When contemplating a nutritious beverage choice, cucumber water is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. After all, cucumbers are a vegetable—a choice unlikely to jazz up your daily drink routine! But if you’re looking to enhance your hydration and overall well-being, it might be worthwhile to grab some cucumbers on your next grocery run. This cool and revitalizing vegetable is not just for reducing puffiness around your eyes or dipping in hummus. I committed to drinking cucumber water every day for 30 days and was pleasantly surprised by the remarkable benefits I experienced.
Keep reading to learn more about my cucumber water journey.
Here’s what inspired me to drink cucumber water for 30 days.
You might be curious about what motivated me to embark on this particular experiment for an entire month. In the midst of preparing for my wedding, I was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that I appeared as a radiant bride. I came across information suggesting that consuming cucumber water could lead to a beautiful, radiant complexion, and that definitely caught my interest. After all, achieving lustrous skin is a top priority for any bride on her special day!
I won’t divulge too much yet, but keep reading to learn the benefits I derived from drinking cucumber water for 30 days.
1. Drinking cucumber water helped my skin look refreshed and all-around healthier.
My skin tends to become very dry from prolonged exposure to summer sun and harsh winter temperatures. Drinking this uncomplicated mixture of cucumber-infused water helped my skin appear more vibrant and well-hydrated. Maybe it was just a great month overall, but along with a more radiant complexion, my skin was free from blemishes. While I don’t typically struggle with many breakouts on my face, during the month of sticking to my cucumber water routine, my skin looked especially clear and rejuvenated. It took approximately two weeks for me to observe a noticeable improvement in my skin’s condition.
I’ve since learned from Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics who sits on our Medical Expert Board, that cucumbers are chock-full of silica, which offers many benefits for your skin. Cucumbers also contain vitamin B5, which can help treat acne.
2. It enticed me to drink even more water than I normally do.
I’ve always been a fan of drinking lots of water throughout the day, but I’m not always good at refilling my glass—especially during a busy workday. In addition, plain old water can get incredibly mundane. So, I decided to spice up my daily H2O with a much more aesthetically pleasing and refreshing beverage: cucumber water. This gave me something to look forward to each morning when I woke up and, in turn, helped me be more consistent with refilling my glass.
I do have to point out that cucumber water is more palatable in the summer months when I’m craving something ultra-refreshing and thirst-quenching. I was also conveniently picking cucumbers up at the local farmer’s market below my apartment, which made the routine oh-so-easy.
One major negative about cucumber water is that it’s considered a diuretic, which, simply put, means it can cause you to pee more. (And I already pee a lot.) While this is a great thing because the drink will rid your body of toxins, drinking a lot of it—especially closer to bedtime—can cause you to urinate much more. Needless to say, I did not enjoy this aspect of my newfound beverage.
3. The ease of preparation made this healthy habit a seamless one to stick with.
I enjoyed a fresh pitcher of cucumber water each day in the summer heat, which equates to about six large glasses. I prepared cucumber water the night before so it was ready to pour first thing in the morning. The process was more than seamless. I bought the cucumber, sliced the cucumber, threw the slices into the pitcher with water, and popped the pitcher into the fridge. That’s it! I loved the fact that I didn’t even have to peel the cucumber. Because, let’s be honest: Regardless of how healthy a particular wellness trend is—if it’s a lot of work, it likely won’t be sustainable in the long run.
Some pretty common additions to cucumber water I discovered during my research include mint, lemon, and ginger. You can even go all-out and buy lime green straws and a mason jar mug to really jazz up your day.
4. It helped reduce belly bloating.
So many things that I eat and drink—from pasta to sauces to seltzer—bother my stomach, which results in unwanted, inevitable bloating. However, drinking cucumber water actually helped lessen the bloat, which certainly came in clutch leading up to my wedding weekend!
I was curious why this happened and spoke with Goodson who explained, “Cucumber water may help with digestion, thanks to the fiber content in cucumbers. It can promote regular bowel movements and reduce bloating.”
Goodson also pointed out that cucumber water has very few calories, which makes it a much better choice over drinks that are high in sugar and/or calories, especially when watching your weight. “It can be a helpful option if you’re looking to manage your calorie intake,” Goodson added.
Drinking cucumber water might not be for everyone, but I’m pretty hooked. The fact that I was able to stick with this healthy habit for a full 30 days leaves me feeling inspired to find more easy habits like this to add to my routine. Be right back—going to replenish my cucumber water!
The Scientific Benefits of Cucumber Water
If you’re considering sprucing up your hydration game, I highly recommend trying cucumber water. It’s a stellar alternative to sugary beverages that are packed with empty calories and can help you drink more water throughout the day. Plus, the science-based benefits of cucumber don’t lie.
According to research, cucumber is low in calories and high in water content. It provides antioxidants and serves as a potential antidiabetic. Cucumber cleanses the body by removing built-up chemical toxins and waste materials. In addition, cucumber can be a soothing treatment for skin irritations, decrease swelling, and allevaite sunburn pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Drinking Cucumber Water for 30 Days
What are the Benefits of Drinking Cucumber Water?
Drinking cucumber water can have several benefits, including:
- Hydration: Cucumber water is a great way to stay hydrated, as cucumbers are made up of about 95% water.
- Rich in Nutrients: Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium.
- May Aid in Weight Loss: Cucumber water is low in calories and can help you feel full, potentially aiding in weight loss.
- Refreshing Flavor: Adding cucumbers to water can enhance the taste, making it more enjoyable to drink.
Did You Notice Any Changes in Your Skin after Drinking Cucumber Water for 30 Days?
Yes, drinking cucumber water for 30 days may lead to improvements in skin health. Cucumbers contain antioxidants and silica, which can help reduce inflammation, promote hydration, and improve overall skin condition. Many people report clearer, more radiant skin after incorporating cucumber water into their daily routine.
Is Cucumber Water a Good Substitute for Plain Water?
Cucumber water can be a refreshing and flavorful alternative to plain water. While it is not necessarily a substitute for water, it can be a great way to add variety to your hydration routine and encourage you to drink more fluids throughout the day. However, it is important to still consume an adequate amount of plain water to meet your body’s hydration needs.
