Cucumber is a long, green-skinned fruit with watery flesh, usually eaten raw in salads or pickled.
Cucumber contains a lot of water and as such, it is advised not to take much water after
consuming cucumbers. This is due to the fact that they contain a lot of water (about 95%); taking in more water dilutes the nutrients present in the vegetable and getting minimal benefits from it.

Health benefits of consuming cucumbers

Consuming cucumbers either alone or with groundnut, mixed with other vegetables in a salad form. Either ways you decide to tale it, it would still perform it’s designed functions. The benefits attached to cucumber consumption include;

1. Hydration: hydration means increasing water content in case, in the body. Cucumbers
   consist mostly of water, and they also contain important electrolytes (most importantly potassium). They can help prevent dehydration in hot weather or after a workout. And
   also for people who do not enjoy drinking water, adding cucumber and mint to their diet can make it more attractive. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy intestine, preventing constipation, avoiding kidney stones, and more. Cucumber is one
   of the most hydrating foods. Others include watermelon, strawberries
2. Bone health and blood clotting: As stated earlier, cucumber contains Vitamin K which
   helps with blood clotting, and it may support bone health. It improves bone health by
   improving calcium absorption. Calcium (alongside Vit D) is an important electrolyte
   needed for proper and normal bone growth. So cucumber is also important to children.
   Vitamin K also enhances blood clotting which reduces the extent and duration of
   bleeding during injury.
3. Cardiovascular health: cardiovascular chiefly consists of the heart which pumps blood
   and the vessels which serve as a distribution channel. Cucumber contains a good amount of soluble fiber. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), fiber can help manage cholesterol and prevent related cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis
   (deposition of fat on arteries), high blood pressure among others. Reducing sodium intake (by reducing salt intake, potash intake) and increasing potassium intake may help prevent high blood pressure.
4. Diabetes: Cucumbers may play a role in controlling and preventing diabetes. It contains
   substances that may help lower blood sugar or stop blood glucose from rising too high.
   One theory is that the cucurbitacins in cucumber help regulate insulin release and the metabolism of hepatic glycogen, a key hormone in the processing of blood sugar. One study found that cucumber peel helped manage the symptoms of diabetes in mice. This may be due to its antioxidant content. Fiber, too, may help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, according to the AHA. Cucumbers score low score on the glycemic index (GI).
   This means they provide essential nutrients without adding carbohydrates that can
   increase blood glucose levels.
5. Skincare: Some research has suggested that cucumber’s nutrients may provide benefits for skin health. Applying sliced cucumber directly to the skin can help cool and soothe

the skin and reduce swelling and irritation. It can alleviate sunburn. Placed on the eyes,
they can help decrease morning puffiness.
Other cucumber beauty tips include :
Toner: Blend and sieve cucumber to collect the juice for a natural toner. Leave on the
skin for 30 minutes, then rinse. Cucumber may have astringent properties, and it may
help clear the pores.
Face pack: Mix equal amounts of cucumber juice and yogurt to make a face pack that
helps reduce dry skin and blackheads. Cucumber is safe for most people to use on the
skin. People should start by applying a small amount. If they do not experience an
adverse reaction, it is probably safe to use.

Other health benefits include:

• It contains antioxidants which help to mop up free radicals. Free radicals are
  dangerous to health as it’s accumulation can result in chronic illnesses including
  cancer.
• It aids in weight loss as it contains a very low amount of calories and high amounts of
  water.
  Here are few ways you can incorporate cucumbers into your diet
• Baked Cucumber Chips
• Quick Pickled Cucumbers
• Thai Cucumber Salad
• Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber and Mint-Infused Water
• Cucumber and Mint Sorbet
• Cucumber Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese

Take home message

Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any diet. They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as high water content. Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity, and lower blood sugar levels.
So any time you come across a cucumber seller, don’t hesitate to pick some for yourself and your loved cause what is good for you is also good for them. If this was helpful, please share it with your friends and family and don’t forget to leave a comment. For further info and details hit me up.

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