Cucumber is a popular vegetable (technically a fruit) that’s been praised for it’s anti-inflammatory and detoxing effects. Unfortunately, not all of these benefits are as miraculous as you may have heard.
Many articles boasting the health benefits of cucumber are deceiving. They look at the roles of the nutrients found in cucumber, but the studies they look at test far greater quantities of these nutrients compared to what you’d find in an entire cucumber, let alone a normal serving size.
While cucumbers are low in most vitamins and minerals, they contain cucurbitacin E. This compound has some anti-inflammatory properties, and may reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.
It’s also a good source of vitamin K, which is an essential vitamin for blood clotting.
One of the benefits of cucumber is the high percentage of water. Cucumbers are 95% water. Most people are not getting adequate water intake, and are experiencing some level of dehydration.
Getting enough water in your diet can help with weight loss (helping you feel fuller and reducing food cravings), aid digestive health, and even improve mood and energy levels.
Adding sliced cucumber to water is another way to add flavour to a water, which may help encourage adequate water consumption.
Cucumbers are generally a healthy choice (unless you’re allergic or cannot tolerate them for another reason). They can help keep you hydrated, keep you feeling full longer, and they promote healthy digestion. Not every food you eat has to be packed with vitamins and minerals.
