Water is an important basic need. To ensure overall health, it is recommended that we drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. However, some of us find it difficult to achieve the task of drinking plain water and simply opt for sugary drinks which have harmful effects in our body.
For those who need something extra, enjoy this healthy and refreshing cucumber water at home and reap its numerous health benefits.
How to Make Cucumber Water
Making cucumber water is pretty simple:
Simply slice a cleaned, peeled (or unpeeled depending on your preference) cucumber into 1/2 inch slices. Combine them in water, and type with ice. Allow to marinate for at least an hour. (For best results, allow it to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.)
Ways Cucumber Water Benefits Our Body
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure occurs when there is excessive consumption of salt and too little potassium in one’s diet. The excess salt causes our body to retain more fluids which trigger high blood pressure. Meanwhile, potassium is the one that helps regulate the amount of potassium retained by the kidneys.
Cucumbers are significantly loaded with potassium. Drinking cucumber water can help retain the sodium in our body at a healthy level, thus assisting in making our blood pressure go down.
It Delivers Antioxidants
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants that help prevent and delay cell damages caused by free radicals which have been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancers, heart diseases, eye degeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease. Present in cucumbers various antioxidants such beta-carotene, manganese, vitamin C, molybdenum, and flavonoids.
May Have Anti-Cancer Benefits
Found in cucumbers are compounds called cucurbitacins and a group of nutrients called lignans. According to studies, these two have a role in protecting our body from cancer. Also, a dietary flavonoid called fisetin, which is present on cucumbers, might as well slow down the progression of prostate cancer.
In addition to this, there are other antioxidants present in cucumbers that helps our body fight cancer such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, vitamin C and beta-carotene. Regular consumption of cucumber water can keep us healthy and help lower our risk of cancer.
Flushes Toxins From The Body
By drinking cucumber water, we’ll be able to remove toxins that are present in our body. Thanks to its vitamin C and beta-carotene content which are both known as antioxidants that get rid of toxic substances from our system.
Helps Protect Against Bad Breath
Since cucumber water has the ability to eliminate toxins, regular consumption of this can protect us against bad breath. It works by preventing bacteria from thriving in our mouth.
Assists In Maintaining Healthy Weight
If we are trying to lose some pounds, we simply need to replace sugary sodas, sports drinks, and juices with cucumber water. Doing this will help us stay hydrated and feel full by curbing our cravings, thus keeping our weight at a healthy level.
Helps Promote Healthy Bones
In order for the bones to become healthy, protein is needed. Present in cucumber is high amounts of vitamin K, which help in protein production in our body. In fact, one cup of sliced cucumbers has about 19 percent of the recommended daily value. What better way to get this vitamin than through refreshing cucumber water?
Helps Soothe The Skin
Drinking cucumber water and eating cucumbers make our skin young, smooth and glowing. It contains silica which helps calm irritation from acne, blemishes and recovers dry skin.
Good For Hydration
Dehydration leaves us feeling sluggish, prone to overeating and leads to problems such as headaches, dry mouth, decreased urine output, dizziness in mild cases, and rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, sunken eyes, and extreme thirst. By drinking water with added cucumber slices, we’ll be able to give our body the extra boost to prevent dehydration. Our body will be energized in no time.
So, what are you waiting for? Start adding cucumber slices to your drink to enjoy all these benefits.
