Health benefits of cucumber

Cucumber has a lot of health benefits according to experts. They say the fruit (which is commonly mistaken as a vegetable) contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants. Rachael Link, a dietician said the fruit contains certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions. She said eating cucumbers may […]

Cucumber has a lot of health benefits according to experts. They say the fruit (which is commonly mistaken as a vegetable) contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants.

Rachael Link, a dietician said the fruit contains certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.

She said eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels among others.

“Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss,” she said on HealthLine.

She said some important vitamins and minerals found in cucumber include Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Potassium. In addition, cucumbers have high water content.

“To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins and minerals,” she advised.

According to her, cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.

“Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals.

“The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic illness,” said Link.

The dietician said because cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs.

She said several animal and test-tube studies have found that cucumbers may help reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some complications of diabetes. For instance a test-tube study found that cucumbers may be effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes-related complications

However, she added that the current evidence is limited to test-tube and animal studies. Further research is needed to determine how cucumbers may affect blood sugar in humans.

“Cucumbers contain a good amount of fiber and water, both of which may help prevent constipation and increase regularity. They are also easy to add to one’s diet. Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or pickled. They can be enjoyed as a low-calorie snack or used to add flavor in a variety of dishes,” she added.