Cucumber Health Benefits: Learn About the Nutrition of Cucumbers

Cucumber Health Benefits: Learn About the Nutrition of Cucumbers
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A Vegetable Story

Cucumbers are believed to be an ancient vegetable, originating in southern Asia around ten thousand years ago. With their crispy green skin, and white, juicy flesh they were a popular food and healing remedy, primarily for skin problems, in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Today, the health value and nutrition of cucumbers is seldom recognized as this vegetable is most commonly perceived as a precursor to pickles or a crunchy, low-calorie addition to salads.

With the high water content of the flesh, and fiber content in the skin, cucumbers are an ideal cleansing food. Eating this vegetable regularly will help the body rid itself of waste naturally, through diuretic and laxative effects, promoting healthy, glowing skin, and overall cucumber health. The caffeic acid present in the white flesh helps to relieve irritated or inflamed skin. Also, the hydration this vegetable offers and the nutritional value, combined with the small amount of calories, makes cucumbers a great weight-loss food.

Vitamins and Minerals

From vitamins to minerals, the nutrition content of cucumbers is excellent. The flesh is rich in vitamin C, which promotes cellular regeneration, immune health, and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Cucumber skin is not only a good source of fiber, but also of a number of essential minerals. Potassium is great for balancing sodium in the body, helping to manage high blood pressure and support a healthy heart. Magnesium is an essential mineral necessary for strong bones and a healthy nervous system. Molybdenum, a trace mineral found in cucumbers, acts as an enzyme, helping the body utilize iron and process fat.

Silica plays a central role in cucumber health benefits from nutrition. Silica is present throughout the body in connective tissue. It is a part of skin, nail, hair, bones, tendons, and ligaments. A diet rich in this mineral supports glossy hair, smooth skin, strong nails, and healthy bones. A loss of silica as the body ages contributes to the typical signs of aging – wrinkles, dry hair, brittle nails and bones, making cucumbers an essential part of a healthy, anti-aging diet. They also supply vitamin A for healthy eyes, and folate, which is a vital nutrient during pregnancy.

It is easy to incorporate cucumber health into everyday eating. Add diced or sliced cucumbers to salads, sandwiches, and as a topping for spicy meat dishes. Snack on sliced cucumbers in the afternoon. Add them to a bagel and cream cheese for breakfast, crackers and cheese as a late night snack. Enjoy this nutritious vegetable any time of day for improved health and well-being.

Sources:

World’s Healthiest Foods

Nutrition Data

photo credit: Vizzzual