How Cucumber helps health and beauty habits this summer
Cucumber is a vegetable that has many advantages that make it essential in the cosmetics sector and in any balanced diet. It is associated with weight loss, since it has no fat and is very low in calories: 100 grams provide only 13 kilocalories. It contains a lot of water, which also makes it an important source of hydration.
Among its benefits , the experts at Nutritienda.com highlight six : it is a food rich in vitamins and minerals, it provides a lot of hydration, it has a high fiber content, decongestant properties and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is an antioxidant.
Table of Contents
1- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Cucumber is one of the star ingredients in cosmetic treatments and a staple in culinary recipes thanks to its large amount of vitamin C , which acts as an antioxidant on the skin and contributes to the proper functioning of cartilage and bones.
It also provides vitamin A , known as retinol, which contributes to the formation of collagen to keep the skin hydrated and protected against external agents. It is present in anti-aging creams and treatments for skin elasticity.
It contains small amounts of folates, a B vitamin that helps make DNA and other types of genetic material. It is necessary for cell division and for the production of red blood cells. Contains thiamin and niacin, which help the body’s cells convert carbohydrates into energy. If we consume it with the skin, it contains b-carotene, a compound that provides a golden pigmentation to the skin.
It has minerals such as potassium (blood pressure), phosphorus (bones and teeth), magnesium (muscles and nerves) and iron (immune system).
2- Great contribution of hydration.
Cucumber is 96% water, so it provides a lot of hydration. It is highly recommended for dry and dehydrated skin.
3- High fiber content.
Its contribution of fiber facilitates digestion, improves intestinal transit, is diuretic and favors the good activity of the kidneys. In addition, it reduces appetite by increasing the feeling of satiety, which makes it essential in any diet to control weight.
4- Decongestant properties.
When we think of a beauty ritual, the image of a person with two slices of cucumber over their eyes immediately comes to mind. Being a food with a high water content, it helps to hydrate and reduce inflammation around the eyes. It is very effective in reducing dark circles and bags.
5- Anti-inflammatory properties.
It is another advantage of its high water content. It is a star ingredient for the manufacture of cosmetics. It has soothing and regenerating properties for the skin when used topically, which is essential to combat skin problems such as acne. Also, it reduces the spots and scars left by pimples.
6- Antioxidant.
Its vitamin C reduces the damage caused by free radicals, molecules that form naturally in the body and cause cell aging. These antioxidants are essential in cosmetics, as they provide luminosity to the skin, prevent premature aging and delay the signs of aging.
FOOD AND BEAUTY
A food like cucumber, with its multiple properties, is worth including in our daily routine, both for food and for beauty. Nutritienda.com experts suggest different uses to take advantage of this vegetable and all its benefits .
– Food. It helps control weight. It can be consumed: raw (gazpacho) or cooked (in a salad or grilled); in infusions, juices or smoothies (they hydrate and have a great satiating effect) or in sauces (provides a refreshing and delicious touch).
– Masks and anti-acne products. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a basic ingredient in anti-acne cosmetics. Cucumber masks, cleansing gels and creams will help pimples and the marks derived from them to disappear. Highly recommended for oily and sensitive skin.
– Cosmetics for dry and dehydrated skin. Body gels and creams that contain it will provide extra hydration to the skin that needs it most. It is also used in makeup removal products that do not dry out the skin while removing dirt and makeup from the face.
– Products for dry and weak hair. Its great contribution of hydration makes it a basic ingredient in shampoos for frizzy and dry hair. Moisturizes and purifies the scalp and makes hair grow stronger. Vitamin A provides antioxidants that hydrate the hair and vitamin B ensures that oxygen reaches the scalp and hair grows healthy and strong.
