Cucumber is the most common green vegetable in spring and summer. Although it looks ordinary, its nutritional value should not be underestimated. Let's take a look at the amazing effects of cucumber on our body!
1. Detoxification:
Nutrient-rich cucumber is beneficial for "cleaning" the body of toxins and also helps prevent kidney stones. Cucumber is rich in various vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin C. It is worth mentioning that eating cucumber with the skin on enhances the effect of vitamin supplementation.
2. Weight loss:
Cucumber is high in water content and low in calories, making it beneficial for weight loss. The dietary fiber in cucumber helps prevent constipation. People who want to lose weight should eat more cucumbers. However, remember to eat fresh cucumbers instead of pickled cucumbers, as pickled cucumbers contain salt and can cause weight gain. Cucumber has a blood sugar lowering effect and is the best food for diabetics. The bitterness in cucumber has an anti-cancer effect. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that cucumber has the effects of clearing heat, quenching thirst, diuresis, and reducing swelling. It is not suitable to eat cucumber as a fruit. Cucumber should be consumed in moderation as a fruit. Cucumbers have less vitamin content, so when eating cucumbers regularly, it is advisable to eat other vegetables and fruits as well.
3. Prevention of diabetes and hypertension:
A hormone in cucumber is beneficial for pancreatic secretion of insulin and helps improve diabetes. Steroidal components in cucumber are beneficial for lowering cholesterol. The fructose and other constituents in cucumber do not participate in the usual sugar metabolism, so diabetic patients can use cucumber instead of starchy foods to satisfy hunger without raising blood sugar levels. Cucumber is a good food for diabetics. The rich dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium in cucumber are beneficial for regulating blood pressure and preventing hypertension.
4. Fresh breath:
Cucumber juice is beneficial for curing gum diseases and regular consumption can freshen breath.
5. Healthy hair and nails:
The silicon in cucumber makes hair smoother and nails shinier and stronger. The sulfur and silicon in cucumber also stimulate hair growth.
6. Skincare:
Cucumber is rich in vitamin C, carotene, and cucumber juice has a certain effect on eliminating freckles and whitening the skin. Cucumber oil in cucumber has a good effect on absorbing ultraviolet rays, preventing sunburn, and preventing skin cancer. Using cucumber slices or cucumber juice to apply on the face after sun exposure in summer also has a certain repairing effect. Cucumber also has a special beauty function. Using cucumber juice to clean and protect the skin or using crushed cucumber to smooth wrinkles is quite effective.
Although cucumber can be eaten as a fruit or vegetable, its vitamin and other nutrient content is relatively low, so it is not recommended to consume it alone. It is best to eat it together with other vegetables and fruits to ensure the body gets all the necessary nutrients. Also, when eating raw cucumbers, be sure to wash them thoroughly to avoid digestive diseases.
