3 Surprising Benefits To Eating Cucumbers

Cucumbers are not only delicious and refreshing, but they are also incredibly good for you. This versatile vegetable is low in calories, high in water content, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. From promoting hydration to aiding digestion, there are numerous health benefits of cucumbers that make them a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. This article will explore some of the most significant cucumber health benefits and explain how this simple vegetable can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Cucumbers are AMAZING! They are my favorite vegetable! I never get sick of them. I could easily eat a whole cucumber to myself. But besides that, there are some WONDERFUL benefits to cucumbers!
Cucumber Health Benefits
What is a cucumber?
Cucumber is a long, cylindrical vegetable that belongs to the gourd family. It has smooth, green skin and juicy, crisp flesh that is mostly composed of water. Cucumbers are believed to have originated in India and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are a popular vegetable in many cuisines and can be eaten raw or cooked. Cucumbers are also commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and pickles and can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack on a hot day. In addition to their culinary uses, cucumbers offer various health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile.
How to enjoy cucumbers?
Cucumbers are versatile vegetables that can be eaten in a variety of ways. Here are some popular ways to enjoy cucumbers:
Raw: Cucumbers can be eaten raw as a snack or added to salads for crunch and flavor.
Sliced: Sliced cucumbers can be used as a healthy and refreshing addition to sandwiches or wraps.
Pickled: Cucumbers can be pickled in vinegar or brine to create a tangy and flavorful condiment.
Juiced: Cucumbers can be juiced to create a refreshing and hydrating drink.
Blended: Cucumbers can be blended into smoothies or gazpacho for a cool and nutritious beverage.
Grilled: Cucumbers can be grilled for a smoky and flavorful side dish.
Stir-fried: Cucumbers can be stir-fried with other vegetables for a quick and healthy meal.
Stuffed: Cucumbers can be stuffed with hummus, tuna salad, or other fillings for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Roasted: Cucumbers can be roasted with spices for a unique and delicious flavor.
Diced: Cucumbers can be diced and added to salsas, chutneys, and other condiments for a fresh and healthy twist.
Now, enough about what cucumbers are and let’s dive into the many cucumber health benefits.
1. Cucumbers and Hydration.
Staying hydrated is super important! The average healthy adult requires anywhere from 2.7L – 3.7L of water in one day (Mayo Clinic). Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and keep your body and body systems and functions healthy. Water increases your energy level and reduces brain fog. Cucumbers are composed of 96% water, making them an excellent source of hydration for the body. Eating cucumbers can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, which are essential for proper bodily functions. In addition, cucumbers contain essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, which help regulate fluid balance in the body.
Moreover, cucumbers have a high water content, making them a great option for those who don’t enjoy drinking plain water. Eating cucumbers can help increase water intake and keep the body hydrated, especially during hot weather or after exercise. Cucumbers can also be used to make cucumber-infused water, which is a refreshing and flavorful way to stay hydrated. To make cucumber water, add sliced cucumbers to a pitcher of water and let it sit for a few hours in the fridge to allow the flavor to infuse into the water. This infused water is refreshing and contains the essential nutrients of cucumbers, making it a healthy and hydrating beverage. You can find a cucumber water recipe here – CUCUMBER WATER.
Overall, cucumbers can be a delicious and effective way to help keep the body hydrated and support overall health and wellness. It keeps your skin clear and healthy while flushing out toxins from your body. Hydration is SUPER IMPORTANT! Cucumbers are 95% water, making them an excellent source of hydration. Staying hydrated will give you more energy, and you will feel even better!
2. Cucumber for Skin Health
Skincare can be tough, am I right? Our skin is ever-changing from acne to pores, blackheads, and dryness. Our skin loses elastin and collagen as we age, which leaves it hanging loosely. The surface layer of the skin (epidermis) thins and results in this. Skin becomes more and more fragile as we age. An important point to skin health is getting enough sleep, exercise, and WATER, returning us to good ol’ cucumbers! Cucumbers have many benefits for skin health. One of the main reasons is their high water content, which helps keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. Cucumbers are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help prevent and reduce skin damage caused by free radicals.
Furthermore, cucumbers contain vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps keep the skin firm and elastic, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C also has brightening properties, which can help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Cucumbers also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin redness and irritation. They contain compounds like cucurbitacin and caffeic acid, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, cucumbers can be used topically on the skin to soothe and hydrate. Cucumber slices can be placed on the eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles, and cucumber juice can be used as a toner to refresh and hydrate the skin.
Overall, cucumbers are a great natural ingredient for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Their high water content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamin C content make them a great addition to any skincare routine. The benefits of cucumber for skin health are huge. The cucumber peel contains silica which helps firm up sagging skin. Applying cucumbers to your face can give some life and color to your face. The juice of a cucumber can reduce swelling in the eye area and soothe damaged skin. There are so many amazing ways to use cucumbers to promote and maintain healthy skin. Ex. making toners and face masks.
3. Cucumbers & Bad Breath
Cucumbers boost your mouth’s saliva production, which washes away odor-causing bacteria. Cucumbers can help with bad breath due to their high water content and ability to stimulate saliva production. Bad breath is often caused by dry mouth or low saliva production, which can lead to an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. When we eat cucumbers, the high water content helps to hydrate the mouth and increase saliva production, which can help flush out bacteria and reduce bad breath. Additionally, cucumbers contain phytochemicals that can help neutralize the odor-causing compounds in the mouth. Moreover, cucumbers are a natural and healthy alternative to sugar-laden breath mints or gum, which can actually worsen bad breath in the long run by creating an environment in the mouth that promotes bacterial growth. Overall, incorporating cucumbers into your diet can help improve bad breath by promoting hydration and saliva production, and reducing the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. However, it’s important to note that bad breath can also be a symptom of underlying health issues, so it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional if the problem persists.
4. Cucumbers are nutrient-dense.
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and wellness.
5. Cucumbers support good digestive health.
Cucumbers are high in fiber, which can help promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health. They also contain water and electrolytes, which can help prevent constipation and keep the digestive system functioning properly.
6. Cucumbers & Weight Management
Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water and fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake. Eating cucumbers can be a healthy and satisfying snack option for those trying to manage their weight.
All in all, cucumbers are AMAZING! Full of nutrients, anti-oxidants, and water, they are a must in my diet!
Cucumber Recipes
Did you know about all these cucumber health benefits?
Let me know below!
Love Always, N
Jaya Avendel
I did not know cucumbers helped with bad breath, but my aunt loves a good cucumber face treatment. I have not tried it yet, but I hear it is very hydrating.
Most of the cucumbers I get end up in my mouth! 🙂
admin
Haha! Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Javier S.
I dont do this, but this is great advice for people who do!
Heather
I did not know cucumbers were good for bad breath! Thanks for sharing!
admin
Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Kayleigh Zara
I didn’t realise there were so many benefits to cucumbers! I know they can be really good for your skin – so I enjoyed reading this x
admin
Thank you!
Lisa | Mind and Body Intertwined
That’s so creative and fun ? cucumber water is one of my favourite drinks actually!
admin
That’s awesome!!
Clarissa Cabbage
Great facts, thanks! I didn’t realize cucumbers have vitamin C! I loooove cucumbers, so refreshing! I grew up eating them straight out of the garden all the time!
admin
YUMMMY!!!
Baby Boomer Super Saver
I enjoyed cucumbers in my lunch today! I love them, too. In addition to eating cucumbers, I also like to juice them when I’m making green juice. So yummy!
There are quite a few varieties of cucumbers, too. Have you tried the round, yellow Lemon Cucumbers?
Rayo
Interesting facts, I love cucumbers. I love slicing and putting it around my eyes to prevent puffiness plus it has this cooling effect.
admin
I’ve never tried putting them around my eyes, but I feel I may now! Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Fransic Verso
I know about the skincare and I didn’t know about bad breath which is interesting.
Shana Seigler
I could stand to eat more cucumbers. I occasionally add them to my infused water. A friend’s daughter eats them all the time. She couldn’t have picked a better snack.
admin
Lol! Yes they are a fantastic snack! I read somewhere actually that cucumber water is more nutritious than plain water. I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but cucumber water IS awesome!
Laci
I did not know all of this, thank you!
admin
Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Under Flowery Sky
Wow, that’s why they use cucumbers as skin masks. They’re specially good in the morning,
but I like fruits in the morning..
admin
Me too! I couldn’t ever get into veggies with breakfast. However… I do eat cucumbers anytime. Lol
Kelsey
Great information! I’ve always loved cucumbers, but now I have reason to love them even MORE! Thanks for sharing!
admin
I love cucumbers too. I loved them even more after learning how awesome they are! Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Piper Hill
Cucumbers help with bad breath, huh?! Every day’s a school day. I definitely need to be purchasing more of them when I do my weekly shops and keeping myself hydrated more haha.
admin
Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Jenny Ventura
I love cucumbers as a snack so this is great news to hear some good benefits of them!
admin
I love cucumbers too! Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Rhiannon
Cool post!! We eat cucumber every day, everyone laughs at how many cucumbers we can go through in 1 week!! I never realised just how good they were for you though so thanks for the info!! Xx
admin
Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Sue Berk Koch
I LOVE cucumbers! I eat them with hummus all the time. Glad to hear they have health benefits, too. I’ll keep on buying them.
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
admin
I’ve never tried them with hummus! Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Lisa Marie Alioto
I so wished I loved cucumbers but I just can’t stomach them. THey are, as you point out, so good for us!
admin
Thank you for reading and commenting ?
claire
How appropriate that I reading this while eating my Cucumber heavy salad for lunch!
I love it so much. I didn’t know about the breath thing, thats really interesting!
admin
Right?! They are quite a fascinating veggie! Enjoy your cucumber salad!
lifestyleseason
These are very interesting facts!
admin
Thanks for reading and commenting ?
Jenny in Neverland
These are amazing benefits. I love cucumber – I think I eat it every day!
admin
Me too! Thanks for reading and commenting ?