{"id":52123,"date":"2022-06-22T09:30:40","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T13:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=52123"},"modified":"2026-01-28T21:12:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T02:12:07","slug":"cucumber-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cucumber-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"10 health benefits of cucumbers"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the vegetable world, cucumber is like everyone\u2019s boring cousin: It\u2019s not offensive, but it\u2019s not exactly thrilling, either. It\u2019s probably not the first to make it onto your party invite list, in other words. Maybe it <\/span>should <\/span><\/i>be, though, because cucumber is actually a powerhouse veggie. It\u2019s loaded with fiber and water but incredibly low in calories and sugar. Plus, the health benefits of cucumbers are far-reaching. Eat or drink it for digestive health and wellness, whip up a cucumber mask and hydrate your skin, or leave cucumber rounds on your eyes to reduce puffiness (yep, that\u2019s a real thing!).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However you slice it\u2014pun intended\u2014cucumber is one of the best and easiest vegetables to work into your diet.<\/span><\/p>\n

10 cucumber benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cukes are more than just a garnish in your side salad. Here are 10 reasons to add more cucumber to your diet every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. They\u2019re hydrating.<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you feel thirsty, you\u2019re already <\/span>dehydrated<\/span><\/a>\u2014and it\u2019s time to replenish, a<\/span>ccording to <\/span>Kathryn Boling<\/span>, MD, a former family medicine specialist with Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. But if the thought of drinking <\/span>yet another<\/span><\/i> glass of water turns you off, it\u2019s important to know cucumbers are an excellent substitute to increase your water intake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA cucumber has a water content of 95%, meaning you are taking in a lot of water with each one,\u201d says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, an inclusive plant-based dietitian in Stamford, Connecticut, and owner of <\/span>Plant Based with Amy<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThis helps with hydration\u2014which is important for so many body processes and can also help prevent headaches.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>8 types of headaches<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. They fill you up.<\/span><\/h3>\n

The key to being truly satisfied after a snack or meal? Eating foods with a combination of fiber and protein, both of which cucumber has in spades. Per Gorin, a half cup of cucumber gives you two grams of protein and two grams of fiber to keep you feeling fuller for longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Boling agrees, adding that cucumber\u2019s satiating power can even help you with weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. These low-calorie veggies help you fill up because they are packed with fluid and fiber (but not a bunch of other stuff, like fat, sodium, carbs, and sugar).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. They are anti-inflammatory.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cucumbers are chock full of antioxidants, like lignans, and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, that Dr. Boling says can have anti-inflammatory effects on your body when you eat enough of them. Think beta carotene and flavonoids, both of which are powerful <\/span>phytonutrients<\/span><\/a>, i.e., good-for-you plant compounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, cucumber’s anti-inflammatory processes may be so strong, some experts are exploring the role of <\/span>cucurbitacins<\/span><\/a> (chemical compounds found in the cucumber family) in reducing your risk of cancer cells, per an article in the <\/span>International Journal of Health Sciences<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What\u2019s the best diet for inflammation?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

4. They can depuff your eyes.<\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to providing anti-inflammatory effects inside your body when you eat them, Dr. Boling says you can soak up those effects on the <\/span>outside<\/span><\/i>, too. All those times you\u2019ve seen someone put cucumber slices on their eyes at a spa on television weren\u2019t just for visual effect: \u201cCucumber on the eyes actually does work,\u201d Dr. Boling says. They can help with redness, puffiness, and irritability.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

5. They might increase your libido.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to the Produce for Better Health Foundation, <\/span>cucumbers are an aphrodisiac<\/span><\/a>; the vitamin C and manganese in these green veggies are known for increasing both your energy and your sex drive. Not only that, vitamin C can increase your circulation and blood flow, which can <\/span>help men with erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cucumbers contain a compound called L-citrulline, which has been linked (in a small <\/span>study<\/span><\/a>) to an improvement in erectile dysfunction symptoms in some men. They are also rich in vitamin A, which is important for your immune system as well as for the production of testosterone.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. They can make your skin glow.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Similar to the benefits of putting cucumber on your eyes, Dr. Boling suggests making a DIY skin mask out of cucumber to rehydrate your skin with antioxidants and leave it looking younger and fresher. Some <\/span>research suggests<\/span><\/a> that cucumbers have cleansing properties that could be especially beneficial for the skin, and that it\u2019s also a soothing, cooling antidote to summer sunburn.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. They can regulate your digestion.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes, we\u2019re talking a lot about hydration here, but that\u2019s because few fruits and veggies have such a high water content as cucumbers\u2014and <\/span>every single part of our body relies on water<\/span>, including our digestive system.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStaying hydrated helps with the regularity of your bowel because more water means you won\u2019t have to worry about constipation,\u201d says Dr. Boling. \u201cYou need more fluids coming in when fluids are going out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, all that fiber content in cucumbers also works wonders on your gut, <\/span>adding bulk to your bowel movements<\/span><\/a> and keeping them regular.<\/span><\/p>\n

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