The benefits of cucumbers or cucumbers for body health are no longer in doubt. Not only good for preventing dehydration, this fruit, which is often considered a vegetable, is also beneficial for skin health, improves digestion, and supports a successful diet.
The health benefits of cucumbers are obtained from antioxidants and various nutrients contained in them, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, cucumbers are also low in calories, but contain high amounts of water and fiber.
Discussing more about the Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Here are some of the health benefits of cucumbers and their explanations that are important for you to know:
1. Prevents dehydration
In order to meet the needs of body fluids and avoid dehydration, you need to drink about 7-8 glasses of water per day. However, if you feel bored with plain water, you can add pieces of cucumber or other fruit to the water to make infused water. This will make drinking water fresher and more nutritious.
2. Fight free radicals
Cucumber antioxidants, such as flavonoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and tannins, can prevent and counteract the effects of free radicals that damage body cells. These compounds also play an important role in preventing the occurrence of various diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.
3. Smooth digestion
Its high water and fiber content makes cucumber useful for preventing and treating constipation. You can eat cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables when you are having difficulty defecating.
4. Help lose weight
If you are trying to lose weight, from now on try to reduce your intake of high calories, fat, and sugar, such as fast food, packaged drinks, ice cream, and soft drinks. To support the success of your diet program, consume low-calorie foods, such as cucumbers.
Fiber in cucumbers can also make you feel full longer, so you can more easily control your appetite.
5. Mekeep skin healthy
Consuming cucumbers is very good for adequate intake of fluids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to maintain moisture and healthy skin. In addition, cucumbers can also be used as a natural skin mask to treat dry skin, skin irritation, and sunburn.sunburn).
6. Prevent the growth of cancer cells
Research shows that a high intake of antioxidants can reduce a person's risk for various types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, and colon cancer.
The benefits of cucumbers to prevent cancer are thanks to their antioxidant content cucurbitacin, lignans, and flavonoids in it which can prevent the growth of cancer cells.
7. Maintain bone health
The next benefit of cucumber that is no less important is maintaining bone health. Studies show that vitamin K and calcium in cucumbers can increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
Tips for Serving Fresh and Healthy Cucumber Water
Cucumbers are often served as a food garnish or consumed directly as fresh vegetables or salad. However, cucumbers can also be processed into a refreshing drink, you know.
Here are tips for serving cucumber-based drinks that you might try at home:
Materials needed:
- 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 limes
- 2 lemons
- 2 green tea bags
- 1 liter of plain soda
- 1 liter of warm water
- A pinch of mint leaves
- Ice cubes as needed.
Manufacturing steps:
- Add mint leaves and teabags to warm water and leave for 5-10 minutes.
- Squeeze the lemons and limes, then mix them into the tea brew. Don't forget to separate a few slices of lemon for later use as decoration.
- When the mixture has settled, add the cucumber slices, then serve the drink with ice cubes and plain soda, and embellish it with a lemon wedge.
There are many variations of other drink recipes that you can make using a mixture of cucumbers and other fruits. Mix according to your taste in order to get the various benefits of cucumber for the health of the body in a more pleasant way.
After knowing the various benefits of cucumber, from now on don't ignore the presence of this fruit on your plate. If you still have questions about the benefits of cucumber for health, you can also consult directly with your doctor.