My garden is overflowing with plump, ripe cucumbers right now. I love the crisp, crunchy, cooling sensation of snacking on cucumbers in the summer. Many people think of cucumbers as a vegetable but they are actually a fruit with many health promoting properties. Cucumbers are low in calories and are loaded with water (96% water) and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.
Cucumbers contain flavonoids and tannins, two groups of antioxidants that are especially effective at blocking the free radicals that lead to aging.
Cucumbers are high in fiber, especially in the peel, to help promote digestive regularity. Further more, cucumbers contain pectin, a type of fiber that speeds up the movement of the intestinal muscles, as well as feeding the “good” bacteria in the gut that improves digestive health.
Cucumbers contain potassium (152mg per cup), which can help lower blood pressure and is important for muscle and nerve cell functioning.
Cucumber are also high in a type of polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Finally, one cup of cucumbers contains 22% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is important for bone health because low intake of vitamin K has been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture.
Given all these amazing potential benefits from eating such a tasty fruit, what are your favorite ways to enjoy cucumbers?
