Cucumber-infused water provides a variety of wellness perks, including improved hydration, support for weight management, antioxidant delivery, and potential cancer-protective effects.
No longer reserved for spas, cucumber water has become a popular, healthful refreshment people make at home. It’s tasty, simple to prepare, and remarkably refreshing.
Below are seven ways cucumber water can benefit your health.
It promotes proper hydration
Your body requires water to operate efficiently. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most people should aim to drink about six to eight glasses of water daily. While we know it’s important to sip water throughout the day, plain water can sometimes feel monotonous. Adding cucumber imparts subtle flavor, making it easier to increase your intake.
It supports weight loss
If your goal is to lose pounds, swapping out sugary sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices for cucumber water can eliminate a significant number of calories from your routine.
Proper hydration also promotes a sense of fullness. Thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, leading you to eat when your body actually needs fluids.
How can you tell? Try drinking a tall glass of cucumber water first. If the urge to eat fades after the drink, you were likely thirsty. If you remain hungry, then it’s true hunger.
It supplies antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress is linked with chronic conditions such as:
- cancer
- diabetes
- heart disease
- Alzheimer’s
- degeneration of the eyes
Studies indicate antioxidants may help prevent or reverse some of this damage. For this reason, eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is recommended. Cucumbers qualify, containing:
- vitamin C
- beta-carotene
- manganese
- molybdenum
- several flavonoid antioxidants
It may offer cancer-protective properties
Preliminary research indicates cucumbers might play a role in cancer prevention. Beyond antioxidants, cucumbers contain compounds called cucurbitacins and a class of nutrients named lignans, which could contribute to cancer protection. Research suggests that the dietary flavonoid fisetin, present in cucumbers, may help slow cancer progression thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
It can help lower blood pressure
An imbalance of too much sodium and too little potassium in the diet can contribute to high blood pressure. Excess sodium causes the body to retain fluid, which raises blood pressure. Potassium is an electrolyte that assists the kidneys in managing sodium levels.
Cucumbers provide a good source of potassium. Drinking cucumber water may increase your potassium intake and help reduce blood pressure.
It supports healthier skin
Cucumber water can refresh your skin from within. Staying well-hydrated helps your body eliminate toxins and preserve a clear complexion. Cucumbers are also a source of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, which has been used in acne treatments. Half a cup of sliced cucumbers supplies roughly 5% of the daily recommended amount.
It strengthens bone health
Cucumbers are rich in vitamin K. A half-cup of sliced cucumbers contains about 19% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin K is necessary for producing proteins that support healthy bones and tissues and for proper blood clotting. Enjoying refreshing cucumber water is a tasty way to help meet this need.
Takeaway
Incorporating cucumber-infused water into your daily routine is an easy, flavorful approach to boosting hydration, supporting weight goals, delivering antioxidants, and providing nutrients that benefit skin, bones, and possibly help protect against chronic disease.
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