In a previous article, I covered the health benefits of eating bananas. Now, we move on to another suggestively shaped food: cucumbers. For some reason, everyone I’ve met either hates them or loves them. I haven’t seen one person say, they’re alright I guess. If you are, let me know.
Cucumbers are a great, super low, calories vegetable that is made up of mostly just water. It’s really refreshing as a snack on a hot day, goes well with most salads and as a refreshing balance to the meat in many sandwiches and burgers. It is also one of the main ingredients in Tzatziki sauce, which, I love! If you don’t know what that is, get your ass to the nearest Greek restaurant and order a Gyro, now!
While it may seem like a simple ordinary vegetable, Cucumbers pack quite the nutritional punch.
Hydrates the body
As I mentioned previously, cucumbers are mostly just water. In fact, 95% perfect of the cucumber is made up of water. Snack on a few on a hot summer day and you’ll never be dehydrated. Also makes a great snack as a pre-workout because it contains B-vitamins, which are a good source of energy and the water ensures that you perform at optimum capacity, rather than lying on the floor crying with cramps.
Cancer fighting Lignans
Lignans are a plant based polyphenolic compounds that are known to have anti-carcinogeniceffects in the body. Cucumbers contain three types of Lignans (lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol) that are known to have a strong positive impact on cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
Good diet food
Cucumbers are incredibly low in calories and have a decent amount of fiber. Both of which, help keep you full and improve the digestive system. One medium cucumber contains only 45 calories with 2 grams of fiber. Eat as many as you like and I can bet that you will be full long before you get anywhere close to your daily calorie limit.
Rich in minerals and vitamins
Cucumbers are host to a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals such as: vitamins A, B1, B6, C and D as well as Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Silica. Some of these act as anti-inflammatories and are good for fighting against arthritis and gout. Cucumbers help to inhibit the activity of the pro-inflammatory enzyme COX-2.