Cucumber: 9 Health Benefits

Cucumbers aren't just a refreshing, crunchy snack. They also provide the body with nutrients, antioxidants and numerous health benefits. Cucumber health benefits include the ability to keep the body hydrated, relieve pain, fight inflammation, protect the skin from the effects of aging, and more.

Cucumber Health Benefits

1. Keep the Body Hydrated

Cucumber health benefits include the ability to keep the body hydrated. They are over 95% water. Eating cucumbers on a regular basis can help prevent dehydration symptoms, include fatigue, dizziness, headaches and confusion.

2. Support Heart Health

Cucumber health benefits include the ability to support heart health. They contain 152 milligrams of potassium per cup. The body utilizes potassium to help lower blood pressure levels. Studies have shown that a high potassium intake it linked to lower rates of stroke and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Protect the Brain

Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, cucumber health benefits include the ability to protect the brain from neurological disease. Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin. Studies have shown that fisetin plays a key role in brain health. It helps to maintain cognitive function and reduce the impact of neurological diseases on brain function. (1)

4. Protect the Skin

Cucumber health benefits include the ability to protect the skin from the effects of aging. Cucumbers are considered to be an anti-aging food. They are often used in cosmetic products to help fight wrinkles and keep the skin hydrated. (2)

5. Fight Inflammation

Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of cancer and other inflammatory diseases. They contain lignans, which are polyphenols that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Cucumbers also contain cucurbitacins, which are plant nutrients that have anti-cancer properties. (3)

6. Relieve Pain

Cucumber health benefits include the ability to help relieve pain. They contain anti-inflammatory substances called flavonoids and tannins, which work to limit the release of free radicals into the body. By reducing inflammation, the compounds in cucumbers also work to relieve pain.

7. Fight Bad Breath

Cucumber health benefits also include the ability to fight off bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath. Cucumbers and other vegetables that are rich in water and fiber help boost the mouth's saliva production. Increased saliva production works to flush harmful bacteria out of the mouth.

8. Protect the Bones

Cucumber health benefits include the ability to protect the bones. Once cup of cucumbers contains 22% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin K. Vitamin K plays an essential role in bone health. It works to reduce the risk of fractures and increase calcium absorption. (4)

9. Help Maintain a Healthy Weight

As a low-calorie and high-fiber food, cucumber health benefits include the ability to help maintain a healthy weight. They keep the body hydrated to promote a healthy metabolism and provide a feeling of satiety to help reduce snacking and overeating.