Cucumber Juice Benefits – The Ultimate Healthy Drink for Skin and Hair
Remember how at the peak of summer, most of us would run to carts that sold cucumbers and relish them with a sprinkle of chili powder and salt? Even at home growing up, washed, peeled and neatly sliced cucumbers were a common sight at our family dining table. But did you know that cucumber is actually a fruit, but commonly mistaken for being a vegetable?
It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family like melons, squash, and pumpkins. Native to India, it is loaded with water content and very low in calories. Cucumber and cucumber juice has been used in traditional Indian medicine for the longest time. We are here to help you discover the 11+ benefits of adding cucumber/cucumber juice to your lifestyle.
What Does Science Say About the Health Benefits of Cucumber?
- Low in calories
- High in water (almost 96% water) which aids hydration
- Antidiabetic
- Haemostatic (stops bleeding)
- Hyperdipsia (helps with excess thirst)
- Thermoplegia (can aid with heat stroke)
- Contains ascorbic acid and caffeic acid which prevent water retention
- May lower lipids. A compound called sterols in cucumber helps reduce bad cholesterol.
- Loaded with antioxidants
- Contains bioactive compounds including cucurbitacins, cucumegastigmanes I and II, cucumerins A and B, vitexin, orientin, apigenin 7-O-(6″-O-p-coumaroylglucoside), and so on.
- Naturally cleanses or detoxifies the body by flushing out waste and toxins. The water content acts like a virtual broom to sweep unnecessary waste out of your system. Regular consumption of cucumbers is considered be effective in dissolving kidney stones.
- Contains fiber which is good for your gut
- Eases digestion and constipation, and regularizes bowel movement
- Helps maintain adequate blood pressure and sugar
- Keeps you full and lowers your appetite
- May help reduce fat and aid weight loss
- Cucumber is loaded with potassium, fiber, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, silica, calcium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamins A (vision, immunity, heart, lung, kidney, and reproductive health), C (immunity), and K (blood clotting and strong bones).
- Lignans in cucumbers may help prevent osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers.
- Fights heat inside out. Relieves heartburn when consumed and sunburn when applied to the skin.
- Chewing cucumbers gives your teeth and jaws a good workout.
- Takes care of your kidneys by filtering out waste and lowering uric acid levels.
The Benefits of Cucumber Juice
What are some benefits of drinking cucumber juice or applying it? Find out.
Cucumber Juice benefits for hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure can be dangerous and is one of the leading causes of high morbidity. A study that aimed to find out how cucumber juice can lower blood pressure found that there was a significant decrease in blood pressure after the elderly were given cucumber juice. This decrease was as much as 100-200 mg per day.
Cucumber Juice benefits as a natural laxative
Struggling with constipation? Cucumber juice can be a natural laxative. It is light on your system and helps flush out waste.
Cucumber Juice benefits as an energy booster
Cucumber is loaded with B vitamins like riboflavin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, and so on. Low B vitamin levels can make you prone to tiredness, fatigue, irritability, and low concentration. Cucumber juice can replenish these and boost energy levels.
Cucumber Juice benefits for hair
What are some cucumber benefits for hair? Cucumber juice is rich in silicon and sulfur. These enhance hair growth and help reduce hair fall.
Cucumber Juice benefits for skin
What are some cucumber benefits for skin? Did you know the wonder mineral silica in cucumber makes your hair and nails stronger and shinier?
Cucumber juice has minerals like silicon, magnesium, and potassium which are super skin-friendly. It is why cucumber and cucumber juice are found in many spa and skincare products.
Cucumber benefits for skin
- Hydrates and soothes your skin
- Is anti-inflammatory
- Excellent at treating sunburns
- Prevents and helps manage acne
- Controls sebum production
- Tightens your pores
- Vitamin C in it brightens your tone and reduces pigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Folic and caffeic acids boost collagen production in your skin and give you a youthful glow
How to use cucumber juice?
- You can rub cucumber slices on your face or even apply cucumber juice topically and leave it overnight if it suits your skin.
- Struggling with puffiness and under-eye bags? Soothes your eyes by placing chilled slices of cucumber on them to reduce these.
- Consuming cucumber juice can help reduce inflammation and cleanse your system, which gives you a natural glow.
- Dealing with irritation, sunburn, or swelling? Cucumber juice can help provide relief. Cucumber not only soothes and cools your skin but also improves and tightens collagen beneath it. It is refreshing. You can use it as a face mask by adding other ingredients like honey and yogurt.
DIY toner – Cucumber water
Toning is a skincare step that comes directly after washing your face. A toner is a liquid that can be applied with your clean hands, a cotton pad, or sprayed directly onto your face. It removes leftover dirt or makeup after a face wash and also helps neutralize your skin’s pH.
- For: Dry skin
Method - Peel, chop and blend a cucumber.
- Drain the juice into a bowl through a sieve.
- Add a drop of Vitamin E oil or use a Vitamin E capsule. Mix well.
- Transfer into a glass bottle or jar.
- Refrigerate for storage and use within one week.
Cucumber ice cubes for acne
Add 1 tsp of honey and 1 tbsp of lemon juice in a purée of 1 medium size cucumber. Mix well and pour into an ice tray. Refrigerate to make ice cubes. Apply these ice cubes to the affected area every day. (Avoid in winter)
Disclaimer: If you are allergic to any of cucumber, cucumber juice or any other ingredients, avoid them. If you have a skin ailment, always check with your dermatologist before adding anything new to your lifestyle. Try a patch test to rule out any allergies.
Try Luke’s fresh cucumber carrot morning juice
Waking up to a glass of freshly pressed carrot and cucumber juice is one of my favorite morning rituals.
Recipe:
- 1 carrot, washed and peeled
- 1 cucumber, washed and peeled
- A garlic pod
- 1 teaspoon virgin cold-pressed coconut oil
Blend into a juice to the required consistency. Drink as is. If it is too bulky you can sieve and drink it.
Power tip: Give it more power by juicing the cucumber with carrot and spinach.
Remember, most vitamins from vegetables are fat soluble. It means it needs a little good fat to be absorbed into your intestines. Just plain juice won’t work. Try it and let me know how you like it and how you feel.
Be it digestion, keeping the body alkaline, skin, hair, nails, weight loss, energy, vitamins, and minerals, this fruit juice is super. It is inexpensive and easy to consume.
How to add cucumbers to your daily life?
- Eat it fresh
- Enjoy cucumbers in your salads and soups. You can even dip crunchy cucumber sticks in creamy low-fat yogurt dips
- Eat it pickled
- Eat it as a low-calorie snack or add it to multiple preparations creatively.
- Add it to your raw vegetable juice, and smoothies, or even whip a refreshing soup
- You can also try drinking cucumber juice or applying it topically, if it suits you.
- Make infused cucumber water which is highly alkaline for your system.
Here are some interesting recipes for you to try
- Cucumber Sorbet – Summer Extravaganza
- Cold Cucumber Soup – Sip, chill, and refresh
- Rice and Cucumber Pancakes – A Delicious Low-Potassium Meal Idea
Things to keep in mind while picking cucumbers
- Opt to buy organic and ethically grown cucumbers over pesticide-laden ones.
- Peel the skin off or wash them in warm running water well to make it safer to consume. You can also opt to soak them in salt water. It may help reduce the water content to avoid making your salad soggy.
- Choose firm cucumbers. Avoid ones with bruises or dark spots.
- Store them in the refrigerator. Keeping them at room temperature will turn them soft and increase the chance of decay.
Shop for quality cucumbers on our ethical wellness platform here.
The bottom line is whether you are eating cucumbers, drinking cucumber juice or applying it topically, make the most of it. Do it if it suits you, avoid it if it doesn’t. Always make an informed choice.
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