Cucumbers can be a real treat during the summer months thanks to their refreshing taste and high amount of water they contain. Moreover, they are also very good of your health and you should try to include them more in your diet.
These refreshing veggies contain almost zero calories but plenty of nutrients which give them their medicinal properties. Cucumbers belong to the Cucurbita family, a vine, alongside pumpkins, melons, zucchinis and the likes and originate in Northern India’s Himalayans plains.
They may have originated in India but their popularity grew rapidly, spreading all around the globe in no time. They come in a variety of shapes and colors but the most commonly used ones are dark green in color with a crunchy flesh with small edible seeds inside. As the cucumber grows its skin gets harder, the plant bigger and the seeds become yellow – a sign that it’s no longer edible.
Cucumbers should be a part of every healthy diet plan for a number of reasons and we’re listing the most important ones:
High in minerals
They contain a high amount of minerals like magnesium, potassium and silicon, all vital for a number of important bodily functions.
Great for toxins elimination
They also have a high water content which is good for flushing out toxins and even kidney stones, completely painlessly.
Excellent for diabetics, people with high cholesterol and blood pressure problems
They are rich in fiber, potassium and magnesium, compounds that are known to regulate your blood pressure. Cucumber juice, on the other hand, contains a hormone pancreatic cells need to secrete insulin.
Abundant in vitamins
If you want to stack up on vitamins make sure you munch on a cucumber because they have all the vitamins your body needs, including vitamin B, C and A, which give you energy and stimulate your immune system.
Moisturize the body
Did you know that a cucumber is made of 90% water? No wonder it’s so refreshing, hydrating and moisturizing for your skin.
Anti-cancer properties
These amazing veggies have the three main lignans, lariciresinol, secoisolariciresinol and pinoresinol, which are very effective in the fight and prevention of cancers like ovarian, breast, uterus and prostate cancer.
Improve your joints
We mentioned that they abound in silicon which strengthens your joints and connective tissues. Moreover, if you combine it with carrots you get a powerful anti-gout and arthritis remedy.
Support kidneys health
Cucumbers lower the uric acid amount in the body thus preserving your kidneys health.
Digestion and weight loss
Since they contain very low calorie count but have high water content they’re a great addition to every diet.
Fresh breath and healthy gums
When you chew on a cucumber you refresh you gums and treat possible inflammations. They also contain phytochemicals that fight against the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.
Improved hair and nails quality
They are rich in silicon and sulfur which are important nutrients for good and healthy hair and nails. They also stimulate their growth.
Fight solar damage
Consuming cucumbers balances out your skin’s acidity, so you can use them against sunburns.
Great against hangover
Since they abound in vitamin B, electrolytes and sugar they can help with headaches and hangovers. If you feel like you’ve had one drink too many eat a few slices of cucumber before you go to bed.
Say goodbye to dark circles
Cucumbers have potent anti-inflammatory properties which are effective in the elimination of dark circles and under eye bags.
Great taste
Aside from being super healthy they’re extra delicious and refreshing as well. Prepare them however you like and enjoy them all summer long.
HERE’S AN EXCELLENT LOW-CALORIE CUCUMBER RECIPE:
2 cups cucumber (peeled and chopped)
1/4 cup red onions (chopped)
2 tbsp. fresh parsley (nicely chopped)
1/2 cup tomato (chopped into small cubes)
4 ½ tsp. cilantro (fresh and chopped)
1 chili pepper (chopped and without seeds)
1 garlic clove (chopped)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (cottage cheese/ricotta)
1 ½ tsp. lime juice
1 ½ tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. cumin powdered
PREPARATION:
Mix everything until it’s nicely combined and serve on a slice of whole grain bread. Bon appetite!
