Although it is commonly mistaken for a vegetable, cucumber is a fruit that belongs in the same family as watermelon, squash and pumpkin.
This fruit contains a large amount of water making it low in calories and soluble fibre. With its rich manganese, vitamin B, C, and K, potassium and copper, content, cucumber helps the body avoid nutrient deficiencies.
Among a great array of reasons to eat more cucumbers, here are top five picks:
Protects the brain
Contained in cucumber is an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin, which plays a vital role in brain function. Fisetin helps to prevent memory impairment and protects against age-related brain decline.
Keeps you hydrated
Cucumbers are made of 96% water making it a great to keep you hydrated. Water is important for body function including body temperature regulation and flawless digestive process.
Including cucumber in diet can help individuals meet up with the ideal amount of daily fibre requirement which is about 50 grams per 1000 calories consumed.
Cucumber skins also contain sufficient insoluble fibre to add bulk to the human faeces.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Cucumber contains phytonutrients called cucurbitacins which contain anti-cancer properties.
Cucumbers also contain polyphenols called lignans which reduce the risk of uterine, ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer.
Lowers blood sugar
Although limited to animal and test tubes, studies show that cucumber effectively reduces and controls blood sugar levels. A study claims that cucumber is capable of reducing oxidative stress as well as preventing complications from diabetes.
The vitamins B1, B5, and B7 contents in cucumber are popular for easing the feelings of stress as well as the damaging effects of stress.
Helps maintain weight
The low-calorie content of cucumber makes them a great choice for losing and maintaining weight.
The soluble fibre in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion making cucumber a filling snack. This means that as much cucumber is consumed, one doesn’t run at risk of gaining weight.
Cucumbers can be enjoyed fresh on its own or added to a salad dish as well as pickled. Also, cucumber makes great ingredients for smoothies.
Asides its health benefits, cucumbers are great choices for face and skin masks as they contain VItamin C (ascorbic acid) and caffeic acid which help sooth the skin of any form of irritation. Cucumbers are also great choices to reduce swollen eyes and burns.
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