Health Benefit of Eating Cucumbers
Cucumbers are believed to have
originated in southern Asia and India more than 10,000 years ago. The many
varieties of cucumbers are all part of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with
watermelons, zucchini and squash, which are often considered fruits, based on
how they are prepared or eaten. Currently, Florida produces more cucumbers than
anywhere else in the United States, notes the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Natural Hydration
Cucumbers are made up of 96 percent
water, notes Organic foods. Because more than half of the body is made up
of water, it is essential for normal functioning of the different systems of
the body. A lack of water can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue,
chills and muscle cramps. Water is crucial for saliva formation and cooling the
body through perspiration.
Vitamin C
Cucumbers are loaded with vitamin C.
This vitamin serves as one of the many antioxidants that protect the body from
free radicals, lowering the risk of various cancers and illness due to damaged
cells. Vitamin C has many important functions such as aiding in collagen
production and brain function, and it also helps your body process fat.
Vitamin
K
Like vitamin A, vitamin K plays a
role in building bone, as well as other tissues of the body. However, vitamin K
is mainly responsible for making some of the proteins the liver requires for
blood clotting. This coagulation ability is important for people who suffer
from bleeding disorders, reducing their chances of bleeding out after a cut or
injury. Approximately half of the cucumber's vitamin K content is found in its
peel, so keep the peel on for maximal health benefits.
Potassium
A 100g serving, around 3.5 oz, of
cucumber contains around 150mg of potassium. This mineral aids in metabolic
functions and also plays a role in the development of muscle tissue. Adequate
potassium is also necessary for maintaining normal electrical activity of the
heart, and a diet rich in potassium protects you from high blood pressure
