Cucumbers are healthy and water-rich. Consuming cucumber may reduce blood sugar, minimize constipation, and aid weight loss. Eating the peel boosts cucumber's health advantages.
Cucumbers provide many vitamins and minerals but few calories. A 10.62-ounce (301-gram) raw, unpeeled cucumber contains: Calories 45 Total fat: 0.3g Carbs: 11g Protein: 2 g Fiber: 1.5 g Vitamin C: 8 g Vitamin K: 49 mcg Magnesium39 micrograms Potassium: 442 mg Manganese: 0.2 mg The average serving size is one-third of a cucumber, yet it provides one-third of the nutrients mentioned.
Antioxidants prevent oxidation, which creates extremely reactive atoms with free radicals. Free radicals can cause various chronic diseases. Free radical-induced oxidative stress is linked to cancer, heart, lung, and autoimmune illnesses. Fruits and vegetables, especially cucumbers, are high in antioxidants that may lower the risk of certain illnesses.
Water performs many vital functions in the body. Temperature regulation and waste and nutrient movement are involved. Hydration affects metabolism and performance. Food may supply 40% of your fluid needs, but water and other liquids provide majority. Fruits and vegetables are good water sources.
Cucumbers may aid weight loss in several ways. To begin, they are low in calories. Each one-cup (104-gram) portion has 16 calories, while an 11-ounce (300-gram) cucumber has 45. You can eat lots of cucumbers without gaining weight. Cucumbers can replace higher-calorie ingredients in salads, sandwiches, and sides. Cucumbers' high water content may also promote weight loss.
Many animal and test-tube experiments have shown that cucumbers may lower blood sugar and avoid diabetes complications. A 2010 animal study The Trusted Source developed diabetes in mice and gave them cucumber peel extract. Cucumber peel reduced blood sugar and corrected most diabetes-related alterations. One 2016 test-tube study also Cucumbers may reduce oxidative stress and diabetes problems, according to Trusted Source.
Dehydration can cause constipation by altering water balance and making stool passage difficult. Hydrating cucumbers are high in water. Keep hydrated to enhance stool consistency, reduce constipation, and maintain regularity. Cucumber fiber regulates bowel motions. Cucumber pectin, a soluble fiber, can stimulate bowel movements.