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During hot summer days, cucumbers can bring you real refreshment. Moreover, they are also very good for your health because they contain many vitamins, minerals and other useful substances.
Besides that, they have very few calories and are rich in water and electrolytes, which will ensure proper hydration of your body during times when one tends to sweat a lot.
Where do cucumbers come from?
Cucumbers are among the oldest cultivated crops on Earth. They originate from India and the Himalayan plains, from where they spread to all parts of the world during antiquity.
They are a vine plant species, which also includes, for example, melons and squashes.
They are easy to cultivate and if provided with a warm environment (for example in a house or greenhouse), they essentially grow year-round.
They come in various shapes and are usually dark green in color, beneath which is a substantial, crunchy and juicy flesh, including seeds that are also edible.
If you leave a cucumber to grow longer on the vine, it will increase in size and turn yellow. The seeds will also turn yellow, and then they should no longer be eaten.
The following are reasons why you should eat cucumbers every day for your health:
1. They contain many minerals
Cucumbers have a high content of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and silicon. These are important for a number of bodily functions.
2. They rid the body of toxins
Cucumbers are characterized by a high proportion of water and fiber. Both of these components are needed for binding and subsequently flushing toxins out of the body.
3. They fight diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure
The fiber, magnesium and potassium found in large amounts in cucumbers excellently regulate blood pressure.
In addition, cucumber juice is rich in a hormone that stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. They are thus an invaluable aid in diabetes.
Many studies have also shown that regular consumption of cucumbers lowers levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood.
4. They are full of vitamins
Cucumbers can provide you with many of the vitamins your body needs daily for health.
They are especially rich in vitamins C, A and B-group vitamins, which strengthen immunity, support the production of bodily energy and help better cope with stress.
5. They fight cancer
Cucumbers contain 3 types of lignans – secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol.
These are substances that help prevent the development of several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and uterine cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
6. They support joint health
The silicon found in cucumbers strengthens joints and connective tissues such as tendons, cartilage and ligaments.
If a cucumber is mixed with carrot, a natural remedy for arthritis and gout caused by crystallization of uric acid in the joints is created.
7. They support kidney health
Cucumbers reduce urea concentration and thus keep the kidneys in healthy condition.
8. They improve digestion and support weight loss
Cucumbers are rich in water and low in calories, making them an ideal food for weight loss.
They also contain an amount of fiber that supports proper digestion and prevents constipation.
9. They treat gum diseases and freshen breath
The juices released from cucumbers while biting and chewing them in the mouth suppress gum inflammation and speed up their healing.
They are also rich in phytonutrients that fight bad breath and destroy pathogenic bacteria in the mouth.
10. They are perfect for healthy nails and hair
Cucumbers, as already mentioned, contain silicon, which keeps nails and hair healthy and strong.
In addition, it promotes their faster growth.
11. They heal sunburns
Consuming cucumbers controls the pH level of your skin.
Applying them to the skin helps regenerate reddened skin after sunburn.
12. It alleviates hangovers
The content of B vitamins, carbohydrates and electrolytes helps relieve headaches during a post-alcohol hangover.
If you had a rough night, don’t forget before you go to bed to eat a few slices of cucumber. The next day you will have a much more pleasant morning.
13. It reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes
The powerful anti-inflammatory effects of cucumbers will, in a short time, rid you of dark circles under the eyes as well as swollen eyelids.
14. Amazing taste
Cucumbers are indeed a tasty food, even though their flavor is not as strong as that of some other vegetables.
Because of this and also due to their many health benefits, they rank as the fourth most cultivated crop in the world.
Conclusion
We hope this article has convinced you of the amazing health benefits of cucumbers.
Therefore, don’t forget to regularly add them to salads, juices, compotes, or simply enjoy them on their own. They are also excellent sliced into strips and seasoned with a pinch of salt.
