Cucumber (Kheera) Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction:

Drinking cucumber juice in the morning can be a refreshing and hydrating way to start your day. But do you know cucumber juice is more than just a refreshing drink? It is packed with many nutrients and properties that might help you live a healthy life. Let us dive into the world of cucumbers to find out! 

Cucumber juice is the juice obtained from cucumber fruits. The cucumber plant is scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Other members of the Cucurbitaceae family are melons, squash, and pumpkins. The cucumber plant is native to India and is grown across the country. Other names of cucumber in different Indian languages are Kheera in Hindi, Shashhaa in Bengali, Vellarikkay in Tamil, and Trapsuha in the Sanskrit language. Cucumber juice is packed with water and other vital nutrients. Cucumber juice may have a potential role in skincare due to its various properties.¹ 

To know more about the properties and benefits of cucumber juice, continue reading.  

Nutritional Value of Cucumber (Kheera) Juice:

Cucumber juice is rich in water and other nutrients. The refreshing juice is obtained from the pulp of fresh cucumber fruit and is a perfect addition to a hot summer day.¹  The nutritional value of cucumber per 100 grams of serving is given below.  

Here’s the information in pointer format:

• Nutritional component: Value
• Carbohydrates: 3.63 g
• Fats: 0.11 g
• Proteins: 0.65 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugar: 1.67 g
  • Glucose: 0.76 g
  • Fructose: 0.87 g
  • Sucrose: 0.03 g
• Iron: 0.28 mg
• Calcium: 16 mg
• Potassium: 147 mg
• Phosphorus: 24 mg
• Magnesium: 13 mg
• Zinc: 0.2 mg
• Copper: 0.041 mg
• Manganese: 0.079 mg
• Selenium: 0.3 µg
• Vitamin C: 2.8 mg
• Thiamin: 0.027 mg
• Riboflavin: 0.033 mg
• Niacin: 0.098 mg
• Pantothenic acid: 0.259 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.04 mg
• Vitamin A: 5 µg
• Energy: 15 kcal
• Water: 95.2 mg

Nutritional value of cucumber per 100grams of serving  

Also Read: Giloy Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Let me tell you something really captivating. Cucumbers are rich in a natural plant compound called Cucurbitacin B (CuB), which has gained attention for its potential effects on cancer cells. So, drinking cucumber juice as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle may offer some protection against cancer. It’s important to note that while cucumbers alone cannot fight cancer, they may be a beneficial addition to your diet for overall health.

Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS, M.S.

Properties of Cucumber Juice:

Due to the presence of numerous nutrients and phytochemicals, cucumber juice may have some beneficial health properties. Cucumber juice may have the following benefits: 

• It may act as an antioxidant  
• It may show antimicrobial properties 
• It may provide a healing, soothing, moisturizing and cooling effect on the skin  
• It may help reduce skin irritation and swelling  
• It may help with wrinkles and skin aging    
• It may help maintain skin elasticity¹  

Also Read: Pomegranate Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

In my opinion, including cucumber juice as part of your daily routine may help in managing hypertension and promoting better cardiovascular health, especially in elderly individuals. Studies have shown that drinking cucumber juice regularly might be beneficial for older individuals with high blood pressure.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of Cucumber Juice for Overall Health:

Cucumber juice may be a great addition to your everyday regime given it’s so light, and watery, and can be easily combined with nearly any other fruits or vegetables because of a not-so-characteristic flavor profile.  

1. Potential Uses of Cucumber Juice for Skin

Cucumber juice has potential skin protective properties. It may help reduce swelling and irritation on the skin and provide a soothing effect. It may also help maintain skin elasticity. Using cucumber juice may also help take care of skin damage due to sunlight. The juice contains a high amount of water, which may help in dry skin conditions.¹ However, if you experience any allergic effects after using cucumber juice, discontinue it and reach out to your doctor. Also, consult your healthcare provider before using cucumber juice if you are suffering from any skin condition.  

2. Potential Uses of Cucumber Juice as an Antioxidant

Consuming cucumber juice may help destroy the free radicals formed in the body.¹ Free radicals are responsible for many chronic disease conditions in the body. These free radicals are highly reactive and cause damage to important molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).³ Consuming cucumber juice may help you reduce the oxidative stress in the body by eliminating the free radicals. However, make sure to consult with your physician or doctor first before you use cucumber juice for any health effects.   

3. Potential Uses of Cucumber Juice for Weight Management

Cucumber juice has many properties that may help with weight loss. Cucumber juice has a very low calorie content and it contains a high amount of water. Also, it is packed with vitamins and other essential nutrients as discussed above. ² You may add cucumber juice to your diet to help manage weight. However, any changes related to diet and weight should be made after consulting with your doctor or nutritionist. Make sure you talk to your doctor before using cucumber juice for weight loss.  

Though there are studies that show the benefits of in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of cucumber juice on human health.   

Also Read: Lauki Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

In an interesting study I read, it was found that cucumber juice may have some amazing benefits when it comes to fighting acidity and maintaining a healthy pH balance in your body. It may act as a natural carminative, which means it might help relieve gas and bloating, providing relief from discomfort. Additionally, cucumber juice may also have antacid properties, which might help neutralise excess stomach acid.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Cucumber Juice:

Here’s how you make use of cucumber juice.  

• You can drink raw cucumber juice for its potential benefits.  
• You can also apply cucumber juice to the skin to reduce irritation and swelling and for its soothing effect.¹   

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Side Effects of Cucumber Juice:

There is a lack of information on the side effects associated with cucumber juice. However, some people may react differently to certain fruits and vegetables. If you experience any adverse effects or uneasiness after drinking or using cucumber juice, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.  

Precautions to Take with Cucumber Juice:

General precautions to take while using cucumber juice are given below.  

• Precaution for pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is a lack of information regarding cucumber juice in the form of medicine in pregnant and breastfeeding women. As a precaution, consult your physician before drinking any herbal juices when pregnant or breastfeeding.  
• Precaution for elderly and children: Children and elderly should drink cucumber juice under the supervision of adults. Also, it is important to stick to moderate amounts and avoid using excessive cucumber juice.  

If you want to use cucumber juice for any health conditions or benefits, you need to consult your healthcare provider first.  

Interactions with Other Drugs:

There is a lack of information documenting interactions of cucumber juice with other medications. However, if you are taking any medicines, consult your doctor about potential fruits and vegetables to avoid.    

Also Read: Watermelon Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 2013 Jan;84(1):227–36. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/ 

2. Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2010 Jul;4(8):118. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22228951/ 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

4

1