10 Benefits of Cucumber, Many Don't Know, Here!

 

Cucumber or Cucumis sativus is one of the fruits that is quite popular in Indonesia to be used as pickles, vegetables and fresh drinks. This fruit has a high water content, so it feels refreshing when consumed. In addition to refreshing, it turns out that cucumbers have many benefits for the health of the body. Such as its ability to treat various diseases, including diabetes to provide a calming effect on skin irritation.

In addition to its health benefits, cucumber is also beneficial for beauty thanks to the presence of vitamin A and vitamin C which act as antioxidants.

Benefits and Efficacy of Cucumber for Health

Consuming cucumber is very good for health, especially if consumed wisely every day. Well, to find out more about cucumbers, check the information below, Toppers.

Cucumber Nutritional Content

The nutritional content in 300 grams (g) of unpeeled unpeeled cucumbers is as follows:

• Calories: 45 calories
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Vitamin C: 14% of the Nutritional Adequacy Rate (RDA)
• Vitamin K: 62% of RDA
• Magnesium: 10% of the RDA
• Potassium: 13% of RDA
• Manganese: 12% of the RDA

In addition, cucumber has an abundant water content which is about 96% water which helps overcome dehydration. It includes fruits that are low in calories, but contain high vitamins and minerals.

Benefits of Consuming Cucumber

With such abundant nutrients, it's no wonder that this fresh fruit has a myriad of benefits. Here are the benefits that you can get:

1. Rich in Antioxidants

One of the bad effects of being exposed to free radicals is that they can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to heart disease, cancer, autoimmune, and lung disease. Cucumber is very rich in antioxidants useful to reduce the condition. Cucumber antioxidants contain flavonoids and tannins which are two compounds that are very effective in blocking harmful free radicals.

2. Maintain bone health

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, unpeeled raw cucumber contains 10.2 mcg of vitamin K. Vitamin K is beneficial for supporting bone health and helping with blood clotting. In addition, cucumber also contains 19.9 mg of calcium. Vitamin K helps the absorption of calcium in the body and both contribute to maintaining healthy bones.

3. Cucumber is good for the heart

Citing medicalnewstoday.com site, cucumber contains fiber to prevent cardiovascular (heart disease). According to The American Heart Association (AHA), fiber helps manage cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. The content of magnesium and potassium in cucumbers is good for heart health. Dietary guidelines recommend adults consume 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium daily and 310-410 mg of magnesium, depending on gender and age.

5. Prevent Diabetes

Cucumber helps lower blood sugar, to stop blood glucose from rising too high. According to studies, cucumber skin contains antioxidants. Consumption of these vegetables can regulate the release of insulin, liver glycogen metabolism when processing blood sugar.

6. Lose weight

The next benefit of cucumber is that it has the potential to help you lose weight, because cucumber contains low calories. This means you can eat cucumbers without worrying about the impact on weight gain. You can consume it in the form of salads, sandwiches, or side dishes on several food menus. In addition, the high water content can help in significant weight loss.

7. Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

Based on several studies explain that cucumber has been proven to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications. Consumption of cucumber as a juice drink can help increase a special hormone needed by the pancreas to produce insulin.

8. Launch the Digestive System

One of the factors that cause constipation is due to lack of fluids in the body or dehydration. Eating cucumber can help facilitate bowel movements, so that it will avoid constipation. In addition, cucumber contains fiber that can help regulate bowel movements. The type of fiber found in cucumbers is pectin. Pectin itself is a type of soluble fiber that can help increase the frequency of bowel movements and nourish the digestive system.

9. Strengthens Bones

Calcium is not the only source of nutrients that can help nourish bones. The vitamin K in cucumbers can also help strengthen bones. One study found that post-menopausal women who took 5 mg of vitamin K daily had a lower risk of fractures than those who did not take vitamin K.

10. Maintaining Intestinal Health

Maintaining gut health is also one of the benefits of cucumber. Cucumbers contain lots of fiber which is good for supporting gut health, especially when consumed in pickled form. Pickled cucumbers coupled with some of the right mix of salt and vinegar will undergo a fermentation process that makes them the perfect fuel for the intestines.