The Health Benefits of Cucumber

The health benefits of cucumber are more than skin deep. They are a valuable source of essential minerals, vitamins and fiber. The following article will explore the many health benefits of cucumber and related vegetables.

The first major health benefits of cucumber pertains to cardiovascular health. One glass of cucumber water has only 15 calories, but it makes a strong impression on your stomach, leaving you with a feeling of fullness. In addition to an incredible low calorie count, cucumbers boasts impressive levels of potassium, vitamin K, magnesium and folic acid all of which contribute to reduced blood pressure. Cucumbers also contain significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus and potassium all of which play an important role in bone health.

The next major benefit is that cucumbers are extremely easy to make into delicious salads. There are countless varieties available at your local grocer. Most include cucumber slices, hearts or slices of red bell pepper, tomatoes and onions. You can make a cucumber salad that is loaded with vegetables and flavor by selecting a variety that is firm and crisp instead of crisp and soft. Some varieties, such as the organic Jerusalem artichoke, have the most nutritious ingredients of any vegetable and are high in antioxidants as well. They are typically sold frozen but you may find a slicer that works with them if you make them at home.

The third health benefits of a cucumber are related to their impact on your intestinal flora. They naturally contain plenty of fiber and are easily digested. Fiber provides necessary assistance with removing toxins from your body that contribute to bloating, gas and excess salt in the blood. The fiber also helps regulate your cholesterol level as well as regulate your insulin levels to keep your blood glucose at healthy levels. Cucumbers are also a natural detoxifier meaning they help remove built up toxins in your intestines.

The fourth health benefits of a cucumber are related to their ability to provide moisture to the skin. Cucumbers contain a lot of nutrients, including potassium, sulfur and vitamin A. Potassium is especially important for repairing and maintaining dry skin. As an added bonus, cucumber juice is beneficial for your liver as it contains a high amount of sodium and bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate works as an antiseptic and shock absorber, helping to reduce inflammation around the livers and kidneys.

The last of the health benefits of a cucumber is related to their ability to improve digestion and help clear the stomach of unwanted gases. This is achieved through the improved digestive system action caused by the increased volume of the juice and its ability to move the food through the system more quickly. Other benefits include a higher absorption of nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, and the release of toxins that have been stored in the colon and intestines. Drinking cucumber water is a great way to achieve all of these things while improving your digestion.

Cucumbers come in a wide range of varieties, which means you can create salads and other dishes with them. One popular type of salad is made with cucumber slices, typically tossed in with olive oil or sunflower oil in order to give the salad its own special flavor and texture. There are a number of other salad recipes for you to try as well including chilled cucumber soup, veggie wraps, vegetable-stuffed olives and more. The key to enjoying the health benefits of cucumber is by consuming them on a regular basis and making sure they are incorporated into your diet in the right amounts.

If you would like to make some delicious salads for your family to enjoy, try cucumber slaw, cucumber soup or cucumber pizza. The health benefits of cucumber water make these tasty dishes even tastier. Try experimenting with different combinations of ingredients in order to find just the right combination for you. Slaws are especially nice at lunchtime when the meat on the slaw may get a little cold. Cucumber soup is another great idea because it pairs very well with chicken, beef or pork. Make sure that you vary the vegetables that you pair this with in order to keep the taste exciting.