Cucumber water is good for your health in many ways, like keeping you refreshed, helping you lose weight, giving you antioxidants, and maybe even preventing cancer. No longer is cucumber water only used in spas. More people are drinking this healthy and cool drink at home, and it makes sense.
Read on to find out more about how to make cucumber water, why it’s good for you, and more.
Benefits of cucumber water
1. Weight loss
You can cut a lot of calories from your diet if you drink cucumber water instead of sugary drinks like pop, sports drinks, and juices.
Drinking water also makes you feel full. Your body sometimes gets thirsty and hungry at the same time. It’s possible to think you’re hungry when you’re really just thirsty.
How are you going to tell them apart? First, get a big glass of cucumber water. If you’re no longer hungry after drinking, you’re thirsty. You know it’s hunger if you’re still hungry.
2. Keep hydration
The body needs the right amount of water to work properly and stay healthy.
There are no set rules for how much water a person should drink every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
People may need more fluids when they are sick, moving, sweating a lot, or losing fluids because it is hot.
Cucumber water helps you get your daily water intake, and the cucumber makes it taste better. This could be especially helpful for people who don’t like drinking plain water.
3. Help prevent cancer
Preliminary research indicates that cucumbers may have potential benefits in combating cancer. Cucumbers include antioxidants, cucurbitacins, and lignans, which may help protect against cancer. The Journal of Cancer Research published a study proposing that cucumbers’ dietary flavonoid fisetin could potentially slow down the progression of prostate cancer.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Compounds known as antioxidants help to prevent and delay the damage to cells caused by oxidative stress, which free radicals induce. Oxidative stress may result in chronic conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer’s
- Eye degeneration
Studies have indicated that antioxidants have the potential to repair or halt this harm. Consume fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants for their health benefits. Cucumbers belong to this category. They are abundant in:
- Vitamin C
- Beta carotene
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Several flavonoid antioxidants
5. Bone health
Cucumbers are a reliable source of vitamin K. One cup of sliced cucumbers contains around 19% of the required daily intake. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins crucial for bone and tissue health as well as for appropriate blood clotting. What better method to obtain this vitamin than by consuming revitalizing cucumber water?
6. Supports healthy skin
Cucumber-infused water can help alleviate skin issues internally. Proper hydration aids in eliminating toxins from the body and promoting a healthy skin appearance. Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B-5, is abundant in cucumbers and aids in the treatment of acne. A cup of sliced cucumbers contains approximately 5% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B-5.
7. Blood pressure
Excessive sodium (salt) intake and inadequate potassium consumption are both contributory elements to hypertension. As a result of the body retaining fluids due to the excess sodium, blood pressure rises. Potassium aids in the regulation of sodium retention by the kidneys as an electrolyte.
Potassium (K) is abundant in cucumbers. Consuming cucumber water increases the body’s potassium intake, which may have a hypotensive effect.
Side effects of cucumber water
Cucumber water consumption has not been associated with any significant adverse effects.
Some individuals, however, may find cucumber difficult to metabolize. In a 2015 study, cucumbers exacerbated the symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia or indigestion in 59.7% of participants.
Although the majority of individuals can tolerate cucumber and cucumber water, those who experience digestive issues or other adverse effects after consuming cucumber water should consult a physician. The physician can assist in determining whether the cucumber is to blame.
How to prepare cucumber water
Preparing cucumber water is quick and easy, making it a convenient way to stay hydrated and enjoy the benefits of cucumbers. Here’s a simple recipe to help you make your own cucumber water at home:
Ingredients:
- One medium cucumber
- 4-6 cups of water
- Optional: mint leaves, lemon slices, or other herbs for flavor.
Instructions:
- Wash the cucumber carefully under running water to remove all dirt and residue.
- Slice the cucumber thinly. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer for evenly thin slices.
- In a large pitcher, add the sliced cucumber to the water. For extra flavor, you can also add a few sprigs of mint or slices of lemon.
- Stir the ingredients gently to combine.
- Refrigerate the cucumber water for at least an hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Serve the cucumber water chilled over ice. You can strain out the cucumber slices and herbs if desired, or leave them in the pitcher for a decorative touch.
The bottom line
Water from cucumbers is a great way to stay hydrated. There are many possible health benefits, such as losing weight, lowering blood pressure, making bones stronger, and making skin healthier.
It’s easy to make, and anyone can enjoy it whenever they want. People can drink cucumber water by itself, or they can add other things, like lemon, to change the taste and maybe get even more health benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Can I use cucumber water as a detox drink?
A1: Due to its hydrating and detoxifying properties, people often use cucumber water as a detox drink. It can help flush out toxins from the body and promote overall health and well-being.
Q2: How long does cucumber water last in the refrigerator?
A2: Cucumber water can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumber slices may start to lose their freshness and flavor. It is best to make cucumber water fresh when needed.
Q3: Can I drink cucumber water every day?
A3: Yes, you can drink cucumber water every day as part of a healthy lifestyle. You can regularly enjoy this refreshing and hydrating beverage.
