiny hair.
So, now that you know how wonderful this low-calorie vegetable is, you should certainly include it in your daily diet. Enjoy as many cucumber benefits and lead a healthy life! Speak to Health Total experts to know more. To get first FREE consultation, call toll-free 1-800-843-0206 and book an appointment today!