While most people think of a cucumber as a vegetable, it actually is a fruit.
It is very nutritious and has high water content.
As such, it can help relievedehydrationand contains many essential vitamins and minerals.
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Low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium, cucumbers provide many health benefits.
This article discusses cucumbers' health benefits and nutritional information and who should avoid eating them.
Olga Rolenko / Getty Images
Cucumber Benefits
What are the benefits of eating cucumbers?
From hydration to reducing risks of certain diseases and skin health, there are many reasons to enjoy cucumbers.
Getting enough water is critical for your health.
How much water you need daily depends on how much you exert yourself, sweat, and urinate.
About 20% of the water you need comes from your food.
Healthy women need about 9 cups, and men need about 13 cups of fluid daily.
Bone Health
Cucumber’s highvitamin Kcontent makes it great for bone health.
Studies have found that low vitamin K levels are associated with higher rates ofbone fractures.
Cancer
Cucumbers containpolyphenols(plant compounds that act as antioxidants) calledlignans.
These plant compounds have many health benefits, including reduced risks of some forms of cancer.
Cardiovascular Health
Cucumbers containflavonoids(plant phytonutrients), which benefit heart health.
So, controlling blood sugar is essential.
Inflammation
Cucumbers are well known for theiranti-inflammatoryeffects when applied topically on the skin.
Many people use cucumber slices to reduce eye puffiness and tosoothe sunburn.
Research confirms their anti-inflammatory activity may be due to inhibiting certain enzymes or interaction with cell signaling.
They calm irritation (including sunburn), cool the skin, and reduce swelling.
Some are better for eating fresh, while others areintended for pickling.
They include:
Who Should Avoid Cucumbers?
While cucumbers have many benefits, some people may want to use caution or avoid them altogether.
In some people, they can cause gassiness andindigestion.
If you haveirritable bowel syndrome(IBS) or another gastrointestinal disease, use caution.
Oral allergy syndrome triggers when you eat fresh fruits or vegetables with proteins similar to pollen.
This confuses your immune system and causes an allergic reaction known as cross-reactivity.
Summary
Cucumbers are a healthy addition to most people’s diets.
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?
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U.S. Department of Agriculture.Cucumber, with peel, raw.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
