5 Cucumber Health Benefits You Probably Didn't Know

• comments
• 
• 

There are so many benefits of cucumbers that most people do not know. In fact, cucumbers are labeled one of the World's Healthiest Foods, reports WH Foods. Listed below are some health benefits from consming cucumbers. 

#1: Reduces Cancer Risk

Cucumbers contain a certain chemical that can help reduce the risk of certain cancers. According to WH Foods, researchers recently discovered that cucumbers contain a unique polyphenol, called lignans, which are usually found in vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

Cucumbers also contain three forms of lignans: lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. The lignans found in cucumbers have a history of decreasing certain cancers, including breast, uterine, ovarian and protstate cancers. Moreover, the same lignans can help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

#2: Cucumbers Contain plenty of Healthy Vitamins and Nutrients

Cucumbers are actually chock-full of vitamins including Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and Vitamin C. Other nutrients can be found as well like folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, states the Huffington Post.

The vitamins and nutirents found in cucumbers can relieve stress, if added to a cup of boiling water. Huffington Post explains that the nutrients from the cucumbers will be released through the steam of the boiling water, making a nice calming and comforting aroma. 

In addition, the vitamin B found in cucumbers are also a good source of energy, more so than other caffeinated drinks like coffee. Futherore, since cucumbers also contain electrolytes, sugar and B vitamins, they can be consumed to prevent morning hangovers. Simply, eat a cucumber before going to bed.

People with anemia can also benefit from eating cucumbers, since the vegetable contains folic acid and iron.

#3: Lowers Blood Pressure

Cumcumbers contain 4 percent DV of postassium, which can reduce blood pressure and keep people hydrated. Bembu explains that cucumbers do not contain any sodium, which is essential in order for DV to lower blood pressure.

A healthy blood pressure can help prevent other diseases like stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and even vision loss. Bembu advises not to drink too much cucumber water though. It is important to drink just the right amount.

#4: Helps with Weight Loss

Cucumbers can work like a diuretic, a drug that increases the amount of urine a person passes. As a diuretic, cucumbers can help shed some fat cells and water weight by removing excess fluids, explains 3 Fat Chicks.

In addition, cucumbers are also filled with fiber, which help regulate bowel functions in the body, resulting in a clean digestive tract. 

#5: Can Treat Diabetic Patients

Accoring to ieatndrink.com, there is scientific evidence that cucumbers contain a specific hormone which helps the pancreas produce more insulin. Studies have found that the hormone can be consumed through cucumber juice.