It is not just a tasty and refreshing alternative to water, cucumber juice is also an excellent health tonic… especially for diabetics. Cucumber juice is essentially 98 percent water. But when pureed with the skin still intact, cucumber juice is an excellent source of vitamins K, C and A, as well as folate, phosphorus, potassium, iron and hints of selenium. And because cucumber is low in sodium and calories it is an excellent source for snacks and an ideal base for making juices.
Here are 4 reasons why you should consider cucumbers.
1 Lowers blood sugar
Cucumber juice contains an ample amount of vitamin K which is helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels. Vitamin K helps in clotting or coagulation. Blood clotting prevents the loss of blood through wounds, which is crucial for diabetics. Studies conducted by the American Diabetic Association show that it may increase insulin sensitivity as well.
Cucumber juice may also be a healthy tonic for diabetes patients as it supplies the required amount of potassium. Low levels of potassium have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes.
2. Keeps you hydrated
A half a cup of sliced cucumber contains about 50 grams of water and because of the minerals and vitamins helps in flushing out toxins from our bodies. And the more we rid ourselves of such toxic elements, the healthier we feel.
The vitamin K contained in cucumbers not only balances blood sugar levels it also helps with clotting or coagulation and that clotting of wounds is crucial for diabetics. Cucumbers also provide diabetics with the necessary amount of potassium they require as low levels of potassium are associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
3. Lowers cholesterol
Plant sterols that may help to reduce the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are also contained in cucumbers. Thus, cucumbers reduce the risk of heart attacks and other heart-related conditions.
4 Anti-inflammatory properties
The nutrients contained within cucumbers also bring relief from joint conditions such as gout, arthritis pain and diabetic neuropathy.
Here’s a delicious and simple cucumber juice recipe
- 3 medium cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) honey
- 2 cups (15 oz) water
- Salt, to taste
After washing the cucumber, add the unpeeled fruit/vegetable to a blender. Add water and puree it. Press the cucumber puree through a mesh strainer and collect the juice into a glass. Stir in honey and salt into the cucumber juice. Serve chilled.
