The Powers of Cucumbers
The many health benefits of cucumbers are nothing new, but maybe you didn’t realise all of the ways that increasing your intake of this fruit can be good for you. The expression “cool as a cucumber” comes from the cooling, soothing properties of the fruit, which you can benefit from both by eating and applying to your skin. Cucumbers are 96 percent water, so if you are dehydrated, chomping on a cucumber could replenish some of those vital fluids you need. Their ascorbic and caffeic acids which prevent water loss and therefore may help with burns and dermatitis.
Hydration
It isn’t only their hydrating properties that make them ideal for snacks (and hangover cures). Cucumbers are packed full of vitamins. The flesh of cucumbers is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid while the hard skin of cucumbers is rich in fibre and a range of minerals include magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium.
Additionally, cucumber contains silica, a trace mineral that contributes to strengthening your connective tissues.
Skin Care
The clichéd beauty therapy image of placing chilled slices of cucumber on your eyes is a genuine cure to puffy, sore eyes. As well as hydrating the dry skin (and cooling it) cucumbers provide magnesium, potassium and silicon. It can, therefore, assist with itchiness and sunburn, while inside it is a good way to get rid of heartburn.
Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight or you’re trying to quit smoking and find the munchies has taken over your smoking habit, cucumbers are a perfect snacking solution that will hydrate rather than add weight.
Better still, if you’re on a ‘detox’ or trying to replace vices with a few healthier ones, cucumbers are a handy way of flushing out your toxins.
Muscle & Joint Care
Silica is the essential component that has doctors recommending cucumber juice to encourage healthier and brighter skin. Silica helps you to develop strong and healthy connective tissues in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bone. It also promotes muscle flexibility, while the magnesium content of cucumbers ensures proper blood circulation and relaxed nerves. Since cucumbers are so rich in minerals, it even prevents splitting of the nails on the fingers and toes.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
Alice Pearson is a UKVRN Registered Associate Nutritionist and UK Anti‐Doping accredited advisor, having obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and a Master’s of Science in Sport Nutrition. She has a specialist interest in the use of sports supplements for improving health, fitness, and sport performance. Alice has experience working with both amateur and elite athletes, including providing nutritional support to Tranmere Rovers FC and Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club. Her nutritional guidance is always supported by evidence‐based research, which she keeps up to date through continuing professional development and independent learning. In her spare time, Alice loves travelling, hitting the gym, and getting stuck into a good book. Find out more about Alice's story here.
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