14 Reasons why cucumbers should be given more attention

Monday, September 30, 2013 by: Sandeep Godiyal
Tags: cucumbers, health benefits, nutrition

(NaturalNews) Cucumbers are one of those foods that never seem to get any time in the limelight, even though it is one of the most widely cultivated vegetables in the world. For various reasons, this vegetable should be given more attention than it is currently getting.

The following health benefits have been cited as reasons why cucumbers should be included in a person's diet

• Cucumbers Keep the Body Hydrated

Cucumbers are 90% water, which means eating one is as refreshing as a glass of water. Eating cucumbers, especially in the hot summer months, will keep the body hydrated.

• Sunburn Relief

Cucumbers can also refresh topically. Slices of cucumber will help soothe and relieve sunburns.

• Toxin Eliminator

With 90% water content, cucumbers can help flush out toxins from the body. In fact, regular eating of cucumbers will help dissolve and flush out even kidney stones.

• Packed with Vitamins

Cucumbers are rich in most essential vitamins that the body needs. They contain vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and gives the body more energy and a youthful glow. Consuming a power-combo juice of cucumber, spinach and carrot a day will boost a person's immune system to fight common viruses like colds and flu. Make sure to include the skin, as it contains 12% of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C.

• Beautiful Skin

Spas always include cucumbers because they are rich in magnesium, potassium and silicon.

• Good for Weight Watchers

Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water, making them ideal for those who want to lose a few pounds. They are also high in fiber that aids digestion and can be a cure for constipation. They can be used in soups and salads, or alone as a healthy, crunchy snack.

• Revitalizes Eyes

Ladies with cucumber slices over their eyes are a common sight in magazines and movies, but it really works. Aside from the water content, cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties that help with the swelling.

• Anti-Cancer Food

Cucumbers have lariciresinol, secoisolariciresinol, and pinoresinol. These have been found to prevent certain types of cancer, such as breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancer.

• Controls Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Blood Sugar Levels

Cucumbers contain a hormone that is needed for the pancreas's production of insulin, the hormone which diabetic patients usually lack. Cucumbers also contain sterols that lower blood cholesterol. As for regulating blood pressure, the cucumber's abundance in fiber, magnesium and potassium all work effectively for that. In fact, cucumbers are effective in those who experience either high blood pressure or low blood pressure.

• Oral Help

The juice of a cucumber heals and soothes the gums. The phytochemicals also help eliminate bad breath. Try placing a slice of cucumber on the roof of the mouth and pressing it there using the tongue for about a minute.

• Healthy Hair and Nails

Cucumber also contains silica, which is known to make hair and nails shiny and strong. Aside from that, cucumber also contains sulfur, which promotes hair growth.

• Good for the Joints

The silica in cucumber also helps repair and strengthen connective tissue, making it good for joints and for treating arthritis. Especially when coupled with carrots, cucumber can also treat gout by lowering the blood's uric acid level.

• Good for Hangovers

For those expecting a massive hangover, a few cucumber slices eaten before bedtime can help relieve that morning headache. The B vitamins, electrolytes and sugar in cucumbers replenish those that were depleted, thus helping to tone down hangovers.

• Kidney Health

As cucumbers help in lowering the blood's uric acid, cucumbers help in keeping the kidneys healthy too.

Sources:

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com

http://www.disabled-world.com

http://www.rcuv.org

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://truthwiki.org/Cucumbers

About the author:
Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.

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