Cucumber: 10 Important Health Benefits You Should Know

How much have you forgotten Nature? Natural remedies has been confirmed  to be the best treatment measures for most illness today. Let's take a glimpse at a very popular and indigenous plant, cucumber and how useful it can be.

Cucumber is the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world. Scientifically know as Cucumis sativa, it is a very popular vegetable plant which is related to the squash, pumpkin, and watermelon family (the Cucurbitaceae family).

To certain group of people, this dark green vegetable fruit is just another mouth-watering fruit to quench their taste for fruits. But, what they do not know is that cucumber contains vitamin K, vitamins B, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, which are very essential for healthy living.

Here are some reasons why you should start eating cucumber today.

1. Cucumber reduces body dehydration

Dehydration is a condition where by water is lost from the cells and for the human body, it causes shrinking. Eating cucumber which has 90% water can help replenishes the body and make the skin look healthier.

2. Cucumber fights inflammations/ body heat

Did you know that cucumber extract can help to reduce inflammation? According to research, cucumber extract in part, inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2).Also, application of cucumber to the face is said to give relief from sunburn.

3. Cucumber fights toxins and replenishes vitamins in the body

With the help of its high content of water, cucumber eliminates waste products from the body. Regular intake of cucumber dissolves kidney stones. Cucumber skin contains vitamin C; about 12% of the daily recommended intake. Cucumber is also high in potassium, magnesium and silicon.

4. Cucumber aids digestion and weight loss

Cucumber is good for people who need weight lose as it is low in calorie. The fibre in it is great for digestion. Daily consumption of cucumber can help to cure chronic constipation.

5. Cucumber fights cancer

Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to reduce the risk of several types of cancer including; ovarian, breast, prostate and uterine cancer.

6. Cucumber also fights diabetes and controls blood pressure

Cucumber juice contains the hormone needed by cells of the pancreas to produce insulin beneficial to diabetic patients. Cucumber contains a lot of fibre, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients work effectively for regulating both high and low blood pressure.

7. Cucumber helps to revive the eye

Source says that placing a chilled slice of cucumber over the puffy eyes is a beauty therapy. It is said to reduce under-eye bags and puffiness due to its anti inflammatory properties.

8. Cucumber fights mouth odour

Cucumber juice heals and refreshes diseased gums. According to research, placing a slice of cucumber on your mouth can help kill the bacteria that cause unpleasant breath.

9. Cucumber promotes joint health, relieves arthritis and gout pain

As cucumber is an excellent source of silica, it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. When mixed with carrot juice, cucumber can relieve gout and arthritis pain.

10.  Cucumber keeps the brain healthy and functional

It has been discovered that Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin which play an important role in keeping the brain healthy. In addition, it helps to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments.