Why you should start eating cucumber

MANILA, Philippines – Our body needs various minerals and nutrients to keep us active. However, not all of us have the time and dime to eat everything on the food section to get those nutrients. Good thing Mother Nature has gifted us with food that can guarantee good health without having to spend much.

Previous researchers found that eating just a handful of firm, dark green cucumbers will improve overall health. So the next time you shop for food, make sure to drop them into your shopping cart and savor the following health benefits:

Keeps you hydrated
Cucumber is a member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae, along with honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon. It consists of 90-95 percent water, making it a good ally for combating heat and dehydration while giving you a refreshing taste.

Promotes bone health
According to USDA National Nutrient Database, one cup of cucumber provides 11% of your daily vitamin K needs. The benefits of vitamin K is often overlooked, but one should not forget that it is necessary for bone health because it improves your bone density and binds calcium and other important minerals into your bone matrix.

Prevents cardiovascular diseases and cancer
Cucumbers also contain lignans, which research has shown may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as several types of cancer. According to an article of Mercola.com, one study published in September 2003 in the International Journal of Oncology, found that treating lung cancer patients with vitamin K2 slowed the growth of cancer cells, and previous studies have shown benefit in treating leukemia. While in 2008, a German research group discovered vitamin K2 provides substantial protection against prostate cancer, one of the most common types of cancer among men in the United States.

Rejuvenates skin
Ever wonder why putting cucumber slices on face has been a beauty regimen for centuries? This is because cucumber has anti-inflammatory properties that soothes puffy eyes, skin irritations and sunburns.

Lowers blood pressure
A glass of cucumber juice a day can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.skin-friendly minerals such as magnesium, potassium and silicon which keeps the skin hydrated and glowing.

Improves memory
The flavonol that can be found in cucumber is shown to improve memory and protect nerve cells from age-related decline.

Flushes toxins
Because of the water composition of cucumber, it is considered as diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination, which helps in the dissolution of kidney stones. It also lowers uric acid levels in your system.

Wards off bad breath
Save yourself from shame by placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth. The photochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth. According to Mercola, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath.

Reduce stress
B vitamins found in cucumber are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and prevent some of the harmful effects of stress.

Promotes healthy digestion
The insoluble fiber found in the cucumber skin helps food to move through your digestive tract more rapidly for the healthy elimination of stool.

Aids in weight loss
One cup of peeled cucumber contains 16 calories, 0.2 grams of fat and 2.9 grams of carbohydrate (including 0.9 grams of fiber and 1.8 grams of sugar), making it a good snack without compromising your diet.