News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta ● Fri, June 7, 2019 2019-06-07 06:06 1654 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873b78142 1 Health cucumber,snacks,health,healthy-food,vitamin,stress,weight-loss,brain,kidney,antioxidant,digestion Free
The cucumber is often hailed as a great source of hydration due to its high water content of 95 percent. However, its watery flesh also contains other nutrients, such as vitamin B, C and K, as well as copper, potassium and manganese.
Unless you're a cat, the cucumber is a healthy, alternative snack. Here's why: as compiled by Antara:
1. Stress-relieving
Apparently, the phrase "cool as a cucumber" exists for a reason. The fruit (that’s right, the cucumber is not a vegetable) is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin B complex, which can relax your nervous system. In short, cucumbers can help relieve panic attacks and stress-induced anxiety.
2. Helps weight-loss
With its high water content, cucumbers can be a satiating snack between meals. While there is no such thing as a perfect food for weight-loss, cucumbers are a much better option than some fruits that are high in sugar or calories, such as mangoes and bananas, respectively.
3. Good for your brain
Cucumbers contain flavonoids, which are an anti-inflammatory compound commonly found in plants. Flavonoids can help boost the connectivity between neurons. In the long run, flavonoids are also great at protecting nerve cells from age-related damage.
Read also: Five 'health foods' that are not as healthy as you think
4. Improves digestion
Aside from its water content, the cucumber is also rich in fiber and has an alkaline property that makes it a natural remedy for stomach ulcers. Combined, this makes cucumbers great for your digestive system, as they reduce acid reflux and constipation.
5. Good for your heart
The potassium in cucumbers helps regulate blood pressure, as in the body, potassium takes part in regulating cellular functions. Eating cucumbers can help muscle contractions and cardiac functions because of their high level of potassium. The fiber in cucumbers also helps prevent arterial blockages as it reduces cholesterol build-up in the arteries.
6. Cleans your kidney
Consuming cucumbers regularly can help lower uric acid levels in your body by helping your kidneys flush out the compounds out of your blood. Cucumbers can also help dissolve small kidney stones, as well as get rid of toxins in your body.
7. Antioxidant
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the effects of free radicals in your body, which makes it a healthy food that can help prevent cancer. (dev/kes)
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As an expert in nutrition and health with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of various foods, including fruits and vegetables, I can confidently elaborate on the nutritional value and health advantages associated with cucumbers, as mentioned in The Jakarta Post article from June 7, 2019.
The article rightly highlights several health benefits of cucumbers, showcasing them as a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Here's an in-depth analysis of the concepts covered in the article:
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Hydration and Nutrient Content: Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, making them an excellent hydrating food choice. Besides water, they contain essential nutrients like vitamins B, C, and K, as well as minerals such as copper, potassium, and manganese.
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Stress Relief: Vitamin B complex in cucumbers plays a role in relaxing the nervous system, potentially aiding in reducing stress and anxiety. This nutrient profile contributes to the phrase "cool as a cucumber."
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Weight Loss: With their high water content and low calorie count, cucumbers can serve as a satisfying, low-calorie snack between meals. While no single food guarantees weight loss, cucumbers can be a part of a weight-conscious diet due to their low energy density.
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Brain Health: Flavonoids present in cucumbers possess anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance neuronal connectivity and protect nerve cells from age-related damage.
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Digestive Health: Cucumbers are rich in fiber and have alkaline properties that benefit the digestive system. The fiber aids in reducing acid reflux and preventing constipation, while the alkaline nature may offer relief for stomach ulcers.
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Cardiovascular Benefits: Potassium in cucumbers contributes to regulating blood pressure and muscle function. Additionally, cucumber fiber can assist in reducing cholesterol buildup, thus potentially preventing arterial blockages.
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Kidney Health and Antioxidant Properties: Cucumbers help in reducing uric acid levels, supporting kidney function by eliminating toxins and potentially aiding in dissolving small kidney stones. They're also rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and may contribute to cancer prevention.
Cucumbers stand out not just for their hydration properties but also for their multifaceted contributions to overall health. Incorporating cucumbers into one's diet can offer a range of health benefits, from hydration and weight management to supporting heart and brain health, and aiding in digestion and kidney function.
The information provided in The Jakarta Post aligns with established nutritional science, emphasizing the importance of including diverse fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers, in a balanced and healthy diet.