We've all heard of cucumbers in our salads, in our cocktails, and even on our eyelids! One place we may not have seen cucumber? In our water. Cucumbers are packed with vitamins and nutrients, and provide even more hydration to our bodies. Cucumber water acts as a detox for your body to flush out toxins in your gut, while keeping your fully hydrated. This refreshing drink is low in carbohydrates and will help you get enough water for the day, making it a great way to replace sugary sodas.
Time to swap out the trusty lemon wedge for a few cucumber slices, or add it to your water for cucumber lemon water. Unlike drinking lemon water, when you are done with your cucumber water, you have yourself a refreshing snack.
Benefits of Cucumber Water
Start slicing and dicing up your cucumbers to have on hand for your next glass of water. The health benefits of cucumbers easily transfer to this healthy drink. Grab some ice cubes, grab some lemon slices, grab a medium cucumber, and let's take a look at some of the benefits of drinking cucumber water.
1. Weight Loss
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No, there is no "magic" cucumber that will help you lose weight. However, as cucumber has virtually no calories, they won't pack on the pounds like sodas and sugary drinks, which are easily thousands of kcals. This makes refreshing cucumber water an easy choice for healthy eating. Since many people find it difficult to consume plain water, cucumber infused water adds flavor without calories. If you have a picky drinker in your house, you might try to infuse your water with watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, or other refreshing fruits and veggies. Infused water recipes are everywhere, and prep time is minimal. You can even grab a cute water infuser from Amazon.
The hydrating effect of cucumber can also stave off hunger and lead to less snacking. If your body is dehydrated, it can often present as hunger, which leads to unnecessary snacking. Next time you think you're hungry, try drinking cucumber water to see if you're just dehydrated.
2. Provides Antioxidants
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A simple glass of water is hydrating and provides some nutrients and minerals. Adding a cucumber provides a boost of much-needed antioxidants. According to Healthline, "Antioxidants are substances that help prevent and delay cell damage from oxidative stress caused by free radicals." Cucumbers are full of necessary antioxidants, like:
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Beta Carotene
- Magnesium
- Flavonoids
Cucumber water helps add these vital nutrients and antioxidants without any complicated pills or supplements.
3. Promotes Bone Health
We now know that cucumbers are a great source of antioxidants and contribute to your overall health. Cucumbers also have staggeringly high levels of Vitamin K, or 19% of your daily value to be exact. Vitamin K 's job in your body is to help form proteins to help your body make bones, tissues, and proper blood clotting. This in turn helps keep bones strong, and can help those with osteoporosis.
4. Healthy, Glowing Skin
Want to know how to get dewing, glowing skin without the filter? Cucumber water is the answer. Cucumbers contain 5% of your daily value of Vitamin B, which helps fight acne and other skin blemishes. The hydrating effects of cucumber water also helps to flush out toxins, leaving your skin healthy and supple. As an added benefit, it's even gluten-free!
5. Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Almost half of all adults in the US suffer from high blood pressure. Drinking a glass of infused water may lower your blood pressure. One factor in having high blood pressure is your body having too much sodium and too little potassium. Cucumbers are a great source of potassium. "Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of sodium retained by the kidneys." By drinking cucumber water, you help to increase your body's potassium, leading to a potentially lower blood pressure.
Cucumber Water Recipes:
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Drink recipes are simple and easy, with a total time of just a few minutes to prepare. The simplest way to make this drink is to add sliced cucumbers to a glass of ice water, stir, and serve. If you carry around a water bottle, remember to add slices of cucumber for infused water. Your body and skin will thank you for the hydration and nutrients.
For a more fun and flavorful take, try out this refreshing cucumber detox water from Delightful Mom Food. You'll need water, lemons, an English cucumber, fresh mint leaves, and some ice. Stir all that together in a large pitcher, and you're good to go. For more details, check out her recipe.
Happy hydration!
