Cucumber is an amazing fruit that only a few know of the benefits. Contained in this fruit are great nutrients that your body system needs. Though sugar-lovers may not like this fruit because of its low sugar content, even the low amount of sugar in it is one of the beneficial effects.

The botanical name is Cucumis sativus and is classified in the same family in botany as Watermelon. Cucumber and other fruits and vegetables like Watermelon are grown in large quantity in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria and are sold in markets such as Farin Gada market and Jos Terminus market; these markets supply most of the parts of Nigeria with fruits and vegetables.

Health benefits of Cucumber
The nutritional benefits of this fruit are many and I have listed below and explained below:

1. It reduces the risk of having cancer: with breast cancer being the leading malignancy in the world, eating of this fruit could help reduce the incidence of this cancer including other cancers such as ovarian cancer, cancer of the uterus, and in men, cancer of the prostate.
This is a fruit that is beneficial to both males and females in preventing tumors. This anti-cancer activity is also exhibited by other members of the family Cucurbitaceae such as Watermelon, and Pumpkin. Cucumber and its family members are able to inhibit the pathway of cancer growth by the nutrient called cucurbitacin which are classified into cucurbitacins A, B, C, D, E that are all found in this amazing fruit.
Other three nutrients found in it known to reduce the risk of breast, prostate, uterine and ovarian cancers are: larici-resinol, pino-resinol,and seco-iso-lariciresinol, together, these three nutrients are called Lignans.

2. Re-hydration: 95% of this fruit is made up of water. This water content helps to keep the body hydrated and it is not concentrated, hence the water content is isotonic (equal concentration as blood) to the body. It is recommended therefore for people who are dehydrated especially in old people whose skin needs water.

3. It contains the B-complex vitamins: vitamins B are known to be good in managing stress and anxiety. This fruit contains Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) , Vitamin B7 (Biotin – sometimes called Vitamin H to refer to its function on the Hair) and Vitamin B5 (Panthothenic acid – this is commonly called the anti-stress vitamin). Together, these vitamins help in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system, nails, hair and also metabolism. Isn’t it amazing that all these vitamins and their uses are found in one fruit? That tiny green fruit should be a vital aspect of your diet.

4. It inhibits any inflammatory process: This fruit can reduce inflammation and swelling in the body by preventing the activity of cyclo-oxygenase enzyme which is responsible for pains and swellings in the body. The slices of cucumber can therefore be use to reduce morning puffiness of the eyes and to help treat and prevent dehydration caused by burns on the skin and also dermatitis. Because of this effect also, it is used by women a lot by rubbing on the face to prevent pimples (acne) and make the skin smooth.

5. It has Antioxidants: About 104 grams of cucumber contains 4% of vitamin C, beta-carotene and 4% of manganese which are known antioxidants. These antioxidants help to mob-up the free radicals of the body. free radicals normally cause mutation in cells leading to cancer and they are also known to cause heart disease; the presence of these antioxidants in this fruit therefore helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and also of cancer as stated above.

6. It reduces and prevents Obesity and other diseases: Its low calorie prevents obesity and the fibre content helps you achieve satiety even with the low calorie. Also it has low sugar content and hence good for diabetic patients. It is therefore effective in reducing the complications that may arise as a result of any of these diseases.

7. It contains other nutrients: Apart from the nutrients I have pointed out, it also contains some important nutrients that perform various functions in the body, these additonal nutrients include:
– Molybdenum
– Copper
– Phosphorus
– Magnesium
– Iron
– Folate
– Calcium
– Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

All these nutrients are provided in the right amounts needed by the body and have been packaged in cucumber.
Let us not over emphasize the good aspects only, because everything has its own bad side especially when it becomes excess. As good as it maybe, it has its own bad side when eaten in excess amount.

Source: http://www.placenesty.com/2016/05/14/cucumber-nutritional-health-benefits-body/