Cucumber juice is not only a refreshing juice extracted from cucumber, but also a marvelous health tonic. There are many superb health benefits of cucumber juice, of which the general public are unaware. Cucumber is technically a fruit, and its juice is derived by applying pressure on the cucumber, by pressing and squeezing it. Cucumber juice contains a significant amount of water (98%).
Cucumber has a cooling effect on the body due to its high water content, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and caffeic acid. Thus, it is used in many topical and cosmetic products like lotions, face creams, and soaps. Cucumber juice can also be administered to soothe skin irritation and swelling. It can be used as a flavoring ingredient in smoothies and mocktails, as well as in soups and salad dressings.
Cucumber Nutrition Table
Cucumber juice, when pureed with the skin, is a wonderful source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A. According to SELF NutritionData website, it contains a good amount of the vitamin A group of compounds such as alpha- and beta-carotene, retinol, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. It contains a small amount of folate and minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium, and traces of selenium. It also contains phytosterols.
One of the major benefits of cucumber juice is that it is extremely low in calories and sodium. It has no saturated fat and cholesterol. Half a cup of whole cucumber slices contains about eight calories.
In addition to offering health benefits, cucumber juice can be used as an insect repellent against wood lice and fish-moths.
12 Most Amazing Health Benefits of Cucumber Juice
The remarkable benefits of cucumber juice are owed to its considerable nutrient content and low calories—that alone makes it a promising snack. Drinking cucumber juice on empty stomach improves hair and skin health, too. Along with water, it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is worth noting that most of the health benefits of cucumber juice come from its skin. So, when juicing cucumber, keep it unpeeled and raw. Here are a some of the health benefits offered by cucumber juice.
1. Keeps you hydrated
With 50 grams of water for half a cup of sliced cucumber, cucumber juice is an ideal drink to keep oneself hydrated. It helps in flushing out the toxic substances from our body. Our body must be well detoxed to prevent diseases and improve immunity.
2. Maintains blood pressure
Cucumber juice has a rich amount of potassium, which helps with the widening of blood vessels. As a result, it helps in relieving the tension of the blood vessels, and thus, regulates blood pressure level. Due to the presence of potassium, cucumber juice is also a good source of electrolytes, which helps in maintaining a healthy balance in body fluids.
3. Lowers blood sugar
Cucumber juice contains an ample amount of vitamin K that may be helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels. Vitamin K helps in clotting or coagulation. Blood clotting prevents the loss of blood through wounds, which is crucial for diabetics. Studies conducted by the American Diabetic Association show that it may increase insulin sensitivity as well.
Cucumber juice may be a healthy tonic for diabetes patients as it supplies the required amount of potassium. Low levels of potassium have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. However, excess potassium is just as bad for the kidneys, therefore, people with diabetes should maintain the required level of potassium.
4. Lowers cholesterol
Cucumber juice consists plant sterols that may help to reduce the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Thus, cucumber improves heart health by minimizing heart attack risks and other related health conditions.
5. May inhibit cancer
Cucumber juice contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These substances are quite effective in fighting and preventing the growth of cancer cells. Regular consumption of cucumber juice may lower the chances of cancers of the uterus, ovaries, breast, and prostate glands.
6. Maintains bone heath
Calcium and potassium are essential minerals for bone health. Cucumber juice offers a fair amount of these minerals which helps in improving bone structure and bone metabolism. It also induces the production of bone building enzymes.
7. Maintains biochemical functions
Another important mineral that cucumber juice has is magnesium. Magnesium is necessary for normal muscle and nerve function, a steady heart rhythm, strong bones, and good immunity. It is also involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
Cucumber juice may have traces of copper as well, which increases biochemical functions. It is helpful in producing neurotransmitters and healthy red blood cells. It strengthens both connective tissue and immune system.
8. Aids in weight loss
Some amount of dietary fiber may be present in cucumber juice if it’s made with the skin intact and without filtering. As a result, drinking cucumber juice on empty stomach provides a sense of hunger satiation and keeps us feeling full. It also helps with bowel movements and speeds up the metabolism. Thus, cucumber juice for weight loss may help with shedding those extra pounds. Furthermore, it is low in calories and free of saturated fats.
9. Anti-inflammatory properties
Cucumber juice is enriched with essential nutrients like vitamins K, D, C, and A, as well as folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. All these nutrients work together to bring relief from joint conditions such as gout and arthritis pain.
10. Improves eyesight
A good amount of vitamin A in cucumber juice makes it a beneficial drink for eye health. It also enhances the functions of the organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant, thus, protecting cells from free radical damage.
11. Improves skin health
Cucumber juice has vitamin C that plays a vital role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that builds skin elasticity and reduces the development of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Vitamin A is also useful for skin health.
12. Promotes hair growth
Cucumber juice gives a good supply of silicon and sulfur, which are quite essential for the healthy growth and wellness of hair.
How to Make Cucumber Juice
Drinking cucumber juice on empty stomach is extremely favorable to health. It reduces hunger, improves metabolism, and boosts hair and skin health. Keep the skin of the cucumber while making the juice, as the skin also contains an ample amount of nutrients.
Juicing cucumber is very simple. Here are three easy ways to enjoy the benefits of cucumber juice. Give these recipes a try!
Plain Cucumber Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 medium cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
- 2 cups (500 ml) water
- Salt, to taste
Directions
Wash the cucumber properly. Cut the unpeeled cucumber into pieces and put them into a food blender. Add water and puree it.
Pour the cucumber puree through a mesh strainer into a glass. The strainer could get clogged, so press the cucumber pulp with a spoon. This will provide extra juice.
Stir in honey and salt into the cucumber juice. Serve chilled.
Ginger Cucumber Apple Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 1 apple
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 inch ginger
- ½ lemon
Directions
Wash the cucumber, apple, celery, lemon, and ginger. Chop the ingredients into small pieces and put them into a food processor. Blend them.
Strain the juice of the pulp into a glass and add honey (optional). Serve with ice.
Refreshing Cucumber Lemon Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 6 lemons, juiced
Directions
Make sugar syrup by heating sugar and water together in a pan. Keep the heat at medium. Transfer into a container and chill in in a refrigerator.
Cut cucumber into small pieces and put them into a food blender. Pour the pulp through a mesh strainer. Press out the juice completely. Allow the liquid to sit for about 15 minutes.
Add the lemon juice to the cucumber juice. Stir in the sugar syrup as well. Chill it before serving.
Side Effects of Cucumber and Its Juice
The benefits of cucumber juice come with minimal side effects, and therefore, it should be taken daily for complete wellness. However, as we all know, moderation is the key. These are some of the possible side effects to be mindful of.
- Excess of cucumbers or their juice can work as a diuretic, leading to loss of fluids in the body. This is because of the cucurbitin present in cucumber seeds.
- The high water content in cucumbers could put extra pressure on the kidneys if consumed in excess.
- Some portions of cucumber may taste bitter as they contain cucurbitacins, or tetracyclic triterpenoids, which are toxic. Excess consumption of this bitter portion may be toxic for the body.
- The vitamin K in cucumber helps in blood clotting, which may interfere with blood thinning medications. So, those who are on blood thinners should consume cucumber with caution and consult their doctor if required.
Now that we know all the benefits of cucumber juice and its side effects, we can conclude that it is a fine choice as a health drink. It is refreshing and harmless to health, even if we consume a small glass every other day. With a good amount of water and other essential nutrients, there is nothing bad cucumber juice can bring to our health, provided we practice moderation. So, enjoy the spring and summer seasons with a glass of refreshingly cool cucumber juice.
Related:
Sources:
“Cucumber, with peel, raw Nutrition Facts & Calories,” SELF NutritionData website; http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2439/2, last accessed March 2, 2017
“13 Incredible Benefits Of Potassium,” Organic Facts website; https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-potassium.html, last accessed March 2, 2017
Hyung, J. C., Yu, J., Choi, H., An, J. H., Kim, S. W., Park, K. S., Jang, H. C., Kim, S. Y. and Shin, C. S., “Vitamin K2 Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity via Osteocalcin Metabolism: A Placebo-Controlled Trial,” American Diabetes Association website; http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/34/9/e147, last accessed March 3, 2017
