In the pursuit of better health, most of us have come to understand the basics in maintaining a wholesome lifestyle. Eat fresh fruits and veggies, get plenty of exercise and sunlight, and above all, staying plenty hydrated with good quality, clean spring water.
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But sometimes, plain old water just doesn’t cut it. Most people these days want some flavor… some pizazz… and maybe even some texture!
I know I’ll get a lot of people in a tiff – because “why not just eat a cucumber?!” Well, you can, and you should…. but people tend to get thirsty more often then they get hungry, and to have a large, refreshing pitcher of cucumber water sitting in the fridge or on the counter on a nice hot day, ready to rehydrate you with an amazing flavor and even more amazing health benefits… That seems much more enticing than just a plain ol’ glass of water in my humble opinion!!
So, let us discuss the amazing health benefits of adding cucumber slices to your water, and find some yummy fruit infusion recipes at the bottom of this article!
One of the most remarkable aspects of cucumbers is their potential in treating cancer. Loaded with phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, cucumbers possess impressive anti-cancer properties.
In a groundbreaking study titled “Cucurbitacins — A Promising Target for Cancer Therapy,” researchers discovered that cucurbitacins demonstrated anti-tumor activity in human cancer cell lines. Furthermore, cucumbers contain three lignans — lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol — that have been found to reduce the risk of various cancer types, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and prostate cancers.
In fact, a study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases in 2010 revealed that these constituents could potentially “lower vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction,” thereby contributing to cardiovascular disease prevention. Another study published in Nutrition and Cancer uncovered pinoresinol’s ability to suppress the growth of human leukemia cells.
Cucumbers also possess anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the presence of four flavonoids: quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, and luteolin. According to a study in Inflammation Research, flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by acting as antioxidants, inhibiting eicosanoid generating enzymes, or modulating the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.
By increasing your cucumber consumption, you can potentially protect yourself from various inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
In addition to their remarkable health benefits, cucumbers are an excellent tool for combating dehydration. With a water content of 95 percent, cucumbers can effectively hydrate your body and aid in the elimination of toxins.
Furthermore, cucumbers contain many essential vitamins that your body needs on a daily basis, making them an ideal addition to your hydration routine.
Making cucumber water is an easy way to infuse plain water with delicious flavor, and take advantage of the amazing health benefits those little cukes offer. This simple beverage involves infusing water with slices of fresh cucumber, allowing the water to absorb the cucumber’s flavors and nutrients.
Not only does cucumber water provide a pleasant taste, but it also maximizes the benefits you derive from cucumbers.
To make cucumber water, begin by thoroughly washing and slicing a cucumber. It’s essential to use organic cucumbers whenever possible to minimize exposure to pesticides.
Cucumber season is upon us. Save money by purchasing a baby cucumber plant, and have your own pesticide free cucumbers to munch on all season long!
Next, fill a pitcher with fresh, filtered water and add the cucumber slices. For an extra burst of flavor, you can include other ingredients such as mint leaves, lemon slices, or ginger.
Allow the mixture to infuse in the refrigerator for at least one hour to maximize the flavor infusion. Once chilled, serve the cucumber water over ice and enjoy its refreshing and rejuvenating effects.
Tips, Tricks, and Recipes:
- If you plan to peel the cucumbers before putting them in water, don’t throw out the slices! They contain a ton of nutrients, so utilize them in these ways!
- They can be sliced up and mixed into your salad bowl!
- Bake them and enjoy like chips! – Recipe Here
- Chop up and put in your garden to boost nutrients!
- Use ice cube trays to freeze leftover cucumber water infusions to add them into next batch, or save for later.
Cucumber Citrus Infusion:
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 medium lemon, sliced
1/2 lime, sliced
1/2 medium orange, sliced
1/4 grapefruit
2 quarts water
Combine all ingredients in a large glass carafe or pitcher. Cover and refrigerate 12-24 hours.
Cucumber Strawberry Mojito Infusion:
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced
1/2 lime, thinly sliced
1 small handful mint leaves, torn and slapped
1 handful stevia leaves, torn (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large glass carafe or pitcher. Cover and refrigerate 12-24 hours.
As you embark on your cucumber water journey, it’s crucial to note that the benefits are not limited to the summer season. While cucumber water is particularly refreshing during warmer months, it can be enjoyed year-round to support your health goals.
In conclusion, the incorporation of cucumbers and cucumber water into your daily routine can have a transformative impact on your overall health. From their potential in treating cancer to their anti-inflammatory properties and hydration benefits, cucumbers offer an array of advantages that should not be overlooked.
So why not start today? Grab a cucumber, infuse your water, and experience the remarkable benefits of cucumber water for yourself. Your body will thank you.
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There Are 5 Types Of Water To Drink – Here’s The Healthiest To Least Healthy Water
