If you want to take hydration to the next level, you know switch things up a bit, cucumber water can be your go to. It is a great way to stay hydrated, and add some flavor to your water, and enjoy some health benefits along the way.
You might be wondering how this is possible. Well, cucumbers are low in calories, and high in water content, which can help keep you hydrated. They also contain antioxidants, and vitamins that are good for your skin health. Think about it for a second, if it can be a part of your skin care routine, maybe it can be a part of your diet as well. Adding some cucumber slices to your water can make your water-drinking routine more enjoyable, by making it taste better.
Also, it’s a refreshing and rejuvenating drink that is perfect for summer days, post-workout sessions, or a simple pick-me up any time of the day. What’s more it has an impressive list of health benefits, from aiding in weight loss, down to improving your digestive health. Therefore, if you aren’t already drinking it, you might want to start now.
This article will help you understand how drinking it can change your life.
Key takeaway
Cucumber water goes beyond just keeping you hydrated. It’s not just about quenching your thirst, but also how you can add a touch of wellness, and flavor to your daily routine. From its hydrating properties to its potential skin benefits, cucumber water offers a simple yet tasty way to boost your wellness journey and keep you feeling refreshed throughout the day.
Health benefits of cucumber water
1. Hydration
This might seem like the most obvious one, but it is really important that your body is hydrated every day. And cucumbers can help you with that. They are about 95% water, so cucumber water can help you stay hydrated and feeling refreshed throughout the day.
2. Better skin
Ever wondered why people apply sliced cucumbers on their face? Especially their eye area? Because cucumbers contain antioxidants and hydrating properties which can help improve your skin health. And it doesn’t have to stop there, you can enjoy the same benefits when you drink them by adding them to your water. Drinking it can help your skin glow and stay healthy.
3. May help with weight loss
It’s low in calories and can be a great alternative to sugary drinks, and this can help support your weight management goals. In addition, they can help reduce water retention and improve your digestion, which can help you shed those extra pounds.
4. Nutrient boost
Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and potassium. And this can let you increase your nutrient levels and up your nutrition goals.
5. Detoxification
A lot of detox drinks tend to have cucumbers in them. Cucumbers can help you flush out toxins from your body which can help your kidneys, and may lower your risk of kidney stones and other kidney problems.
6. Digestive health
Cucumber water can help soothe digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. Because cucumbers are high in water and fiber content, they can help you digest things better, and keep things moving smoothly.
7 . Helps with bad breath
Cucumber water can actually help freshen your breath. Cucumbers contain phytochemicals that can help you combat the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath. So, drinking some cucumbers or drinking cucumber water can be a natural, and tasty way to keep your breath fresh.
8 . May help relieve period cramps
Many girls swear by cucumber water and how it can help lower cramps during menstruation. A lot them speak on how it makes their period pain more manageable, and how other girls need to try it as well. This might be possible due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties present in it. However, the only way for you to be sure is to try it and see how it affects you during your period.
9 . Lower blood pressure
Eating too much salt can cause your body to hold fluids, which raises blood pressure. However, regularly drinking cucumber water can lower your blood pressure. Those dealing with hypertension may benefit from it as it reduce the risk of heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, to keep your sodium intake low, drinking it as part of your diet can help you with this goal as it is sodium free.
10 . Stronger bones
Cucumbers are high in vitamin k, just a cup of sliced cucumbers has about 19 percent of the recommended daily value. It also contains minerals like potassium and manganese which are essential for bone health. So, adding them into your water can help you reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
11 . Improved muscle strength
Strong muscles are necessary for your posture, joint health, metabolism, weight, sleep and mental health. While the cucumber water doesn’t directly make muscles stronger, it can still aid the health of your muscle tissues. Drinking a glass water with sliced cucumbers can help your muscle recovery due to its hydrating capabilities which is essential for muscle recovery and your overall physical health.
12 . Reduced risk of cancer
Cucumber water has been shown to have anti-cancer properties such as vitamin C, and beta-carotene, as well antioxidants flavonoids, including quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol that among other benefits, helps your body fight against cancer. Though cucumbers alone aren’t enough to cure or prevent cancer, their high antioxidant mineral vitamin and water content are an essential part of a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep you healthy and cancer free.
Other benefits
- Reduce acidity due to the presence of alkaline
- Reduce stress
- Better sleep
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Reduce wrinkles
The best way to drink cucumber water (how often should you drink it?)
To get the best results from cucumber water, you can drink it throughout the day. It’s a refreshing and healthy option to sip on regularly. Just keep a bottle and or glass of cucumber water ready and drink it whenever you feel thirsty or want a tasty hydration boost. It’s all about making it a part of your daily routine, if you want to reap the benefits consistently.
How to make your own cucumber water ( easy steps)
To make cucumber water all you need to do is slice up some cucumbers, and add them to a glass of water. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to infuse. You can also add some mint leaves or just squeeze some lemon water for extra freshness and flavor. That said, you can still drink it after adding some sliced cucumbers, if you don’t want to wait. You just may not enjoy most of the benefits, as you would’ve if you wait it out.
How you can store cucumber water properly
If you’re not making to drink immediately, you can store it by transferring it to a sealed container or a pitcher with a lid. Make sure to keep it refrigerated to maintain its freshness and prevent bacteria growth. Additionally, it is best you consume cucumber water within 2-3 days for the best taste. Anything after that may not taste nice or be safe to drink. Also, remember to give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well mixed. Especially if you added things like lemon, lime or strawberries into it.
Side effects
When it comes to cucumber water, there are generally no significant side effects to worry about. However, some people might experience mild bloating or gas if they drink too much, due to the high water and fiber content in cucumbers. Therefore, it is best to not over consume and keep things at bay. As always, it is always a good idea to listen to your body and see how it responds. If you notice any discomfort, you can adjust your intake accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Is cucumber water better than plain water?
I’ll tell you this, cucumber water and plain water both have their own advantages. Here’s a comparison:
Plain water
- Hydrates the body
- Neutral pH level
- Sugar and calorie free
- Inexpensive and widely available
Cucumber water
- Hydrates the body
- Adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
- May help you with digestion and reduce bloating
- Can aid in weight loss and skin health
- It has a refreshing and mild flavor
- Encourages you to stay hydrated throughout the day
That said, cucumber water is not necessarily better than plain water, but it offers additional benefits due to the nutrients and antioxidants present in it. However, it’s important to note that the nutritional value of cucumber water may vary depending on factors like the amount of cucumber used, infusion time, type, growing conditions, ripeness and farm to table storage.
If you want a refreshing and healthy beverage with potential extra benefits, you should go for cucumber water. But if you’re looking for a neutral-tasting, calorie-free drink, plain water is still an excellent option. What matters is what you prefer, but both can be a part of a healthy diet.
Can I drink cucumber water if I’m pregnant?
You sure can. Cucumber water can be a great choice during pregnancy as it helps with hydration and provides essential nutrients. Just make sure to wash the cucumbers thoroughly before using them to remove any potential pesticides or bacteria.
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