Cucumber: One of the most complete Fruits known. Here's why

CUCUMBER AND IT'S HEALTH BENEFITS


    Cucumber (cucumber Sativus), is a widely cultivated plant. It is widely used around the world in a variety of ways and reasons.
    100g of Cucumber contains:
  •  65KJ of Energy
  •  3.63g of Carbohydrates
  • 0.11g of fat
  • 0.65g of protein
  • About 1.5g of Vitamins(including B1,B2,B3,B5,B6,B9,C,K)
  • Approx. 204mg of Minerals(Calcium, Iron,Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc)
  • 1.3 microgram of Fluoride
  • And water.
Thus, Cucumber can be said to be one of the few edibles that contain all the six(6) classes of food. Therefore, it is a complete package for anybody who is looking for a healthy consumable.

Cucumber is oft times called a fruit because it develops from a flower and a carpel.

Having established that, let me show you health benefits you get from eating Cucumber:


From the explanations above, Cucumber contains all the different classes of food in it. 
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals.
One 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled, raw cucumber contains the following:
  • Calories: 45
  • Total fat: 0 grams
  • Carbs: 11 grams
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
  • Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI
  • Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
  • Potassium: 13% of the RDI
  • Manganese: 12% of the RDI
Additionally, cucumbers have a high water content. In fact, cucumbers are made up of about 96% water.Trusted 
To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins and minerals.
NOTE: YOU CAN REFER TO MY INTRODUCTION IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND NO.1


What are Antioxidants?  They are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals.
The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic illness.
In fact, oxidative stress caused by free radicals has been associated with cancer and heart, lung and autoimmune disease.Trusted Source
Fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, are especially rich in beneficial antioxidants that may reduce the risk of these conditions.
Remember that in my previous posts, I stated that some Fruits like oranges, mangoes, etc also fight against diseases. Cucumber is also not left out.
Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Because cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs 
Water is crucial to your body's function, playing numerous important roles.Trusted Source
It is involved in processes like temperature regulation and the transportation of waste products and nutrients.
In fact, proper hydration can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism.Trusted Source
Trusted Source
While you meet the majority of your fluid needs by drinking water or other liquids, some people may get as much as 40% of their total water intake from food.
Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be a good source of water in your diet.
Because cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs 

Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.
First of all, they are low in calories.
Again, Cucumbers can add freshness and flavor to salads, sandwiches and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternatives.
Furthermore, the high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.

Several studies have found that cucumbers may help reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some complications of diabetes.
One study examined the effects of various plants on blood sugar. Cucumbers were shown to effectively reduce and control blood sugar levels.

6. It Promotes Regularity

Eating cucumbers may help support regular bowel movements.
Dehydration is a major risk factor for constipation, as it can alter your water balance and make the passage of stool difficult.
[WATCH OUT FOR MY NEXT POST ON CONSTIPATION AND NATURAL REMEDY.]
Cucumbers are high in water and promote hydration. Staying hydrated can improve stool consistency, prevent constipation and help maintain regularity.Trusted Sourc
Moreover, cucumbers contain fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements.
In particular, pectin, the type of soluble fiber found in cucumbers, can help increase bowel movement frequency.
One study had 80 participants supplement with pectin. It found that pectin sped up the movement of the intestinal muscles, all while feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut that improve digestive health.
Thus, Cucumbers contain a good amount of fiber and water, both of which may help prevent constipation and increase regularity.
Note: RDI = Reference Daily Intake

Thank you for reading. 
Comments and recommendations are highly appreciated.

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