Cucumbers are not just refreshing in a salad or a light snack in the summer. This product has an impressive set of useful properties that are confirmed by scientific research.
From the high water content, vitamins and trace elements, cucumbers have a positive effect on various aspects of health. Eatthis.com published eight proven advantages of cucumbers who may surprise you.
Improve the condition of the bones
Despite its lightness and low calories, cucumbers are important trace elements, in particular vitamin K. This vitamin plays a key role in the formation of bone tissue, helping to strengthen the skeleton. One average cucumber contains about 50 μg of vitamin K, which is more than 40% of daily speed. So, adding it to your diet, you really help your bones.
Promote fresh breath
“Cucumbers, due to its high water, fiber and phytochemical substances, can reduce the smell of your mouth,” explains nutritionist John Bourdeos.
Since this product consists of more than 95% of water, it naturally moisturizes the body. The dry oral cavity is one of the main causes of the smell, because saliva helps to clear the mouth of bacteria. In addition, cucumbers contain antioxidant compounds – polyphenols and flavonoids, which also help to fight bacteria in the oral cavity.
Stabilize blood pressure
In 2017, studies show that the daily use of cucumber juice has a positive effect on blood pressure. Participants in the experiment – elderly people (60+) with hypertension – drank a drink from one cucumber mixed with water twice a day within a week. Result: noticeable pressure reduction. Therefore, even if you are not a fan of cucumbers, it’s time to try – this is your health.
Reduce the risk of diabetes
To reduce the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, it is worth considering nutrition: less carbohydrates, sweet and red meat. But it is equally important – to choose products with a low glycemic index (GI). Gi indicates how quickly the product increases blood sugar. Cucumbers are only 15 – this is a very low figure.
Low Gi helps to reduce insulin resistance, which, in turn, reduces the risk of diabetes.
Maintain water balance
Cucumber is almost water in vegetables. Due to its composition (more than 95% of water), it perfectly complements the hydration of the body.
“This helps to increase daily fluid intake and maintain the correct functioning of the body,” says nutritionist Christina Gilpie. Therefore, if you do not have time to drink your cost of water in a day, take a few pieces of cucumber – it also works.
Help lose weight
For those who want to reduce weight, the cucumber is a real ally. There are only 16 kcal in one glass of chopped cucumber! This makes it a product with a low energy density and such products, according to research in nutrients, contributes to effective weight loss.
In addition, due to the high water content, Cucumber creates a feeling of satiety. And if you combine it with a useful sauce – say, Humus or Guacamole – you will get the perfect snack.
Reduce the likelihood of constipation
The content of fiber and water in cucumbers helps to improve digestion. As noted in FitotERapa magazine, cucumbers are especially effective in the prevention of constipation. Moreover, it also cools the body. Medical experts from the University of Pennsylvania also recommend regularly included cucumbers in your daily diet to take problems with the stomach.
Fight off the edema and edema
Thanks to potassium content (approximately 442 mg in one average cucumbing), this product copes well with the removal of excess fluid from the body and a decrease in inflammation. So, if you feel like a tumor or swollen, add cucumbers to the menu. This is a natural way to feel better without medicine.
Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote why it is useful to eat prunes.
Source: Obozrevatel

I’m a journalist who covers health care news. I’ve been working in the news industry for more than 6 years. I have experience writing for print, online, and television. My work has been published by various news websites and magazines.