The health benefits cucumber are numerous, before we talk about the benefits let's first see the nutritional profile of cucumber.

Cucumbers are good sources of phytonutrients (plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties) such flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits, according to World’s Healthiest Foods. The peel and seeds are the most nutrient-dense parts of the cucumber. They contain fiber and beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that is good for eyes. Studies has shown that cucumber seeds are a good source of minerals, and contained calcium.

Cucumbers are naturally low in calories, carbohydrates, sodium, fat and cholesterol,. There are just 16 calories in a cup of cucumber with its peel (15 without). You will get about 4 percent of your daily potassium, 3 percent of your daily fiber and 4 percent of your daily vitamin C. They also “provide small amounts of vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, manganese and vitamin A.

Below are the nutrition facts for cucumbers, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food labeling through the Nutritional Labeling and Education Act:

Nutrition Facts

Cucumber, with peel, raw

Serving size:
1/2 cup, sliced (52 g)

Calories 8
Calories from Fat 0

*Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Amt per Serving %DV* Amt per Serving %DV*
Total Fat 0g 0% Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0% Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sodium 1mg 2% Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 1% Calcium 1%
Vitamin C 2% Iron 1%




Health benefits of cucumbers

Cancer prevention: Cucumbers contain two phytonutrient compounds associated with anti-cancer benefits: lignans and cucurbitacins. Scientists have found that cucurbitacins can help block the signaling pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation and survival.

Cucurbitacins can also inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells.

According to World’s Healthiest Foods, lignans may protect against cancer through working with the bacteria in the digestive tract. The bacteria take the lignans and convert them into compounds such as enterodiol and enterolactone, which can bind onto estrogen receptors and possibly reduce the risk of estrogen-related cancers, such as ovarian, breast, endometrial and prostate cancers. The research is not yet clear on whether lignans actually assert anti-cancer benefits.

Most studies have not found significant correlations between lignan intake and reduced prostate cancer risk. Research has also shown that consuming an enterolactone-containing serum reduced the risk of prostate cancer.

Hydration: Cucumbers are 95 percent water. This makes cucumbers a great way to stay hydrated, especially during the summer. .

The anti-inflammatory compounds in cucumbers help remove waste from the body and reduce skin irritation



Skin: Cucumbers have a cooling and soothing effect that decreases swelling, irritation and inflammation when used topically. Cucumber slices can be placed on the eyes can decrease morning puffiness or alleviate and treat sunburn when placed on the affected areas.

Bone health: It has become clear that vitamin K is important to bone health, and one cup of cucumber contains about 19 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. vitamin K intake might reduce fracture rates.

The human body uses vitamin K when building bones, and the effects seem to be especially important for women. A study showed that low vitamin K levels were associated with low bone density in women, but not in men. Another study found that low intakes of vitamin K were associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in middle-age women. When it comes to men, the affects of vitamin K and bone health may become more apparent as they age: There is reduced risk of hip fracture among both elderly women and elderly men who consumed more vitamin K.

Heart health: Research has shown that those who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium each day lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease and ischemic heart disease by 37 percent and 49 percent, respectively. Cucumbers’ potassium content is helpful in this regards. The vitamin K in cucumbers is also known to be essential in the blood-clotting process.

Source: http://www.naijarex.com/2016/04/17/health-benefits-of-cucumber-consumption
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You forgot to mention that it is also use as Love Machine by the ladies. No pun intended ladies.

Osgilliat:
You forgot to mention that it is also use as Love Machine by the ladies. No pun intended ladies.

hmmm....Na u added dat one o