When you see cucumber slices you might think of a day at the spa, but this veggie has the power to reduce more than under-eye puffiness.
I’m talking about your belly, too – at only 16 calories per cup, cucumbers are among the lowest calorie vegetables around.
This makes them a perfect choice for anyone looking to lose weight, but I’m excited to share their benefits for overall health as well.
Here are 9 health benefits of cucumbers for weight loss as well as generally to your health, and how to make them an awesome addition to smoothies.
How Cucumbers Smoothie Benefit Your Health and Weight:
1. Helps you lose weight
Cucumbers are low calorie food
Cucumber has zero fat, low-calories, making it an excellent snack for people looking to lose weight.
So toss some cucumbers in salads or eat them as it is and add a dash of lemon juice, salt and black pepper to stimulate weight loss.
2. Keeps you hydrated
One of the reasons that cucumbers are so low in calories is because they are over 95% water.
In fact, cucumbers have the highest water content of any solid food… it’s kind of like “eating” a glass of water!
3. Supports healthy digestion
Cucumbers are rich in water, and their skin contains insoluble fiber. Both water and fiber help food to move through the digestive tract quicker and more easily, helping prevent constipation.
4. Reduces inflammation
Cucumbers can help lower the inflammatory response in the body.
They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
5. Healthier heart
Cucumbers contain potassium (152mg per cup), which can help lower blood pressure.
A review of the best studies conducted on potassium intake showed that a higher intake
“is associated with lower rates of stroke and might also reduce the risk of total cardiovascular disease.”
6. Improves your skin
If you are struggling with wrinkles, dry skin, acne, or any other skin conditions it can be a sign that you are lacking hydration.
When the skin is properly hydrated with water is has a healthy, dewy glow that can contribute to a younger appearance.
7. Cleans out toxins
In addition to keeping your body hydrated, cucumber water also helps you detoxify your body as it contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and flush out toxins from the body.
8. Stronger bones
The cucumber can help build your bones in several ways.
It contains orthosilicic acid which is a compound that works in coordination with vitamin D and calcium to produce collagen which helps to prevent the deterioration of bones.
9. Balances blood pressure
Cucumber is a good source of potassium and is a diuretic.
A diuretic is any substance that promotes increased production of urine.
Diuretics help reduce sodium and also maintain fluid balance in the body, which is essential to maintain stable blood pressure levels.
This refreshing drink is perfect when you need a cool-down. With a good balance of carbs and protein, it makes a great post-workout hydrator.
The recipe also features energizing ingredients such as mint and lemon, to help you recover from the workout.
Ingredients
1 cup chopped cucumber, with peel
1 handful mint leaves
1 green apple with peel, chopped
1/2 lemon, juice only
3 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 cup water
1 cup ice (optional)
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in your blender.
Blend until smooth. Depending on your blender, this may take 1-3 minutes.
Pour into a glass for now, or store in a spill-proof bottle to enjoy later!
By now you probably can’t wait to start eating cucumbers every day!
I recommend drinking at least one cucumber smoothie per day as a breakfast or snack (or both!). Thanks for watching!
Cucumber Smoothie for Weight Loss Recipe – 9 Health Benefits of Cucumber Juice