Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre. These nutrients are known to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases. Research has also proved that regular consumption of cucumber juice was helpful in reducing blood pressure, in elderly people with hypertension.
However, after giving cucumber juice to the elderly with hypertension as much as 100- 200 grams per day, will decrease systolic blood pressure of 13-34 mmHg and decrease the diastolic blood pressure of 4-10, 87 mmHg.
Cucumbers contain magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. These 3 nutrients are vital for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. In taking magnesium and potassium can lower down blood pressure. A regular intake of cucumber has been found to decrease bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well.
The fiber in cucumbers also helps prevent arterial blockages as it reduces cholesterol build-up in the arteries.
There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. In serious cases, medical procedures or surgery can help to remove blockages from within the arteries.
“Eating just one cucumber a day can be great! It mostly contains water. So, even if you were to eat more than one, it won't cause any harm. In fact, it will keep you full and help you avoid reaching out for any junk food,” said nutritionist Manisha Chopra.
They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.
You can eat the peel of a cucumber. In fact, it will add fiber and vitamin A to your diet. Just be sure to wash the cucumber first. When you shop for cucumbers, skip ones that are yellow, puffy, or have sunk-in areas, bulges, or wrinkled ends.
Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre. These nutrients are known to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases. Research has also proved that regular consumption of cucumber juice was helpful in reducing blood pressure, in elderly people with hypertension.
Berries: Strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins. Research has linked anthocyanins to a reduction in blood pressure in people with hypertension. In more good news, berries are delicious!
Cucumber and Radish
But unfortunately, Cucumber contains ascorbinase, which breaks down vitamin C. Ultimately, it prevents our body from absorbing them. So cucumber and radish (or any food with vitamin C) should not be eaten together.
The top drinks for lowering blood pressure include water, fruit juices (pomegranate, prune, cranberry, cherry), vegetable juice (tomato, raw beet), tea (black, green), and skim milk.
While we are not advocating that you drop cucumbers all together from your diet, one thing you should consider is having them before your dinner (at least 20-30 minutes before). For proper sleep, you should always have a light and healthy dinner and not have too much water which can disturb the balance.
Since cucumbers are low in calories, you can eat as many as you want and still be in a calorie deficit. Also, as cucumbers are low in protein, the diet recommends pairing the cucumbers with some protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meat, cottage cheese, and nuts.
Having lots of it is sure to make you feel "full" and bloated and as a result, interrupt your sleep. Plus, there is another reason why you should only eat cucumber in a limited quantity. This is because you are taking in more water and are bound to fill up the bladder and urinate more during your sleep.
Regulates cholesterol level
Another reason to have cucumbers regularly is that they contain a healthy level of pectin, which is a type of naturally occurring soluble fibre that helps decrease the levels of blood cholesterol, eliminates toxins and keep the heart-healthy.
Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop. For people with diabetes, cucumber may be a helpful addition to their diet to moderate blood sugar levels more effectively.
Yes, lifestyle changes, including diet, smoking cessation, stress management and exercise, can decrease the size of atherosclerotic plaques. They can also help to stabilize them so that they are less likely to break off and block blood flow, decreasing your risk of a heart attack.