The Health Benefits of Cucumbers
By Sara Butler
Cucumbers must overcome a bit of a stigma. Many people assume these crisp vegetables are lacking in nutrients because they’re high in water but pale in color. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Of course, their water content is one of their many health perks, but there are other ways cucumbers are a boon to your health and wellness. Here are just a few of the reasons that you may want to think about adding more cucumbers to your diet!
They Promote Healthy Bones
One of the most prevalent nutrients in cucumbers is Vitamin K. This vitamin is essential to bone health and getting enough of it in your diet can reduce your risk of fracture and osteoporosis. Eating just one cup of cucumber with the peel provides your body with 20 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin K.
They’re Good for your Heart
Cucumbers are full of antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which help to protect you against heart disease. In studies, people who eat cucumbers, and more importantly their seeds, lowered their total cholesterol and decreased bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
They’re Full of Water
Staying hydrated is very important, especially when it’s hot outside. If you’ve had your fill of drinking glass after glass of water, don’t forget that some foods are a great source of fluid too -- and cucumbers are one of them. One medium cucumber contains almost an entire cup of liquid, which helps to shore up your fluid intake.
They May Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Cucumbers, just like flax, cabbage, kale, and sesame seeds, are full of a natural substance called lignans. Your digestive tracts -- and the bacteria that live in there -- convert lignans into compounds that bind to estrogen receptors, which may help to protect against estrogen-related forms of cancer such as uterine, breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
They are Good for Your Skin
You’ve probably seen people put some sliced cucumbers over their eyes to help take away puffiness -- something that actually works! Since cucumbers are full of water, caffeic acid, and Vitamin C, they can help to topically soothe irritated and inflamed skin.
Cucumbers are easy to find, easy to eat, and incredible for your health, so don’t discount how good this seemingly simple vegetable is for you and your health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lynnwood, Wash.