6 Reasons to Eat Cucumbers For A Healthier You

Apart from being a light and refreshing vegetable, cucumbers are naturally full of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds. These nutrients facilitate the normal functioning of the system, and help to prevent the body from falling prey to various illnesses. Team HTV has picked out the top 6 reasons to include cucumbers in your regular meal plans. Let’s find out what they are!

For Hydration

The summer heat can be quite taxing on the body. Profuse sweat production can leave the body dehydrated and exhausted. Cucumbers have a staggering 95% water content, which means that the entire vegetable is essentially composed of water. Regular consumption of cucumbers, especially during the summer months, will do wonders to keep your body hydrated, fresh and healthy.

For Healthy Skin and Hair

Cucumbers contain silicon and sulfur, two compounds that stimulate and encourage strong hair growth. For naturally healthy and glowing skin, there are several cucumber treatments that you can try out at home. For dark circles and puffy eyes, place a slice of cucumber on each eye and leave it there for 10-15 minutes. To reduce sunburn and skin irritation, simply use cucumber peels as a cooling agent. Place the peels on the affected area until the unpleasant sensation begins to subside.

For Cancer Prevention

Along with several important vitamins, cucumbers also contain three critical compounds that have been linked, through research, to cancer prevention. These three compounds are lariciresinol, pinoresinol, secoisolariciresinol. According to research, the compounds reduce the risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.

For Weight Loss

If you are on the look-out for low calorie foods that generate feelings of satiation, cucumbers are the perfect pick! With a high water content and a calorie count of only 16 per cup (one cup of cucumber slices), this revitalizing treat is an apt addition to your weight loss diet plan.

For Improved Digestion

Dietary fiber is an essential requirement for steady and smooth digestive functioning. Luckily, cucumbers have enough of this critical compound to ensure that the digestive system is functioning optimally. Cucumbers are an excellent remedy for constipation, and facilitate the process of toxin removal from the body.

For Prevention of Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Cucumbers contain several compounds that not only prevent, but also help to control high cholesterol and blood pressure concerns. Sterols aids in the reduction of high cholesterol levels, while copious quantities of potassium, magnesium and dietary fiber help to regulate blood pressure.

Cucumbers: A Must-Have!

Apart from the aforementioned benefits, cucumbers are also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. These nutrients have been linked to improved joint health, reduction in arthritis pain, enhanced energy levels, improved vision, and strong immune function.
So here’s why cucumbers should be a regular feature in your daily meals. Make the right food choices and you will notice the change in your health, fitness and energy levels.