Ware explained, "The Environmental Working Group produces a list each year of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, known as the Dirty Dozen. There can be a few risks from eating cukes. Store-bought pickles usually do not have these bacteria because they have been boiled out. Cucumber pickles contain probiotic bacteria that promote healthy digestion and cultivating beneficial gut flora. Tufts University notes that cucumbers can pack even more of a digestive punch if they are turned into pickles during a home-fermentation process. A 2017 study published in Public Health of Indonesia found that 20 elderly participants with hypertension saw a significant decrease in blood pressure after consuming cucumber juice for 12 days. Many studies have linked it with lower blood pressure because it promotes vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), according to Today’s Dietitian. Several studies have linked cucumber consumption to reducing hypertension. A 2012 study of 12,000 adults, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that those who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium each day lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease and ischemic heart disease by 37% and 49%, respectively, compared to those who took 1,793 mg per day. Potassium is an essential part of heart health, according to the American Heart Association. One cup of sliced cukes contains only about 4% of the body's daily potassium needs, but it comes with significantly fewer calories than other high-potassium foods like bananas. Potassium may be especially helpful in this regard. "Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables of all kinds is associated with a reduced risk for many health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and obesity," said Ware. (Image credit: Getty/ Sarinya Pinngam / EyeEm) Can cucumbers benefit heart health?Įating cucumber, along with other fruits and vegetables, is associated with a reduced risk of many heart conditions. Beta-carotene has been shown to be beneficial for vision, according to the American Optometric Association. Antioxidants help prevent damage and cancer," Lemond said.Ĭucumbers contain several antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese, as well as flavonoids, triterpenes and lignans that in lab dishes have anti-inflammatory properties. "Foods that are high in antioxidants allow your body to function optimally. Cucumber slices can be placed on the eyes can decrease morning puffiness or alleviate and treat sunburn when placed on the affected areas." She also noted that high vegetable intake is associated with a healthy complexion in general. Ware explained, "Cucumbers have a cooling and soothing effect that decreases swelling, irritation and inflammation when used topically. It turns out there's science behind this pampering ritual. You've probably seen pictures of people at a spa relaxing with cucumber slices over their eyes. Putting cucumber on your eyes during a pampering routine is backed up by scientific fact. According to a 2010 research review published in Scientific World Journal, scientists have found that, in cell culture that cucurbitacins can help block the signaling pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation and survival.Ĭucurbitacins can also inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Cancer Research. "Not only are they high in water content, they also contain important nutrients that play a part in hydration like magnesium and potassium." What phytonutrients are in cucumbers?Ĭucumbers contain two interesting phytonutrient compounds: lignans and cucurbitacins. "They say we can get 20-30 percent of our fluid needs through our diet alone, and foods like these certainly help," added Lemond. This makes cucumbers a great way to stay hydrated, especially during the summer. Nutrition Facts Cucumber, with peel, raw Serving size: 1/2 cup, sliced (52 g) Calories 8 Calories from Fat 0 *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.Ĭucumbers are 95% water, according to WebMD.
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