If you’ve read my blog before, then you already know that studies show 80% of all diseases people in the US are experiencing are inflammatory based.  I’ve also mentioned that inflammation used by the immune system is a good thing, but when it gets out of control, inflammation can potentially cause chronic health problems; including swollen joints, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.  One of the best ways to reduce inflammation is through diet, and cucumbers are at the top of the anti-inflammatory list.  

Cucumbers help to “cool” the inflammatory response in the body by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes, including cyclo-oxygenase 2, known as COX-2.  Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans, known as pinoresinol, lariciresinol and secoisolariciresinol.  These super lignans may lower the risk of breast, uterine, ovarian and prostrate cancers. 

Additionally, cucumbers also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins.  Recent studies have shown cucurbitacins may inhibit cancer, signaling and developing pathways required for cancer cell development. Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin, which helps improve memory, protects nerve cells from declining, and reduces the potential for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Cucumbers also provide essential antioxidants, including Vitamin C and beta-carotene; and flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol.  Quercetin helps to calm histamine release in seasonal allergies, and kaempferol may prove to reduce the risk of chronic heart diseases and cancer.     Cucumbers help the body deal with stress and anxiety by cooling the nervous system and providing multiple B vitamins, including B1, B5 and B7 (biotin). 

When you eat cucumbers you’ll also benefit from the electrolyte potassium, which balances blood pressure and is essential to proper body function. You can use cucumbers to freshen your breath and build your digestive power, if you have acid reflux.  Cucumbers are low in calories and rich in fiber, so they’re a perfect weight loss and diet food.  One cup of cucumbers is only 16 calories.

There are lots of ways to enjoy eating cucumbers, including making fermented pickles, dipping them into hummus, or adding them to your favorite juice or salad.       .

Eloise Nelson, Ph.D