Cucumber or kheera is a commonly preferred companion to various North Indian meals. A plate of cucumber sprinkled with a pinch of black salt and some lemon juice works as a great appetizer or a salad. It also acts as a brilliant hydrant in summers. Being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, there are many health benefits of cucumber which is easily available throughout the year. Additionally, cucumber has fewer calories that may aid in weight loss. While it is considered a vegetable, did you know that cucumber is actually a fruit? In this article, we will discuss the ultimate health benefits and some side -effects of eating cucumber.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits Of Eating Cucumber
Did you know that you can maximize the benefits of cucumber by including its peel during consumption? The peel of cucumber provides the essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals in the right amount therefore, try not to discard this precious part of the fruit. You must ensure the cucumber does not have any remnants of sprayed pesticides, especially if you plan to consume cucumber with the peel. Wash it thoroughly in fresh water before adding it to your meal.
1. Keeps Our Body Hydrated
A cucumber is made up of 96% water. It keeps our body hydrated and protects us from dehydration– a common phenomenon during summers. The lack of water in our body or dehydration can lead to many problems such as sunstroke, vomiting, and dizziness. In addition to keeping your body hydrated, cucumber water also helps you detoxify your body as it contains antioxidants that fight against free radicals and flush out toxins from the body.
2. Good Source Of Protein
300-gram cucumber has 2 grams of protein along with other necessary nutrients. Protein-rich food is necessary to make our bones strong. It also gives strength to the body to fight with several diseases.
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3. Rich In Vitamins
Cucumber is a storehouse of essential vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C helps in fighting against diseases, on the other hand, Vitamin K regulates the metabolism of calcium and bones and regualtes the formation of blood clots.
4. Can Regulate Sugar Levels
Cucumber is especially recommended to people who are suffering from diabetes, as it helps produce insulin in the pancreas and transforms the carbohydrates into energy. Several studies have shown that cucumber is helpful in diabetes as it also helps in lowering and managing blood sugar levels.
5. Helps In Maintaining Blood Pressure
Cucumber has potassium, magnesium, and fiber which are beneficial for healthy blood flow in the body. The rise and fall of blood pressure are sometimes related to how adequately blood is reaching the various parts of the body through the blood vessels. To maintain healthy blood pressure, cucumber can be added as a side to your main meals or a mid snack.
6. Good For Your Heart
We have already discussed that cucumber helps in maintaining normal blood flow in the body. It makes your heart healthy as it helps in regulating the blood pressure so it is compelling to include cucumber to your balanced diet for optimum results.
7. Helpful For Healthy Digestion
If you have been eating cucumber without its peel then you may not be receiving the maximum benefits that this fruit promises. The cucumber peel is a rich source of fiber and vitamins which are essential in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It has plenty of water that can relieve problems like gas, constipation, and burning sensation in the stomach. Alternatively, you can also have cucumber juice which is equally good for digestion. For consuming the peel of cucumber, ensure that it is washed properly, and is ideally grown organically.
8. Aids Weight Loss
If you are struggling to lose weight then adding cucumber to your diet can be very beneficial. Even though cucumber has very few calories but it’s rich in fiber that makes the stomach feel full for longer and less hungry too, thus cucumber for weight loss may be a great choice! Around 300gm of cucumber contains only 45 calories approximately! So not only will it fill you up, when the body uses energy to digest it, you end up losing more calories! So, at the end, cucumber becomes a negative calorie food, and that is great for any kind of calorie-restrictive diet that aims at weight loss.
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9. Improves Eye Health
Apart from other health benefits of cucumber, it is very effective for swelling and dark circles in the under-eye area. Cucumber is cold in nature, thus thinly cut slices of cucumber placed on top of shut eyes soothe the eyes by cooling them and helps fight the burning sensation due to allergies or heat. So next time if you see any leftover slices of cucumber in your salad plate, (unsalted, of course) don’t just toss them off.
10. Promotes Skin Wellness
Cucumber can also be extremely beneficial when applied topically. It hydrates the skin and relieves the burning sensation caused by sunburn. The use of cucumber on the skin provides a cooling effect during the scorching summer months. You can also spray chilled cucumber water on your skin to keep it cool.
11. For Strong And Healthy Hair
You can also utilize the benefits of cucumber by adding it to your hair care routine during summers. Sulphur and silicon auroras are found in cucumber which is known for boosting hair health. These two compounds are effective in strengthening the roots of the hair as well as in controlling hair fall. Cucumber juice combined with carrot juice can be applied on hair to achieve strong and beautiful tresses!
Dishes To Make With Cucumber
Cucumber Salad
It is very easy to include cucumber in your diet as a salad to enjoy its maximum benefits. As mentioned earlier, try to consume it with the peel on. You can add other fruits or vegetables of your choice to make it a wholesome meal or a side to enjoy any time of the day.
Cucumber Sandwich
Cucumber can come to your rescue when hunger pangs strike at an odd hour. A sandwich is an easy and quick option to put together, even if with minimum ingredients. Take a couple of slices of bread and put slices of tomato and cucumber on both, add a little cheese if you like. Sprinkle some salt and spices as per your taste. You can also experiment further with your cucumber sandwich, depending on the available ingredients.
Cucumber And Potato Salad
First of all, boil a few potatoes and peel them. Mash them with a fork and add spices as you do for the aaloo paranthas. Cut the cucumber into pieces and add them in the potato masala and enjoy your salad! You can a variety of toppings to enhance the flavors. Try mustard, mayo, green chutney, or a garlic dip to make it all come together. Top it with mint leaves, coriander and a dash of lemon to jazz it up more.
Watermelon And Cucumber Salad
The combination of cucumber and watermelon is great for summers, as both of them are meant to cool your body. You just need to peel and cut them into cubes to make this salad. Sprinkle some balk salt, squeeze a lemon for enhancing the taste.
Cucumber Juice
Cucumber benefits can be enjoyed in the form of juice as well. Peel the cucumber and cut into pieces. Put them in the blender with the right amount of water and blend it. Strain it and add lemon juice and sugar. You can also use ginger in it. Serve chilled!
Side-Effects Of Cucumber
Allergy
If you are allergic to some fruit or vegetable and you think cucumber may cause allergy then you must confirm with your doctor before consuming cucumber.
Be Careful During Pregnancy
Even though cucumber benefits are innumerable, it should still be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. It would be better to consult your doctor regarding the quantity and frequency of intake.
Stomach Problems
There are many benefits of eating cucumber indeed, but moderation is the key. High intake of cucumber can lead to stomach problems like loose motions, stomach aches, and bloating.
Conclusion
Cucumber is a common fruit that can be easily found in Indian homes and is mostly eaten as a salad. The advantages of cucumber are simply amazing! Being rich in water and cold in nature, cucumber slices will help your body stay cool during the hot summer months. It can protect you from many chronic diseases due to its detoxifying nature. Therefore, you must include this fruit in your diet in innovative ways to optimize the benefits.
FAQs
Why we shouldn’t eat cucumber at night?
Cucumber must be eaten in moderation due to its high water content. Consuming large quantities of this fruit can fill the bladder or cause bloating, which may disturb your sleep at night.
Is It good to eat cucumber every day?
The right amount of cucumber consumption is healthy because it is abundant in vitamins, minerals, protein, water, soluble fiber, and antioxidants which are essential for the body.
Can cucumber reduce belly fat?
Cucumber is known for getting you in shape. It has only 45 calories and 96% water so it is a great food choice to pick for weight loss.
Is cucumber good for the heart?
Apart from other health benefits of cucumber, it keeps the blood pressure in control which further reduces the risk of heart diseases.
