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Health See other Health Articles Title: Cucumber Water Benefits + How to Make It By Jillian Levy, CHHC In the world of “detox drinks,” some of the most loved ingredients include apple cider vinegar, ginger, lemon, turmeric, celery and cucumber. Each of these has unique health perks. For example, turmeric water helps support a healthy response to inflammation, while cucumber water benefits include managing swelling and bloating. Cucumber water, in particular, is a super simple, healthy beverage you can sip on throughout the day to enhance digestion Thanks to cucumber nutrition, cucumber water provides small amounts of polyphenol antioxidants and vitamin K. In addition to satisfying thirst, other cucumber water benefits include assisting in detoxification and cutting your intake of added sugar. Cucumber water benefits Cucumbers are technically fruits (though tend to be considered vegetables in the culinary world) that belong to the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) plant family. While they’re mostly made of water, they also provide anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants (such as cucurbitacins, tannins, glucosides, lignans and flavonols) and certain vitamins. What does cucumber in water do? First and foremost, it helps you meet your daily need for water/fluids and prevents dehydration. Cucumbers have a very high water content. They are made up of about 95 percent water, with the remainder being a small amount of carbs and fiber. They’re naturally low in sugar and basically free of fat and protein. Most of cucumber’s nutrients are found inside the peel and seeds. This is why it’s a good idea not to peel cucumbers before eating them, unless they’re not organic and contain a waxy coating. Is it better to eat cucumbers or drink cucumber water? Because cucumbers are already so rich in water and low in calories, it doesn’t make much of a difference how you consume them. Eating them does have the advantage of filling you up a bit more, since it takes up more volume in your stomach, but cucumbers alone are not likely to be very satiating, so drinking cucumber water is a good option if you enjoy it more. Here’s more about potential cucumber water benefits: 1. Hydrating alternative to sugar-sweetened drinks Does cucumber water burn belly fat? Not exactly, but it might help you lose weight if it replaces other high-calorie, sugary drinks. One cup of cucumber water made with about 1/2 cup of cucumber slices barely has any calories (about eight). Plus it’s almost free of sugar. Compare this to one can of soda, which has 140 calories and 39 grams of sugar! Cucumber water is especially tasty if you add other flavors, such as lemon, lime, mint, orange, strawberry or a bit of raw honey. By making it taste great, you’ll be more likely to drink up throughout the day and stay hydrated. What are the benefits of consuming more water and hydrating drinks? These include: healthier-looking skin more energy better managed appetite assistance with exercise recovery and more 2. Supports digestion and detoxification Within veggies that belong to the Cucurbitaceae plant family, you’ll find compounds called cucurbitacins, which are known to support digestive function. These compounds can help keep the liver healthy, assist in elimination, help protect the gastrointestinal tract and also potentially reduce fluid retention. Cucumbers are considered a natural diuretic food, meaning they can help the body produce more urine to carry out toxins and waste. If you suffer from a bloated stomach, indigestion, constipation or water retention, sipping on cucumber water may help. It’s particularly useful to drink after you’ve been consuming alcohol, you’re dehydrated or you’ve eaten lots of high-sodium foods, since it can help manage an electrolyte imbalance. Cucumbers also have alkalizing effects, helping keep the body’s pH in balance, and can support kidney function. While it only contains small amounts of electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium, cucumber water is thought to help normalize blood pressure levels, in part because it balances sodium levels in the body. 3. Provides antioxidants and vitamins Studies have shown that nutrients within cucumbers have potential anti- diabetic, lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects. Cucumbers contain a decent amount of bone-building vitamin K, plus small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, manganese and B vitamins. They’re also a good source of bioflavonoids and tannins, which help fight free radicals that contribute to signs of aging. Some of these protective compounds will be released into cucumber water if you steep the slices for long enough. 4. Aids weight management Cucumber water benefits include that it’s naturally low in calories and can help promote satiety, making it a useful tool for weight management. Staying well-hydrated supports metabolism and reduces the likelihood of mistaking thirst for hunger. In a randomized, controlled trial, participants who increased water intake before meals lost more weight compared to those who didn’t. This highlights the role of water-rich, calorie-free beverages like cucumber water in supporting weight loss efforts. 5. Promotes healthy blood pressure Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and counteracts the effects of sodium. Drinking cucumber water may contribute to better blood pressure control by enhancing hydration and delivering small but consistent amounts of potassium. A study conducted on hypertensive adults found that increased water consumption paired with dietary potassium intake was linked to improved systolic blood pressure. 6. May help prevent cancer Cucumbers contain plant lignans and cucurbitacins, which have shown potential anti-cancer properties. While more research is needed, some studies involving human populations have suggested diets rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce cancer risk. In fact, cucumber flowers have been found to display anti-cancer activity against human liver cancer cells. Thus, drinking cucumber water regularly can be part of an antioxidant- rich diet that supports the body’s natural defense systems. 7. Benefits muscles Staying hydrated is critical for muscle performance, and cucumber water helps by replenishing fluids and essential electrolytes. Cucumbers contain magnesium and potassium, both important for muscle contraction and recovery. Research has shown that beverages with electrolytes delay muscle cramp onset during exercise compared to plain water muscle cramp onset during exercise compared to plain water. For instance, a study on athletes found that electrolyte-infused hydration improved muscle function and decreased cramps, supporting cucumber water’s role in muscular health, especially during workouts or heat exposure. 8. Protects skin health Cucumber water promotes glowing skin by boosting hydration and delivering antioxidants such as vitamin C and caffeic acid. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and reduce skin irritation. Research involving human subjects showed that increased water intake improves skin hydration, elasticity and overall appearance, making cucumber water a simple yet effective beauty drink. 9. Strengthens bones Cucumber water benefits bone health because cucumbers are a source of silica and vitamin K, nutrients important for bone formation and strength. Vitamin K plays a vital role in calcium regulation and bone mineralization. In long-term human studies, higher intake of vitamin K has been associated with reduced risk of bone fractures and improved bone density. Drinking cucumber water offers a small but consistent way to support bone health over time. How to make cucumber water Cucumber water is super simple to make and technically only requires two ingredients: a whole cucumber and plain water. Wash one medium cucumber well, then slice it into thin slices. It’s recommended that you leave the peel on, since this is where many nutrients are found (especially antioxidants). Fill a large pitcher of water up, then add as many ice cubes as you’d like. Mix the cucumber into the water. Add any additional ingredients you might like to improve the taste, such as fresh lemon or lime juice, chopped mint or basil, crushed or whole berries, ginger, or honey. Stirring in about 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt is also beneficial if you’ve been sweating, working out or have lost electrolytes. To experience the most cucumber water benefits, purchase organic cucumbers, and use high-quality water, such as filtered water or alkaline water. How long can you keep cucumber slices in water? After a few hours the cucumber will start to release its water and shrivel up. This won’t affect the taste right away, but it might not look as appetizing. For the best taste, drink the water within about six to 12 hours of making it. Other healthy cucumber recipes to try: In addition to using it in water, cucumber is a great vegetable for juicing or making smoothies. It pairs well with other hydrating foods, like melon, lime, avocado, celery, berries, herbs and fennel. If you prefer warm soups over cold beverages, try this Cucumber Detox Soup recipe. Other healthy ways to use cucumber at home include making: Cold Cucumber Avocado Soup Cucumber Tomato Salad Cucumber Salsa For more skin-loving benefits, use cucumber slices applied directly to the face (such as around the eyes) to provide soothing and cooling effects. Cucumber can help protect against skin irritations and reduce swelling, puffiness, redness and even damage from free radicals. Cucumber water vs. lemon water Cucumber water and lemon water are both refreshing, low-calorie drinks that offer distinct health benefits. Cucumber water is known for its cooling, hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to compounds like cucurbitacins and antioxidants. It’s particularly beneficial for skin health, digestion and electrolyte balance due to its potassium content, among other cucumber water benefits. Lemon water, on the other hand, provides a natural source of vitamin C and citric acid, which support immune function, aid digestion and may enhance iron absorption. The acidity of lemon also gives it mild antibacterial effects and can promote liver detoxification. While both are excellent choices for hydration, cucumber water tends to be more alkaline and gentler on the stomach, making it a better option for those sensitive to acidic drinks. For optimal results, some people combine cucumber and lemon in the same water for a synergy of benefits. Risks and side effects Cucumber water is generally very well-tolerated and unlikely to cause side effects or allergies. However, if you have a known allergy to cucumber, then definitely avoid any drinks containing even trace amounts of this veggie. Because cucumbers can have mild diuretic effects, it’s a good idea not to drink too much of this beverage close to bedtime in order to avoid frequent urination. If you take diuretic medications, stick to about one to two cups per day of cucumber water to avoid any potential interactions. Frequently asked questions What does cucumber water do? Cucumber water hydrates the body while providing small amounts of antioxidants, electrolytes and anti-inflammatory compounds. It may help with digestion, skin health, blood pressure and weight management. By infusing plain water with cucumber, you make hydration more appealing and supportive of overall wellness. Is cucumber water good for you? Yes, cucumber water is a healthy, low-calorie beverage that offers a range of benefits. It’s a natural way to boost hydration, supply antioxidants like vitamin C and caffeic acid, and deliver minerals such as potassium and magnesium. It supports skin health, digestion, muscle function and cardiovascular wellness. What are the best alternatives to cucumber water? If you’re looking for alternatives with similar health benefits, try lemon water, mint water, or herbal-infused waters like basil or ginger water. Coconut water is another excellent option for hydration and electrolyte balance. You can also combine cucumber with other fruits or herbs (like lime, berries or mint) for variety. Does cucumber water have any side effects? Cucumber water is generally safe for most people and rarely causes side effects. However, in rare cases, individuals allergic to cucumbers may experience itching or digestive discomfort. Overconsumption may lead to frequent urination or bloating in sensitive individuals, especially if the cucumber slices are consumed along with the water. How often should I drink cucumber water? You can drink cucumber water daily. Many people enjoy it first thing in the morning or sip it throughout the day for hydration and other cucumber water benefits. Can cucumber water help with bloating? Yes, cucumber water may reduce bloating due to its high water content and natural diuretic properties, which can help flush excess fluids and sodium from the body. Does cucumber water detox your body? The body naturally detoxifies through the liver and kidneys, and cucumber water benefits and supports these processes by improving hydration, which is essential for efficient toxin elimination. Is it better to drink cucumber water warm or cold? Most people prefer cucumber water chilled for its refreshing taste, but it can be consumed at any temperature. Cold cucumber water may also be more soothing and hydrating in hot weather. How long can you store cucumber water? Cucumber water is best consumed within 12-24 hours when refrigerated. After 24 hours, the flavor can become bitter, and the cucumbers may lose freshness. Conclusion Because cucumbers are very high in water and also contain other antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, benefits of cucumber water include staying hydrated and boosting your nutrient intake. One cup of cucumber water has only about eight calories. Try this refreshing beverage in place of sugary drinks to take advantage of cucumber water benefits, including to slash calories from your diet, support digestion and detoxification, and keep your skin looking healthy. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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