5 Benefits Of Cucumber Water And How To Make It

Know Your Ingredient: Cucumber Water

What Is It?
A health drink made using filtered water steeped with cucumber slices.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may aid in weight loss, prevent oxidative damage, reduces the risk of high blood pressure, and promotes skin health.

Who Can Use It?
It can be safely consumed by everyone; especially people living in temperate climates may find this drink beneficial.

How Often?
You can consume 2-3 liters of cucumber water per day.

Caution
Avoid if you experience any bloating, indigestion, or allergic symptoms.

What Is Cucumber Water?

Cucumber water is an infused potable drink that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. It is essentially any filtered or purified water steeped with cucumber slices. Water takes on the taste and essence of cucumber slices and exhibits characteristics of lightness, crispness, and vibrancy. The longer these slices sit in the water, the better the flavor. The combination of cucumber slices with water provides many micro-nutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants. This infused drink comes chilled and is an amazing option to quench your thirst anytime of the day. It has become increasingly popular in North America and Western Europe, mainly through health spas.

Trivia

With 80% of the total production, China accounted for 91 million tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins in 2020.

You can use any cucumber to prepare infused water. However, try to stick to the ones with a mild flavor. Keep reading to learn more about the types of cucumbers.

Types Of Cucumber

• Slicing Cucumbers: This is a commonly available variety and has a mild taste and thick, dark green skin. They are perfect for fresh salads, infused water, and sandwiches.
• Pickling Cucumbers: These are smaller, often spiky-skinned, and ideal for pickling due to their ability to absorb flavors.
• English Cucumbers: They are slim, seedless, have a mild flavor, and thin skin. They are ideal for salads, infused water, and snacking.
• Armenian Cucumbers: These have a curved, thin shape and a mild, sweet flavor. They’re popular in salads and for pickling.
• Lemon Cucumbers: These cucumbers resemble lemons. They are small, round, and sweet, perfect for fresh eating and snacking.
• Kirby Cucumbers: These are small, have bumpy skin, and are used for pickling.

The cooling and hydrating properties of cucumbers benefit your body in many ways. So, what benefits does cucumber water offer? Let us discover them in the following section.

Health Benefits Of Cucumber Water

1. May Aid In Weight Loss

Sliced cucumbers in your water do not add many calories since one whole cucumber (300g) has only about 45 calories (1). Moreover, proper hydration helps you feel fuller, which, in turn, prevents unnecessary snacking. According to a study, increased water intake is linked with weight loss because of decreased feeding and increased fat loss due to lipolysis (breakdown of fats through hydrolysis) (2). Hence, replace sugary sodas, sports drinks, and juices with cucumber water to reduce your overall calorie intake.

2. Contains Antioxidants

Oxidative damage is the root cause of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Antioxidants prevent oxidative damage and inhibit or repair cell damage that can cause illness. A study suggests that antioxidants are critical in terminating oxidative chain reactions by eliminating free radicals (3). Cucumbers are a rich source of antioxidants like vitamin C, manganese, beta-carotene, molybdenum, and flavonoids (4). Adding cucumber slices to water will make it more nutritious and contribute to the antioxidants in your diet.

3. May Reduce Cancer Risk

Cucumbers are rich in flavonoids, which may help reduce the risk of cancer. They also contain biochemical compounds like cucurbitacins and lignans, which may stop certain cancers from developing or slow down their progression (5),(6). A recent study suggests that fisetin, a flavonoid found in cucumbers, may slow down the progression of cancers or even induce apoptosis (programmed cell death of cancer cells). Besides, fisetin also demonstrates several activities that may have potential to treat cancer, but further studies are needed to confirm it (7).

4. May Reduce The Risk Of High Blood Pressure

Studies suggest that the incidence of hypertensionⁱ  XA cardiovascular condition where the blood pressure is higher than normal due to the increased force of blood flow against the artery walls. is higher among populations consuming diets low in potassium, a mineral abundant in cucumbers. The potassium in cucumber water helps your body get rid of excess sodium that may otherwise elevate blood pressure levels. Therefore, potassium intake can lower blood pressure, especially among hypertensive individuals. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke (8), (9), (10).

5. May Promote Skin Health

Cucumbers have a significant amount of silica and antioxidants. These can help to keep your skin clear and firm (11). They also contain pantothenic acid, a form of vitamin B5 that keeps the skin soft, smooth, and healthy. It keeps the skin hydrated by absorbing moisture from the air. Treating healthy adults with facial acne lesionsⁱ  XAn abnormal change or damage to the tissue skin, possibly a result of disease or trauma. through dietary supplements containing pantothenic acid is safe and well-tolerated (12). Besides, this acid is anti-inflammatory and may help stimulate the skin’s healing processes (13).

Fun Fact

Cucumbers are fruits, not vegetables. They are scientifically classified as pepo or botanical berries with a tough rind.

Drinking cucumber water is one delicious way to rehydrate your body and is easy to prepare at home. Checkout a simple recipe in the following section.

How To Make Cucumber Water At Home

What You Need

• 1 medium-sized cucumber
• 2 quarts of water
• Mint, citrus, strawberries, or a fruit of your choice

Process

• Peel the cucumber and remove seeds with a spoon(cucumber seeds are edible, but some people may prefer not to use them in drinks).
• Cut it into slices (save some for decoration).
• Pour water into a pitcher. The amount of water needed depends on the size of the pitcher. But a good starting ratio would be two quarts of water to one medium cucumber. Add the slices to the pitcher. These may float – so keep them below the water surface if you desire a strong infusion. Allow them to steep for at least an hour to let the flavor permeate the water. Give it a gentle stir before drinking.
• You can use the same slices to make more batches of cucumber water. If the water seems less flavorful, discard or eat the slices. Drink the cucumber water within two days as it lacks preservatives.

To Add Variation

• Wash several mint leaves under running water and slice them into narrow strips. Adding mint to cucumber water makes the beverage sweeter without adding sugar. You can also squeeze half a lemon, lime, or orange into the cucumber water. You may also add strawberries, blueberries, or any other fruit of your choice.

Ashley, a lifestyle blogger, consumes cucumber water to relax and rejuvenate. According to her, cucumber water is synonymous with a state of calmness and peace. She says, “When I think of spas, I think of relaxation and cucumber water. From the first time I had cucumber water at the spa, I now automatically relate infused waters to a state of calmness and peace…. Cucumber contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin K and Potassium. Slice cucumbers and add small chunks of fresh honeydew to your water. It’s simply wonderful (i)!”

Cucumber water may have some side effects despite its beneficial effects. Listed below are some of the drawbacks that need to be considered.

Side Effects Of Cucumber Water

1. Toxicity

Biochemical substances like cucurbitacins in cucumbers are potentially toxic for sensitive individuals. Health issues associated with these elements can range from mild to severe. There were also reports of deaths among animals that consumed fruits rich in cucurbitacins (due to poisoning). Moreover, studies have also shown that these elements produce a bitter flavor in vegetables (14).

2. Allergy

Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking cucumber water may result in an allergic reaction, triggering hives, swelling, and breathing difficulty in allergic individuals. Melons and cucumbers belong to the ragweed cross-reactivity groups, and may aggravate oral allergies, including swelling of the mouth and throat (15).

3. Bloating And Indigestion

Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with sensitive digestive systems may experience bloating, stomach pain, or flatulence after consuming this drink. Excessive cucumber intake may also lead to diarrhea in severe cases. However, quality research is warranted in this regard.

How long can you let cucumber steep in water? How long can it stay fresh? We answer these questions in the following section.

How Long Can You Keep Cucumbers In Water?

It is advisable to consume cucumber water within 24 hours if not refrigerated. Refrigerating cucumber water will allow you to enjoy it for 2 to 3 days.

The taste of the water changes over time if you do not remove cucumber slices after preparing them. This is because the cucumber starts decomposing after a day and alters the taste of the water. However, this does not indicate that it is spoiled. The water is unfit for consumption only if it has begun to taste bitter.

Is Lemon and Cucumber Water Good For You?

Water made using organic lemons and cucumbers is a delicious and hydrating treat you can have at any time of the day. As stated, it may help improve skin health, lower blood pressure, and increase weight loss. Besides, lemon juice naturally freshens the breath and improves digestion (16),(17). Lemon is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost the immune system (18). Moreover, the flavonoidsⁱ  XA group of bioactive compounds occurring in fruits and vegetables that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. in citrus have a protective effect on the liver (19).

Cucumber water is worth drinking every day, given its amazing benefits. But is there any daily intake limit? Let us find out.

How Much Should You Drink Daily?

You can drink cucumber water instead of normal water if you are craving a change. This helps you feel refreshed and hydrated. Depending on a person’s age, gender, and climatic conditions, they may consume approximately two to three liters of cucumber water a day. You will need to increase your fluid intake further if you live in temperate climates.

Infographic: Top 4 Benefits Of Cucumber Water

Cucumber water is a refreshing beverage and the perfect alternative to carbonated drinks. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, provides hydration, and aids in weight loss. We have rounded up the top benefits of adding cucumber water to your diet in the infographic below. Check it out to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cucumber water burn belly fat?

Cucumber water is believed to reduce belly fat. However, limited research is available to prove this claim.

Why does cucumber water make me pee so much?

Cucumber water contains sulfur, silicon, and potassium, which increase urination by stimulating kidneys.

Does cucumber water help in improving metabolism?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cucumber water aids in weight loss and digestion, which can in turn improve metabolic health over time. However, more scientific research is needed to validate the claim.

Does cucumber water detox your body?

Yes, cucumber water can effectively detox the body. Cucumbers can cleanse the body by removing chemical toxins and accumulated wastes (20).

Is cucumber water a laxative?

No, cucumber water is not a laxative. However, because of its hydrating properties, it may help with dehydration and may help in the management of constipation.

Is cucumber water better than eating cucumber?

Although cucumber water is beneficial in many ways, eating cucumber may have more benefits because of the nutrients in it.

Does cucumber clean your colon?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cucumbers have cleansing properties that can flush out toxins and are rich in digestive fiber that increases bowel movements and helps in cleaning the colon.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Begin your day with a refreshing drink of cool cucumber water! Check out this video to learn more about the incredible health benefits of drinking it on the daily.

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Tracy TredouxDipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP

   

Tracy is a fully qualified nutritional therapist with 10 years of experience specializing in gut and immune health. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and uses her knowledge to address the root causes of illness rather than merely manage the symptoms. She motivates and supports her clients along their journey to achieve peak health and wellness through personalized dietary...more

Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. She aims to use her knowledge of...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused. Moksha graduated from Mumbai University and was a key...more