What Are Cucumbers?
Long, lean, and green cucumbers are common garden crops. Although they are technically fruits related to watermelons and pumpkins, most people regard them as vegetables.
Native to India, cucumbers taste somewhat melon-like and occasionally can be a little bitter.
Is there anything more refreshing than a glass of water with slices of cucumber in it? (Bonus points if you cover your eyes with those slices later.)
But do eating cucumbers genuinely provide any nutritional advantages? Or is eating cucumbers equivalent to eating iceberg lettuce?
- Cucumbers are super nutritious.
Here’s the nutrition info for one cup of cucumbers:
- Calories: 16
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g (0 g saturated)
- Fiber: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
And beyond their low-cal package, cucumbers pack a lot of important nutrients:
- Vitamin C: 14 percent of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 62 percent of the RDI
- Magnesium: 10 percent of the RDI
- Potassium: 13 percent of the RDI
- Manganese: 12 percent of the RDI
2. Micronutrients and antioxidants are present in them.
Scientists have been working diligently to disprove the notion that cucumbers are only a salad filler. Cucumbers include a class of polyphenols called lignans, which, according to the Journal of Aging Research and Clinical Practice, may be useful in curing malignancies linked to estrogen.
3. Consuming cucumbers might lower your blood pressure.
You have a higher chance of suffering from a stroke, aneurysm, or even worse if you have high blood pressure or hypertension. According to the American Heart Association, cucumbers may lessen sodium-induced water retention and thus lower blood pressure since they are rich in the electrolyte potassium.
4. They can maintain a healthy digestive system.
Cucumbers have very few calories, and the majority of those calories come from fiber. Perez claims that fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements and intestinal health, helps control illnesses like diabetes and high cholesterol, and even fills you up to keep you from overeating.
5. You stay incredibly hydrated with cucumbers.
For several reasons, including delivering nutrients to your cells, avoiding constipation, and eliminating germs, staying hydrated is essential. According to Perez, eating cucumbers can help you consume the appropriate amount of fluids each day (eight cups of H2O, FYI).
6. They satisfy your stomach.
Cucumbers include a lot of fiber, which is important for promoting a healthy gut, as was already discussed. However, they truly shine in this area when consumed in pickle form. ICYMI: Cucumbers are used to make pickles, along with the proper proportions of salt, vinegar, and pickling spices. According to Taub-Dix, the fermentation process turns them into the ideal fuel for your gut. Increasing the “good bacteria” in your gut is linked to many advantages, including improved immunity and efficient intestines.
7. They could encourage a healthy weight.
Cucumbers are undoubtedly a terrific complement to an otherwise healthy lifestyle that is rich in vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein, but no one meal or exercise is solely responsible for weight reduction or maintenance. According to Perez, “they can aid in weight reduction in that if you eat more of them, you’ll be less tempted to consume junk food since they can be a satisfying dish.
8. Diabetes may be controlled with cucumbers.
Cucumbers are essential for controlling diabetes, much as how they may help you maintain a healthy weight. Again, Perez makes the point that because they are high in water, they expand in your stomach and lessen your need for sugary foods, which is an excellent approach to controlling insulin levels.
9. Your bones could get stronger as a result.
Consider eating vitamin K-rich cucumbers more frequently if you want to maintain healthy bones in addition to calcium. According to research published in the journal PLoS Medicine, postmenopausal women who consumed five milligrams of vitamin K daily for two years had 50% fewer fractures than the control group. However, if you take any blood thinners, consult your doctor before increasing your consumption of cucumbers suddenly because vitamin K aids in blood clotting.
10. They have a ton of culinary versatility.
Since cucumbers have a neutral flavor, they go great in many different recipes or as a quick snack
