8 Reasons Why Eating Cucumber Will Change Your Life

A crunchy salad addition that rarely gets centre stage, don’t be fooled by the humble cucumber. They may look innocuous but this marvellous vegetable offers more than mere hydration. The savoury snack is secretly packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and electrolytes, most of which are concentrated in its peel and seeds.

Though cucumber is a savoury food, it’s technically a fruit. It belongs to the cucurbitaceae family, which includes watermelon, courgette, and pumpkin. Cucumbers may not be as well-publicised as other superfoods, but they’ve been a staple in Indian traditional medicine since ancient times.

# Cucumbers are high in nutrients

Despite being low in calories, cucumber has plenty going for it on the nutrient front – specifically in its peel and seeds, which are the most nutrient-dense part of the fruit.

# Cucumbers are hydrating

There’s little more refreshing than a few slices of chilled cucumber on a hot summer’s day. Cucumbers have a high water content, 95 per cent to be exact. Therefore, one portion of sliced cucumber, around 120 grams, is almost as effective as a glass of water for hydrating the body.

# Cucumbers are rich in cucurbitacin

Cucumbers contain high levels of cucurbitacin, a class of plant compounds. Cucurbitacin is what gives the cucumber its bitter flavour, and is also one of the most researched plant compounds produced by it.

# Cucumbers make a great snack

Thanks to high water content and the fact that they contain zero fat, cucumbers are an ideal snack for those looking to lose excess weight. ‘They will help to hydrate the body, and satisfy hunger cravings as a result.

# Cucumbers support digestion

Like most vegetables, cucumbers aid the digestion process. Cucumbers work to slow down your digestion thanks to soluble fibre.

Their water content contributes to this, since staying properly hydrated also regulates bowel movements and prevents constipation.

# Cucumbers are gut-healthy

Cucumbers are great for gut health. Unlike some other forms of carbohydrate, they're easy to digest.

Being low in FODMAPs – rapidly fermentable carbohydrates – cucumbers are ideal for boosting your gut health when consumed alongside other nutrient-dense foods. The minerals that they contain are easily digested, especially magnesium, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

# Cucumbers reduce blood pressure

Believe it or not cucumbers also have blood pressure-lowering potential – in fact, several studies have linked the fruit with a reduction in hypertension (high blood pressure). This is mostly due to their high potassium content.

# Cucumbers are anti-inflammatory

Inflammation, your body’s natural immune response, is a bonus in small doses. But when it’s chronic, it can damage healthy cells, leading to serious health issues like heart disease and certain cancers. Cucumbers can help to alleviate this dangerous type of inflammation.