Cool summer veggie for weight loss!

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Life Desk :
Since time immemorial, cucumbers have been known to benefit overall health. They are mostly made of water and important nutrients that are essential for the human body. Cucumber, besides being rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, contains silica, which strengthens our connective tissues.
Scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, cucumbers originated in India almost 10,000 years ago and have been used ever since. Cucumbers, besides being good for your overall health, are a welcome addition to weight loss diets.
Including low calorie foods in your diet helps lower your calorie intake, thereby helping you lose the extra pounds. To lose weight, you consume fewer calories everyday than what your body uses up. By doing this, your body will end up using its excess fat stores as a source of energy. The more fat your body burns, the thinner you become.
Cucumber is a low calorie and low energy density food and if you’re on a calorie controlled diet, such foods are beneficial because they fill you up while being low in calories. It’s also a fact that extra vitamins and minerals present in cucumber will satisfy your cells and you will have more control of your hunger, meaning you’re less likely to binge on high-calorie foods. These nutrients will also train your body to indulge in healthier food, in the long run.
Most nutritionists recommend eating cucumbers because they take up space in your stomach and you end up feeling full for lesser calories.
100 grams or around one third of a cucumber contains 16 calories. This is due to the fact that it’s primarily made up of water, which contains zero calories, making it the perfect liquid to have when you’re on your weight loss journey. Water also boosts your metabolism, hence consuming cucumbers will help in the same.
You don’t necessarily have to eat cucumber in its raw form. Try being creative and add fresh or frozen cucumber to your fruit smoothies. It pairs especially well with unsweetened coconut water and even lime juice. If you’ve ever added muddled basil or mint leaves to your water for a twist, you know how refreshing it can be.
You could put cucumber and lemon slices in your water to make it freshening and flavoured, considering it also contributes to your ideal weight!
Cucumbers are delicious and cooling and a great way to eat them is by making them an addition to your salad. Instead of eating junk, try snacking on cucumbers or add it to your soups and smoothies.
While eating cucumbers on their own is not recommended because they severely lack in fat and protein which your body needs for carrying out various functions, eating them with other nourishing foods and cutting out junk will have enormous effects on your weight loss efforts. Besides, cucumbers will help you clear your skin of blemishes, reduce inflammation, support healthy digestion, keep you hydrated and even protect your cells!
-TNN
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