Cucumber or cucumis sativus is a green vegetable with yellow stripes, which is widely used to prepare salads, and in the application of beauty treatments such as the famous skincare masks (skin care), because it helps nourish the skin and decreases the appearance of acne and wrinkles.
For these and many more reasons, in this article we will provide you with all the information related to cucumber based on 12 incredible benefits that few know about, and you will also learn about its nutritional value, along with some ways to consume it.
Cucumber Health Benefits
Cucumber has a low caloric intake , thanks to the fact that it has a minimum content of carbohydrates. In the same way, it is characterized for being a vegetable sought after throughout the world for its great benefits, some of which are the following:
1. Boosts the immune system
Cucumber is a vegetable that has a lot of anti-inflammatory compounds, since it has beta-sitosterol rich in antioxidants , which reduce inflammation in the body and increase the activity of the immune system.
Important: Cucumber contains folates that generate an increase in red and white blood cells in the bloodstream. This allows the immune system to create antibodies to fight all kinds of infections.
2. Regulates blood pressure
Cucumber is rich in potassium , which helps to level blood pressure. Similarly, this food has a percentage of sodium that helps control heart pressure . For this reason, it is recommended to eat this vegetable once a week to have good blood pressure.
3. Contributes to good blood circulation
Cucumber, being low in fat and rich in water, is ideal to help clean blood vessels. It is high in vitamin K , which helps combat problems with hemorrhoids, sensitive gums, bleeding noses, and heavy menstruation.
4. Balances blood sugar
Another benefit of cucumber is that it has a high fiber content that helps slow the absorption of sugar in the intestines.
Note: Cucumber does not have carbohydrates , so it does not cause rises in blood glucose levels, and prevents diabetes.
5. Promotes brain health
Cucumis sativus has high levels of fisetin, which increase neural connectivity and care for brain health. This anti-inflammatory is an antioxidant that cares for nerve cells , prevents memory loss and prevents Alzheimer’s.
6. Improves the digestive process
Cucumber has always been known for its great benefits for the digestive system . Being rich in water and fiber , it improves the digestion of each meal, regulates the PH of the stomach , and is ideal for people who want to eliminate reflux.
To highlight: This vegetable increases the movements of feces in the intestines. It also prevents constipation and hemorrhoids, helping to improve colon health.
7. Eliminate fluid retention
It is an ideal food for those who suffer from fluid retention , thanks to the fact that it has a great diuretic effect on the digestive and renal systems . In addition, cucumber is a moisturizer for the body, it helps to cleanse toxins and burn accumulated fat.
Tip: Eating cucumber helps increase urine excretion, improves urinary tract health, reduces swelling, eliminates bacteria and the formation of kidney stones.
8. Contributes to weight loss
Cucumber is an excellent helper for those who want to lose weight , because it is low in calories, has volume and produces a feeling of satiety, since 100 grams of cucumber can only provide 13 calories.
In this sense, we can highlight that cucumber has a high water content that helps reduce toxins and fluids from the body , accelerate metabolism, eliminate viruses from the body and generate collagen production to increase weight loss.
To highlight: A recent study in Brazil revealed that cucumber juice, mixed with other fruits, has a high mineral content , being a product with little acid, high in sugar and low in calories. (1)
9. Reduces inflammation and muscle pain
Cucumber has an anti-inflammatory action, which helps reduce the production of nitric oxide in the body, allowing inflammation of the respiratory tract to be controlled and muscle recovery faster.
Likewise, this vegetable has vitamins and minerals that have an analgesic effect that helps reduce muscle and joint pain.
Tip: Cucumber is ideal to consume before and after a hard workout, as it helps to regenerate muscle.
10. Improves skin, nails and hair
Cucumber is considered one of the foods with the greatest benefits for the skin, thanks to its high water content it can hydrate , help alleviate burns, and reduce excess fat in the pores. In addition, it prevents wrinkles , aging and expression lines at an early age.
It is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, so it is ideal for preventing acne, dermatitis, and skin diseases. Increases the strengthening and growth of nails.
Note: Cucumber is also used to remove excess oil from the hair.
A recent study carried out in Colombia stated that cucumber does not lose its vitamin E value , even under different storage and packaging conditions, which makes it an excellent option for skin care . (two)
11. Reduces fatigue and stress
Cucumber is rich in group B vitamins, which allows it to be efficient in relaxing the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress. Therefore, incorporating cucumber into our daily diet naturally relieves tension headaches.
12. Reduces cell damage
This food, by having water, helps to maintain the hydration and nutrition of the cells, which improves different processes of the organism. Being rich in vitamins and minerals , they delay cell damage due to their antioxidant properties.
Note: Cucumber increases the production of collagen and elastin , which are proteins that help renew and maintain healthy cells.
Cucumber properties
Cucumber is a very versatile vegetable , which can be easily included in our daily diet. It has great properties that are very useful for the health of the body. Here are a few:
vitamins
Cucumber has small amounts of vitamin C and provitamin A , which strengthen the immune system and increase iron absorption . Also, it has vitamin A that cares for vision, the health of the eyes, skin, hair, mucous membranes and bones.
Similarly, it contains B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, and phosphates , which are found in the cucumber skin along with small portions of beta-carotene . In the same way, it has vitamin E that helps stabilize blood cells and improves fertility.
minerals
Among the properties of cucumber are some very useful minerals for the proper functioning of the body, such as potassium , which is useful for controlling nerve impulses and muscle activity, and helps balance water levels in cells.
Important: Its level of phosphorus and magnesium strengthens bones and teeth, improving intestinal function and also increasing immunity to infections . Other minerals that this vegetable includes are zinc, calcium, iron, and manganese .
How to consume and use cucumber?
Cucumber is a food that can be found almost everywhere in the world. Its cultivation and massive consumption provide varieties of benefits to the health of the body. Here are some useful recipes so you can consume this food:
Cucumber water
Cucumber water is a mild , light green diuretic that helps intestinal transit and blood purification.
Tip: It can be consumed to hydrate the body after a hot day . It is very useful for athletes thanks to the large amount of electrolytes it has.
Ingredients
- Cucumber
- Water
- Sea salt
- Basil
- Mint
Preparation and consumption
- Carefully wash the cucumber, basil and mint
- Then, add the lukewarm water in a bowl with the thinly sliced cucumber.
- Stir carefully with a spoon and add the mint, basil and sea salt to taste.
cucumber face mask
Cucumber is an ideal ally for smooth skin. It has a high anti- inflammatory content that helps to remove swelling and redness from the face. It refreshes and hydrates, so it is used as a natural cosmetic.
Ingredients
- Cucumber
- Lemon juice
Preparation and application
- Wash the cucumber and remove the skin, only keeping the pulp.
- Squeeze the game of a lemon and add it to the pulp of the cucumber
- Then mix well and let stand for 20 minutes.
- Apply to the part of your face that you most want.
Key Findings
- Cucumber should be consumed in moderation, since it has a diuretic effect that can cause an imbalance in the digestive system and great loss of fluids.
- It has large portions of water , ideal for keeping the body hydrated.
- It causes a feeling of satiety without gaining weight.
- It is an ideal candidate for beauty treatments.
- It can be used in drinks, meals, desserts and for beauty rituals.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.