If there is one detox drink that is both simple and effective, it is cucumber water. The age-old drink has been consumed in the past for its detoxing effects. In fact, just adding a few slices of cucumber into some water will increase the nutrient content of your H2O by releasing numerous water-soluble minerals, phytoconstituents and vitamins (K, C, B1, B6 and A) into the water. Cucumber water is underrated for its amazing health benefits. Apart from being an effective solution against diabetes, weak joints, acne and diarrhoea, cucumber water can be prepared in many ways. Cucumber in itself is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be combined with other ingredients or foods to maximise benefits.
Benefits of Cucumber Water
From giving you flawless skin to contributing to bone strength and even preventing cancer, the benefits of drinking cucumber water might just surprise you.
Weight Loss
Cucumber is rich in anti-inflammatory agents, lipid-lowering phytoconstituents and antioxidants. All of these compounds work together to combat the accumulation of fats in the body and it works especially well when you throw in a few slices of lemon in cucumber water. Substituting sports drinks and other sugary sodas with cucumber will go a long way to help you meet your health and weight goals. The best part of cucumber water is that it gives the water some flavour, so if you were not as motivated before to drink water, this could potentially change your habits for the better. Staying adequately hydrated will also keep you feeling fuller longer and curb your cravings for sweets and other unhealthy snacks. Cucumber water is known to improve digestion and reduce bloating. Its detoxifying effects can be attributed to its ability to flush out harmful free radicals and toxins from the body. Its detoxifying effects can help you to lose weight. Additionally, cucumbers contain 90 to 95 per cent water and abundant in minerals and vitamins that can recover nutrient and water loss due to dehydration and diarrhoea.
Good for Skin
The high water content in cucumber not only hydrates your skin, but it also cleans it from the inside by eliminating toxins and impurities lurking in the skin. Fresh cucumber juice and water can also be used to tackle dry skin. It has wonderful hydrating properties that moisturise the skin on a deeper level. What more surprising is the silica that is found in cucumber. Silica is vital for the development of healthy connective tissues in the body, these include tendons, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and bone. In this sense, cucumber water works as an all round skin care solution to tone, moisturise and cleanse the skin.
Rich in Nutrients
Cucumbers contain a load of nutrients, these include beta-carotene, manganese and vitamin C and antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial for combating the effects of free radical damage on the skin. Free radicals are responsible for causing cell damage, chronic illnesses and diseases. An accumulation or imbalance of free radicals in the body has the potential to lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress increases the risk of health conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and even cancer. Additionally, oxidative stress also does considerable damage to the skin and gives rise to symptoms of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines to develop on the skin. The antioxidants present in cucumber water also alleviate and address certain skin symptoms, including skin irritation and angry rashes. Its anti-inflammatory compounds reduce swelling and soothe blisters and sunburns as well, making them less painful to deal with.
Prevents Cancer
As previously discussed, cucumbers contain antioxidants. In addition to being a good source of antioxidants, cucumbers are also rich in cucurbitacins and a group of nutrients called lignans. Lignans are said to play a significant role in protecting our cells from cancer. Some studies have shown that an increased intake of cucumbers might slow down the progression of prostate cancer.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Here’s something you might not be aware of, cucumbers are wonderful sources of potassium. Potassium functions as an electrolyte in our bodies and it vital for various bodily functions. It is responsible for muscle contractions, digestion, pH balance, and blood pressure. Since the body is incapable of producing potassium, it can only be obtained from potassium-rich sources, foods and beverages included. A long-term diet consisting of high sodium and low potassium is likely to develop high blood pressure. An excess of sodium can cause your body to retain fluids, which inadvertently raises the blood pressure. Essentially potassium regulates the sodium retained by the kidneys, preventing it from accumulating in the body.
When Life Hands You Cucumbers …
Make a habit of drinking cucumber juice every day, if you want to get the most out of your daily fluid intake, combine some slices of lemon into your cucumber water. In addition to improving your overall appearance and health, the nutrient-rich water will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after every sip!