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Why cucumbers are a great healthy snack
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The cucumber is often hailed as a great source of hydration due to its high water content of 95 percent. However, its watery flesh also contains other nutrients, such as vitamin B, C and K, as well as copper, potassium and manganese. (Shutterstock/HandmadePictures)
T
he cucumber is often hailed as a great source of hydration due to its high water content of 95 percent. However, its watery flesh also contains other nutrients, such as vitamin B, C and K, as well as copper, potassium and manganese.
Unless you're a cat, the cucumber is a healthy, alternative snack. Here's why: as compiled by Antara:
1. Stress-relieving
Apparently, the phrase "cool as a cucumber" exists for a reason. The fruit (that’s right, the cucumber is not a vegetable) is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin B complex, which can relax your nervous system. In short, cucumbers can help relieve panic attacks and stress-induced anxiety.
2. Helps weight-loss
With its high water content, cucumbers can be a satiating snack between meals. While there is no such thing as a perfect food for weight-loss, cucumbers are a much better option than some fruits that are high in sugar or calories, such as mangoes and bananas, respectively.
3. Good for your brain
Cucumbers contain flavonoids, which are an anti-inflammatory compound commonly found in plants. Flavonoids can help boost the connectivity between neurons. In the long run, flavonoids are also great at protecting nerve cells from age-related damage.
Read also: Five 'health foods' that are not as healthy as you think
4. Improves digestion
Aside from its water content, the cucumber is also rich in fiber and has an alkaline property that makes it a natural remedy for stomach ulcers. Combined, this makes cucumbers great for your digestive system, as they reduce acid reflux and constipation.
5. Good for your heart
The potassium in cucumbers helps regulate blood pressure, as in the body, potassium takes part in regulating cellular functions. Eating cucumbers can help muscle contractions and cardiac functions because of their high level of potassium. The fiber in cucumbers also helps prevent arterial blockages as it reduces cholesterol build-up in the arteries.
6. Cleans your kidney
Consuming cucumbers regularly can help lower uric acid levels in your body by helping your kidneys flush out the compounds out of your blood. Cucumbers can also help dissolve small kidney stones, as well as get rid of toxins in your body.
7. Antioxidant
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the effects of free radicals in your body, which makes it a healthy food that can help prevent cancer. (dev/kes)
