Benefits That You Did Not Know About Consuming Cucumber Water
Cucumber water hydrates the body and provides vitamins and minerals that have positive effects on the body. Why are benefits attributed? How to prepare it? Find out!
The benefits of cucumber water continue to attract the attention of thousands of people who want to find supplements to take care of their health and weight. While it is true that it is not a healing drink or with super properties, its regular intake can help improve the quality of the diet.
Cucumber, as detailed in a study published in the journal Phytotherapy , is a low-calorie food with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, which contributes to physical well-being. In addition, it is an adjuvant for weight loss, as it helps to prolong satiety.
Benefits of consuming cucumber water
Regarding the benefits of consuming cucumber water, it is convenient to make some clarifications. First of all, they are not powerful effects, as they are obtained within the framework of a healthy diet and good lifestyle habits. On the other hand, it is not a healing or therapeutic drink, since it does not alleviate diseases.
Simply, due to its combination of water and cucumber, it is a healthy option to ensure adequate hydration and an additional supply of essential nutrients. This, consequently, brings positive effects for physical and mental health. What is it useful for?
Cucumber water to hydrate
The body cannot function properly without water. For this reason, the consumption of this vital liquid has always been recommended. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians , most people need to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
However, it is an amount that can vary depending on the age, health status and habits of the person. In any case, the intake of water is necessary and has important health benefits. However, since drinking plain water is sometimes boring, it is good to choose cucumber water.
Thanks to the slight taste of cucumber, this water is ideal to cool off on hot days. It can even serve to rehydrate the body after doing physical exercise or any other activity that generates fluid loss. The best of all? It also helps to obtain a plus of vitamins and minerals.
Helps promote wellness
As we have discussed, the benefits attributed to cucumber water do not indicate that it has potential as a treatment against diseases. To date, there is no solid evidence to say that water or cucumber has the ability to fight disease.
Therefore, although its consumption is suggested in certain health problems, it is not a substitute for the medications or therapies prescribed by the professional. In fact, before ingesting it for a long time, it is advisable to ask your doctor if there are risks of any unwanted effects.
So why is cucumber water said to have benefits? First, as research published in the Journal of Young Pharmacists details , cucumber contains flavonoids and tannins that can help inhibit the negative effects of free radicals. These agents are a risk factor for premature aging and chronic diseases.
On the other hand, a study published in the medical journal Nutrition Reviews shows that optimal water consumption is decisive for several important processes in the body. If we add to this the nutrients that cucumber provides, we find some additional benefits. By fighting dehydration, consuming cucumber water can help:
- Improve physical performance and combat fatigue.
- Increase cognitive performance.
- Strengthen gastrointestinal functions.
- Support kidney functions.
- Regulate the balance of water and mineral salts.
- Improve heart function.
- Prevent headaches caused by dehydration.
- Improve skin health.
- Reduce the risk of degenerative diseases.
Cucumber water is nutritious
Water is a vital element for the body. However, by itself it does not provide vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is convenient to combine it with vegetables such as cucumber. This food, in addition to being very low in calories, makes a slight contribution of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds.
As detailed in a post in Live Science , each cup of cucumber provides only 16 calories. In addition, it provides approximately 4% of the daily potassium needs, 3% of the daily fiber and 4% of the daily vitamin C. It also provides small amounts of vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and vitamin A.
How to prepare cucumber water?
In most healthy adults, the consumption of cucumber water provides benefits and represents a good option to keep the body hydrated. However, due to its slight diuretic effect, it may not be suitable for some people.
In case of illness or medical treatments, it is best to consult before including it in the regular diet. Making this clear, we see how to prepare it.
Ingredients
- ½ glass of water (100 ml).
- ½ cucumber.
- 1 lemon (just the juice).
- 3 mint leaves
- 1 ice cube.
Preparation
- To start, put all the ingredients in the blender, except the mint leaves.
- Process for a few minutes, until you get a homogeneous drink.
- Finally, decorate with the mint leaves and consume.
Other options for preparing cucumber water
There are many ways to add more flavor to this preparation. For example, in addition to cucumber and lemon, you can add small amounts of ginger, red berries or pineapple. You can also make the drink by slicing the ingredients instead of blending them.
A drink that promotes well-being
We can prepare cucumber water to enjoy a hydrating drink that also provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, it must be considered that it is not a healing drink or with miraculous properties.
Therefore, its consumption will not help alleviate ailments or diseases. Simply, due to its properties, it can be a good adjuvant to promote your health.
