Are you looking for a diet-friendly food that will help you torch calories? And if given the chance, it will also improve your skin health, promote good bone health and keep you feeling fuller for longer hours? Then this article has the right answer for you!.
With its low calorie, high water and fibre content, this vegetable is the secret weapon you’ve been searching for to reach your fitness goals. So, what is it? It’s nothing but the humble cucumber!.
What is cucumber?
Cucumber belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes squash, pumpkin, and watermelon. It’s widely known as a vegetable that’s used common in salads, sandwiches and smoothies.
It’s an annual creeping vine that thrives in warm weather and rich soil.
The plant is composed of 90% water, which makes it the perfect food for hydration. You can eat cucumbers whole or sliced, raw, or pickled, and they are also widely used in skincare due to their hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cucumber Nutrition Facts
Although cucumbers contain less nutritional value than other vegetables, they are still packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your health. Here are a few key facts that make cucumbers one of the best foods for weight loss:.
Low Calories
Cucumbers are low in calories, which means they are great for weight management. A single cup of cucumbers contains only 16 calories.
Adding cucumber to your salad will help you increase your vegetable intake without adding extra calories, making it a great food for weight loss and weight maintenance.
High Water Content
Cucumbers are high in water content, which helps keep you hydrated and full for longer hours. A fully-grown cucumber can contain as much as 96% water. Eating cucumbers can also help flush out toxins, improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the body.
High in Nutrients
Cucumbers are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health. They contain vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
Eating cucumbers can help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, promote good bone health, and enhance skin health.
Cucumber Weight Loss Benefits
Here are some reasons why cucumbers should be a staple in your diet plan if you want to lose weight:.
Low in Calories
Cucumber is full of water and fibre, which makes them low in calories. Eating a cup of sliced cucumber can give you a feeling of fullness, but with fewer calories.
This makes it easier for you to manage your calorie intake and limit snacking between meals.
Great Source of Hydration
The high water content of cucumbers makes them great for hydration. When you are hydrated, your body functions properly and burns calories more efficiently.
Drinking cucumber-infused water can also help you manage your appetite and control hunger cravings.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Cucumbers have a low glycemic index, which means they won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
A small amount of cucumber can help to balance your blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance, which is a common issue in overweight people who struggle to lose weight.
Reduces Inflammation
Cucumbers contain anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them great for reducing inflammation in the body and promoting healing. Inflammation is known to be one of the leading causes of chronic illness and obesity.
Thus, eating cucumbers can help reduce inflammation and support overall good health.
Conclusion
Cucumbers are one of the healthiest vegetables that you can add to your diet if you want to lose weight quickly and efficiently. They are low in calories, high in nutrients, and great for hydration.
Eating cucumbers is also beneficial for promoting good skin health, regulating blood sugar levels, and reducing inflammation in the body.
The next time you need a healthy snack, consider grabbing some cucumbers. You’ll be giving your body the essential vitamins and minerals it needs while also helping it feel fuller for longer hours.
So, incorporate this weight-loss-friendly vegetable into your diet and see the magic happen!.