Did you know that cucumbers are 95.2 per cent water?
There is a reason why cucumbers are used in skin care. They have been shown to be effective as a potential anti-wrinkle agent in cosmetic products, protecting our skin form the effects of aging.
The flesh of cucumbers is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and folic acid while the hard skin is rich in fibre and a range of minerals including magnesium, molybdenum and potassium. Additionally, cucumber contains silica, a trace mineral that contributes greatly to strengthening our connective tissues. They are known to heal many skin problems, under eye swelling and sunburn. Cucumbers also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids which prevent water loss, therefore they are frequently applied topically to burns and dermatitis.
Eating cucumber is a great way to increase your potassium consumption, which can help lower blood pressure and lower rates of stroke and might also reduce the risk of total cardiovascular disease.
An anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin is present in cucumbers, as well as strawberries and grapes. It has recently been suggested that fisetin plays an important role in brain health.
Cucumbers can help lower the inflammatory response in the body. They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. They also contain plant nutrients called cucurbitacins, which have anti-cancer properties.
Flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory substances, and tannins in cucumbers have both been shown to limit the release of free radicals in the body and to reduce pain. Traditionally cucumber is used for headaches; the seeds are cooling and diuretic, the fruit juice is used as a nutritive and as a demulcent in anti-acne lotions.
Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. Fibre and water-rich vegetables like cucumbers can boost your mouth’s saliva production, which in turn helps wash away the bacteria that cause the odour in the mouth.
Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Vitamin K is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.
This fruit is rich in water, and their skin contains insoluble fibre. Both water and fibre help food to move through the digestive tract quicker and more easily, helping prevent constipation.
Cucumbers are very low in calories and they also contain fibre in the skin helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Join us at the Wicket Bar this week to get your daily dose of cucumber with our $5 ‘Happy New Year’ Juiced @ The Wicket detox juice to start 2018 the right way!
