There are many health benefits associated with eating cucumbers that you may not realize.
Here are the unexpected effects of eating cucumbers as pointed out by nutrition experts:
There are many health benefits associated with eating cucumbers.
Significant effect in helping to stabilize blood pressure
A 2017 study, showed that people’s blood pressure decreased after they drank cucumber juice. Study participants drank the juice of a cucumber mixed with water twice a day for seven days.
Study shows ‘significant effect’ of cucumber juice on lowering blood pressure
Research shows “significant effects” of cucumber juice on lowering blood pressure. While cucumbers aren’t traditionally included in smoothies, this may be a reason to juice a cucumber today if you have high blood pressure.
However, these are early studies, so if you have high blood pressure, you should still follow your doctor’s instructions for medication.
May Help Prevent Diabetes
According to Harvard Health, when trying to avoid diabetes, your best bet is to start adjusting your diet—avoiding processed carbohydrates, ditching sugary drinks, and limiting red meat. In addition to those dietary choices, it’s important to start eating more foods with a low glycemic index (GI).
Cucumbers have a glycemic index of 15, making them a relatively low GI food.
GI is a number assigned to different foods, ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the glycemic index of a food, the more a person’s blood sugar will rise after eating it.
Eating foods with a low GI may help reduce insulin resistance, which may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to the Journal of Nutrition.
Cucumbers have a glycemic index of 15, making them a relatively low GI food.
Hydrate More
If you need to hydrate, snack on a few slices of cucumber instead of drinking a big bottle of water.
According to a survey of French and British populations published by Nutrients, cucumbers are over 95% water – meaning that in addition to being a crunchy snack, you’re also getting a boost of hydration while eating them.
“Cucumbers can help contribute to your overall daily fluid intake and keep your body feeling hydrated and functioning optimally,” says Dr. Kristin Gillespie.
May aid weight loss
Cucumbers are very low in calories and contain water, so they are a great snack for those looking to lose weight.
There are a number of routes that people looking to lose weight take when adjusting their diet. One step that should be taken is to add cucumbers to their diet. Not only are cucumbers delicious when combined with a variety of dishes, but they are also a healthy food that can help promote weight loss.
Cucumbers are very low in calories and contain water, making them a great snack for those looking to lose weight.
Avoid constipation
In a study published in Fitoterapia from Jadavapur University, it was said that cucumber seeds can help “prevent constipation.” Additionally, they have a “cooling effect” on the body.
The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine recommends adding cucumbers to many dishes to help relieve constipation.
Avoid Bloating
“Cucumbers are rich in nutrients that can help eliminate water retention, inflammation, and ultimately bloating,” says nutritionist Lisa Richards, author of The Candida Diet.
Richards adds that cucumbers are also a good stomach food because their fiber content can promote good gut health and bowel movements.
