Cucumbers are a great addition to your salad or to have as a snack. They are good for keeping cool during summer and great for hydration. Cucumbers are also full of nutritional benefits that help with several disorders. We all know about the cucumbers on the eyes after a tough night but what else can these little round rings do?
In around half a cup of raw, chopped, un-peeled cucumber there is 10.2 micrograms of Vitamin K for starters. There is also 19.9mg of calcium. Vitamin K is good for assisting calcium absorption. Together they help optimize bone health. The same half a cup provides you with 2% of your magnesium and potassium needs every day.
Health Benefits
Some of the health benefits that cucumbers provide includes help with Osteoarthritis. This is an age-related condition that’s caused by wear and tear to the joints. It’s caused by underlying inflammation in the body. Managing symptoms is very important as well as the causes. Medical management involves high doses of painkillers and anti-inflammatories which will kill your gut. These also have a number of side effects and dependency risks. Cucumis sativus is an extract from cucumbers. It has been found to work well in managing osteoarthritis, possibly better than glucosamine-chondroitin. Studies involving patients diagnosed with moderate knee osteoarthritis, found that the cucumber extract worked better than the glucosamine-chondroitin. Remember everyone is different and what works for your friend may not work for you. That is why you need to always consult your natural therapist before you start any line of treatment. Studies have determined that cucumber was very effective when it came to reducing pain related to moderate knee Osteoarthritis. It is a great alternative for use in the management of knee pain, stiffness and physical functions.
Balance Cholesterol
Cucumber seed is usually used as a lipid-lowering supplement and is effective with mild cases of hyperlipidemia. This is a high level of cholesterol, triglycerides or both. In a study people were given cucumber seed extract. They took 500mg daily. The results showed positive effects on serum lipid profile in the patients.
Diabetes Complications
Cucumber is very good for controlling glucose levels and for reducing diabetes-related complications. One study to note was researchers analysing the protective effects of cucumbers in oxidative and carbonyl stress. These have essential roles in the development of diabetes. Diabetes often develops bad complications. They increase free radical production and impair antioxidant defences in the body. Extracts of cucumber were able to prevent oxidative stress and carbonyl stress.
Stroke
A study of white fruit and veg was conducted in terms of reducing the risk of stroke. Cucumber was included in this as it has a white centre. It was found that a generally high consumption of these fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of having a stroke. Other fruits and vegetables tested were apples, pears, bananas, cauliflower and chicory.
So adding a little cucumber into your daily diet will bring great health benefits. A quick salad for lunch or dinner, on a sandwich with chicken or just the English style cucumber sandwiches on a hot day. Either way it’s a winner!