What are the health Benefits of Cucumbers
Commonly acknowledged as a vegetable, cucumber is, scientifically, a fruit because of its seeds. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with a variety of melons. They have a mild but refreshing taste, which is owed to its high water content. Aside from its edibility and great nutrition facts, cucumbers have also been widely used in several beauty products. This article will not only highlight the benefits for health of cucumbers due to its rich nutritional value but also enlighten you of other applications outside its nutrition facts.
Here are a few health benefits of cucumber
Hydration
During the hot summer days and aside from the nutrition facts of cucumbers, it is quite helpful when it comes to hydration. This is because it mostly consists of water and some electrolytes that help prevent dehydration. Also, preventing dehydration helps sustain a healthy intestine, prevent kidney stones and constipation.
Rich in nutritional content
Looking at the nutrition facts of cucumbers will surely convince you that they have enough benefits for health. The nutrition facts of raw cucumber, with peel, weighing 100g is as follows;
- Water- 95.23g.
- Energy- 15kcal.
- Protein- 0.65g.
- Fat- 0.11g.
- Carbohydrate- 3.63g.
- Fiber- 0.5g.
- Calcium- 16mg.
- Iron- 0.28g.
- Magnesium- 13mg.
- Phosphorous- 24mg.
- Sodium- 2mg.
- Vitamin C- 2.8mg.
- Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Zinc, and different varieties of vitamins in good proportions
Strengthen Bones
Part of the nutrition facts of cucumbers is that a cup of cucumber contains an approximate amount of 8.5 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K. An adequate intake of vitamin K has been scientifically proven to help with healthy bones.
Great for Skin
Another of the nutrition facts of cucumbers is that it is rich in silica, which is quite the essentiality when it comes to developing healthy connective tissues in the body. Cucumber juice is frequently recommended because of the high silica content which, aids in developing healthy and bright skin. Additionally, the extracts of cucumbers are mostly used topically for treating a variety of skin ailments like psoriasis, acne, under eye swellings, and other minor and major skin problems.
Prevention and control of diabetes
One of the benefits for health of cucumbers is highlighted acutely in this factor. Scientists have been able to conclude that cucumbers contain components that aid in the control and prevention of diabetes. Like melons, squash, and other related fruits/vegetables, cucumbers contain Cucurbita ficifolia, which helps in the regulation of blood sugar. It is also known that cucumbers are low on the Glycemic Index (GI) which basically implies they provide a good amount of nutrients according to the nutrient facts and do not add carbohydrates that will increase the blood glucose.
Conclusively, if you were to consider either the benefits for health or the physical benefits of cucumbers, then there is no question of its richness on both sides.
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