Anne Ricci, founder of AnnesHealthyKitchen.com and blogger at Huffposthealth.com says cucumbers a great way to make your diet healthier. Here are some of her reasons….
- Help you stay hydrated. Cucumbers are 95.2 % water, which means that a 5-ounce serving contains 4.8 ounces of water.
- Cucumbers contain potassium (152mg per cup), which can help lower blood pressure.
- Protect your brain from neurological diseases. An anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin is present in cucumbers, as well as strawberries and grapes.
- Protect your skin against the effects of aging. There is a reason why cucumbers are used in skincare: They have been shown to be effective as a potential anti-wrinkle agent in cosmetic products.
- Fight inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Cucumbers an help lower the inflammatory response in the body. They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
- Relieve Pain. Flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory substances, and tannins in cucumbers have both been shown to limit the release of free radicals in the body and reduce pain.
- Protect your bones. Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K: One cup contains 22% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk risk for bone fracture. Vitamin K is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.
- Cucumbers are very low in calories (16 calories per cup) and they also contain fiber in the skin. And foods that contain fiber can help maintain a healthy weight.
There are lots of ways to enjoy cucumbers: raw in salads, fermented as a pickle, or in vegetables juices. Choose organic over conventionally grown cucumbers.
10/20/15