Cucumber water: Benefits and how to make it

Cucumber water is a cheap, quick, and flavorful way to drink and enjoy water. Cucumbers contain a range of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that might help prevent a variety of conditions, including cancer and diabetes, as well as keeping bones, skin, and muscles healthy

Benefits of cucumber water

The following are some benefits of cucumber water:

Hydration

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the human body needs enough water to function properly and maintain overall health.

Females need to drink 2.2 liters (9 cups), and males require 3 liters (13 cups) of water each day.

A person’s fluid needs may increase when sweating a lot, exercising, or losing fluids due to illness or hot temperatures.

Drinking cucumber water counts towards a person’s daily intake of water, and the cucumber adds extra flavor to entertain the taste buds.

Oxidative damage can lead to all kinds of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Antioxidants help to prevent and delay cell damage from oxidative stress.

Cucumbers are high in antioxidants and other nutrients. By adding them to water, they make a glass of water more nutritious and antioxidant-rich.

Cucumbers are rich in the following antioxidants:

  • calcium
  • magnesium
  • potassium
  • phosphorus
  • vitamin A
  • vitamin K

Blood pressure

A diet high in sodium and low in potassium can lead to high blood pressure, so including potassium in the diet might help lower blood pressure.

Cucumbers are an excellent source of potassium, making cucumber water a good way to add more potassium to the body, create a better sodium-potassium balance, and, potentially, lower blood pressure.

Cancer prevention

Cucumbers are rich in flavonoids that might help to fight cancer. According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Cancer Research, the dietary flavonoid fisetin found in cucumbers may be able to slow the progression of prostate cancer.

Muscle health

Potassium is key to muscle energy and can help with muscle recovery. Cucumber is a good source of potassium, making cucumber water a good choice for an active person and people with sore muscles.

Try this cucumber water recipe:

Ingredients

  • 8 cups water
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced thin
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Directions

  • add the sliced cucumbers and the salt to a large pitcher or jar
  • pour in the water and stir well
  • cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
  • keep the water refrigerated
  • serve it with or without ice
  • drink it within 3 days

Making cucumber water more flavorful

Try adding any of the following ingredients to cucumber water to make it even more flavorful while keeping the same benefits:

  • lemons
  • limes
  • oranges
  • sprigs of mint
  • basil leaves
  • melon
  • a stalk of lemongrass
  • ginger
  • fresh raspberries or other berries
  • pineapple

Takeaway

Cucumber water is a very hydrating drink. It has many potential health benefits, including weight loss, lowering blood pressure, helping bone health, and improving skin health.

It is simple to make, and people can enjoy it at any time.

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