6 Ways Cucumber Juice Benefits Your Health

Cucumber is one of the most popular and refreshing foods in the world and is a frequently used ingredient in various beauty and cosmetic products. Commonly considered a vegetable, cucumber, is in fact a fruit. While cucumbers are used across a variety of dishes today, regularly drinking cucumber juice benefits and improves your overall health. Highly nutritious and rich in water content, cucumber juice is hydrating and the perfect drink for hot and sweaty summers. In this article, we take a look at the different benefits of cucumber juice, its nutritional profile, and its potential side effects.

What Is Cucumber?

Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus.) is part of the Cucurbitaceae family which also includes fruits such as squash, melons, and pumpkins. Native to India, cucumber has been used as a source of refreshing food for thousands of years. Being rich in various nutrients and medicinal properties, cucumber juice is the perfect way to cleanse the system of toxins and nourish the skin (1). With its mildly refreshing taste, cucumber is a versatile fruit highly prized in kitchens across the world. Today, cucumber is used in salads, dips, soups, sauces, and even as a detox drink on your spa day!

In the next section, we take a deeper look at the nutritional content of cucumber.

Nutritional Information Of Cucumber

According to the USDA, 1 raw cucumber contains 45.2 calories and is rich in the following nutrients (2).

Additionally, cucumber contains 96% water and is high in antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin (3). For those looking to switch it up, cucumber juice with a hint of mint may be an excellent way to prevent dehydration during summers or after a workout.

Consuming cucumber juice benefits your health in numerous ways. Let’s find out what they are.

Benefits Of Cucumber Juice

Since cucumbers are naturally low in calories, drinking cucumber juice is the perfect option for shedding those extra pounds. You can consume cucumber juice without thinking about adding on those extra calories. Studies suggest that eating low calorie and high water content fruits such as cucumbers are associated with a significant reduction in weight (4), (5).

• May Help Lower Blood Sugar

Cucumber may play an essential role in lowering blood sugar levels and controlling diabetes. A 2015 review suggests that cucurbitacins, the plant compounds that give cucumbers a slightly bitter taste, may help improve insulin action (6). Other studies also suggest that cucumber may be effective in reducing oxidative stress and blood sugar levels, and may protect against diabetes-related complications (7), (8).

•  May Protect Your Vision

Cucumber contains a high concentration of vitamin A, which has been associated with protecting your vision and slowing down visual degeneration (9). A study was conducted to examine the effect of cucumber on Sprague-Dawley rats with cataracts. The researchers observed a significant delay in cataract formation over a period of 4 weeks, suggesting that cucumbers may have anticataract properties (10).

•  May Help Fight Against Cancer

The bitter-tasting cucurbitacin may possess anti-cancer properties. According to a 2015 review, cucurbitacin may inhibit the growth and development of several cancer cells (11). Other studies also indicate that cucumber may be important in reducing reproduction and multiplication of cancer cells, making cucumber juice a healthy addition to your diet (12).

Consuming cucumber juice may help regularize your bowel movements. Dehydration and reduced intake of water have been associated with trouble in digestion and constipation (13). Cucumber juice, being high in water and fiber, may prevent constipation and improve bowel movement (5). Cucumber is also high in pectin, a soluble fiber associated with speeding up intestinal movements and improving digestive health (14), (15), (16).

•  May Help Manage Cholesterol Levels

The high fiber content found in cucumber may help manage cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases. A study was conducted to see the effect of oral consumption of cucumber on serum lipid profile and liver enzyme in young, healthy students. After 21 days, the researchers observed a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels (17).

While current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies, more studies are required to study how cucumber juice benefits human health.

In the next section, we take a look at how to make cucumber juice at home.

How To Make Cucumber Juice Naturally

Mildly refreshing and crispy, cucumbers are a versatile fruit that can be eaten raw or incorporated into a variety of dishes. While commonly used to make stews, soups, sandwiches, dips, and salads, you can also make a delicious juice out of cucumbers. Here is a simple recipe for cucumber juice you can make at home.

Ingredients

•  3 medium-sized cucumbers
•  1 cup of water
•  1 teaspoon of lime juice

Instructions

1.  Remove the skin of the cucumber with a peeler or knife.
2.  Slice and cut the cucumbers into small pieces.
3.  Add the cucumber slices to a blender and blend for 2 minutes for an even consistency.
4.  Pour the juice through a sieve to allow the juice to filter through a jar.
5.  Use a spoon to press the cucumber and get the remaining juice out.
6.  Add some water and lime juice.
7.  Refrigerate the juice for a few hours before drinking it.

The benefits of cucumber juice are many and can be an excellent addition to your diet. However, is it suitable for everyone? Let us check out the possible side effects of cucumber juice in the next section.

Possible Side Effects Of Cucumber Juice

While cucumber is mostly considered safe for consumption, research has reported a few side effects.

•  Consumption of cucumber may aggravate the symptoms of dyspepsia or indigestion in some people(18).
•  Individuals on blood thinners such as warfarin should limit their intake of cucumber as it is high in vitamin K which is responsible for blood clotting (19).
•  Avoid intake of cucumber juice if you are allergic to cucumber (20).

To Sum It Up

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I drink cucumber juice?

You can drink cucumber juice either after a meal or just before bedtime to reap the benefits.

Can I drink cucumber juice every day?

Yes. Cucumbers are high in water and minerals, making them a refreshing juice that you can consume every day.

Does cucumber juice melt belly fat?

Current studies suggest that cucumbers are high in water content, which keeps your stomach full for a longer time. While cucumbers may not help in spot reduction of belly fat, it may aid in overall weight loss along with a balanced diet and physical exercise (21).

Sources

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Varsha holds a master’s degree in biotechnology and is a certified diet and nutrition coach. She combines her scientific knowledge… more