Cucumber is a plant belonging to the labu-labuan tribe (Cucurbitaceae). Judging from its history the cucumber comes from the Himalayas, in northern India. Cucumber has many varieties but in general cucumber has been widely known by the people of Indonesia. Cucumbers are usually consumed as fresh vegetables, complementary to the daily food menu for cooking and beverage uses and benefits of cucumber is very much. But perhaps not many know that consuming cucumber also has health benefits, as reviewed below:
Here are 10 benefits of cucumber for our health:
- Controlling high blood pressure
For those of you who have high blood pressure can try to consume cucumber juice or consume cucumber directly. Content of potassium, magnesium and natural fiber found in cucumbers efficacious in lowering high blood pressure.
- Streamlining digestion
The content of fiber found in cucumber fruit proven to facilitate digestion. Consuming cucumbers on a regular basis can help overcome digestive problems such as gastritis, ulcer, stomach heartburn or constipation (difficult bowel conditions).
- Kidney health
Cucumber was also able to maintain kidney and bladder health. Water content in cucumber helps the kidney's performance in producing urine (urination).
- Lowering blood sugar levels
Consuming cucumber is good for diabetics because cucumber contains useful manganese minerals during the synthesis process of insulin hormone in the body.
- Lowering cholesterol levels
For those of you who have high cholesterol is a good start regularly consume cucumber fruit. Inside the cucumber contained sterol compounds that efficacious in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body.
- Increase endurance & prevent dehydration
Vitamin C in the cucumber plays an active role in improving the immune system so that the body is not susceptible to disease either due to weather or other changes. Water content in cucumber is also able to prevent the body from dehydration.
- Prevent cancer
Cucumbers contain lariciresol, pinoresol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three contents are very instrumental in inhibiting cancer growth such as colon cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and prostate cancer. Want to know which foods can prevent other cancers? Consider Carrot Juice Benefits For Health.
- Maintain eye health
Maybe you only know that carrots are a useful food for eye health. Apparently cucumber fruit is also beneficial to the eye because the cucumber also contains vitamin A. Placing cucumber slices on the eyelid is also able to relax the muscles and nerves of the eye so that the eyes are not easily tired that can trigger a decrease in eye health itself.
- Maintain healthy teeth and gums
The fiber content and cold cucumber properties can overcome inflammatory problems including gingivitis. Consuming cucumbers can increase the production of saliva and neutralize acids and bases in the oral cavity so that the teeth and gums are not susceptible to disease.
- Good for health on the skin
Application of cucumber mask on facial skin has been believed for a long time to give good effect on the skin. Not only the meat, even cucumber seeds contain vitamin E and potassium are beneficial for skin health.