11.8.21

Health benefits of cucumber(kheera)





Cucumbers and salads are synonymous with each other. It is often considered as a fruit as well as a vegetable by experts as it belongs to the same plant family as that of the pumpkin, squash and watermelon, i.e. the Cucurbitaceae family.

Amazingly refreshing cucumbers are long and lean, available in many colours. They have a distinct mild melon-like taste and smell due to the presence of aldehydes. The slight bitterness of cucumber skin is because of cucurbitacins in it.
Regulates Blood Pressure:
Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre. These nutrients are known to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases.
Research has also proved that regular consumption of cucumber juice was helpful in reducing blood pressure, in elderly people with hypertension.
Hydration
Cucumbers consist mostly of water, and they also contain important electrolytes. They can help prevent dehydration in hot weather or after a workout.
For people who do not enjoy drinking water, adding cucumber and mint 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.
Cucumber benefits for men
There is a perception, perhaps because of its shape, that cucumber is especially beneficial to men’s health.
Although, as I mentioned it does contain manganese, which is needed for men’s sexual health, it should be made very clear that this slender, green fruit is is over 90% water. That fact alone makes it pretty easy to imagine just how many cucumbers you’d need to eat to reap the benefits of its manganese, silica or other nutrients.
That being said, there’s a popular belief that cucumber can help with erectile dysfunction.
It is widely accepted in the natural health community that all foods containing citrulline can benefit vascular health. Nutritional authority Nat Hawes, author of Nature Cures even goes so far as to say that eating citrulline-rich foods will reduce issues of erectile dysfunction in men suffering from low blood pressure.
Cucumber skin benefits
Cucumbere’s high water content, along with its trace amounts of nutrients, can help both men and women with the maintenance of young, vibrant skin. (See the mention of silica above.)
In addition, this crunchy, green fruit is known for prevent water retention which means cucumbers not only work as a cure of morning after eyes but can diminish bloat to keep you feeling your sexiest.
Cancer Fighter: The powerful polyphenols in cucumber called lignans help lower risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Other cancer combatting phytonutrients such as cucurbitacins are also present, and research has proven that these compounds can discontinue the development of estrogen-related cancer cells.
Strong in Antioxidants: This robust fruit has antioxidants like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and beneficial flavonoids such as quercetin, which is considered a natural antihistamine. The flavonoid Kaempferol also helps battle cancer and decreases the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
Healthy Urinary Tract & Kidneys: High water content encourages kidney cleansing through urination, and has also been shown to dissolve kidney stones over time if consumed regularly.
Cucumber for weight loss
Lastly, cucumber can help you if you’re looking to shed some unwanted pounds. (Maintaining an ideal body weight can benefit both sexual confidence as well as sexual performance.)
One 2016 study demonstrated how eating foods with high water content and low calories like cucumbers can aid in weight loss strategies.
Supports Joint Health: Studies have shown that extracts of cucumber have the power to halt the inflammatory response of enzymes such as cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). Silica in cucumbers also strengthens connective tissues, and if mixed with carrot juice can reduce pain caused by gout and arthritis by dropping uric acid levels
Promotes Digestive Health: High amounts of water and fiber greatly influence digestive regularity, and drinking more water helps to suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux. Insoluble fibers that make up the skin of cucumber allow food to move through the digestive tract quickly, and they contain an enzyme named Erepsin that also helps break down proteins. The daily consumption of cucumber is said to relieve digestive issues such as gastritis, heartburn, acidity, even ulcers, and constipation.
Heart Healthy: Cucumbers contain a ton of potassium, an essential electrolyte, which helps to lower blood pressure levels. Ions surrounding cells in your body must maintain a healthy balance of potassium to have synergy with sodium levels. This positively charged interaction regulates the aptitude of the heart, nerve impulse, and muscle contraction. Adequate levels of Vitamin K are also crucial to having a healthy blood flow throughout your body.
Anti-Wrinkle: Incorporated into many cosmetics, cucumber extracts counteract signs of aging and promote youthful skin. Nourishing vitamins and minerals like biotin and silica maintain radiant skin, hair, nails, and also fights cellulite!
Strong Gums & Fresh Breath: Pressing cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds defeats odor-causing bacteria. Principles of Ayurveda has also determined that cucumber cools down excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be the origin of bad breath. Research also proves that drinking the juice of cucumbers can successfully heal gum diseases such as weak gums and pyorrhea.
 Cancer
As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family of plants, cucumbers contain high levels of bitter-tasting nutrients known as cucurbitacin.
According to an article in the International Journal of Health Services, cucurbitacins may help prevent cancer by stopping cancer cells from reproducing.
A 133-g cupTrusted Source of chopped cucumber with its skin also provides around 1 g of fiber. Fiber may help protect against colorectal cancer.
Brain Protection: Cucumbers contain flavonols, which help to improve memory and shield your nerve cells from degeneration that naturally occurs over time. A flavonol called fisetin has shown to prevent learning and memory decline in those that have Alzheimer’s disease.
Essential for Diabetes: Cucumbers contain critical hormones, which help the pancreas produce more insulin. This is vital to maintaining a normal blood glucose level, and can even balance high or low blood pressures.
Inflammation
Cucumbers may have anti-inflammatory benefitsTrusted Source. Inflammation is a function of the immune system.
Experts believe inflammation may help trigger the development of various health conditions,
cardiovascular disease
diabetes
autoimmune conditions
depression
cancer
Cucumber contains phosphorus which is a key nutrient for hormonal balance in the body. Cucumbers contain around 4% of the phosphorus suggested for daily intake for adults. To reap its maximum benefit, add it to your daily diet and stay healthy.
Soothes our Eyes:
Keeping cucumber slices on the eyes for about 10 minutes relaxes our eyes and reduces puffiness around the eyes.
How to consume cucumbers?
It is best to eat cucumbers unpeeled, to prevent loss of some fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Raw cucumbers can be tossed in salads, sandwiches and curd for a crunchy taste.
You can make sabzi and soups out of them.

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