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SHOULD I AVOID CUCUMBERS WHILE MENSTRUATING?

***Menstruation is a natural phenomenon for every woman. It is one of the most distinguishing factors separating a man from a woman and it’s a clear indication that a female is ready for reproduction. This special time of the month may come with some sort of discomfort with some females feeling tired, more lethargic than usual, cramps, cravings and the list continues!

WHAT SOME PEOPLE SAY ABOUT CUCUMBERS DURING MENSTRUATION

***Very recently, I started hearing some rather funny comments about taking cucumbers during menstruation. Some has said that it’s harmful to take cucumbers while menstruating because it can cause some of the menstrual blood to be left in the uterus (womb) and thus result to a person coming down with ovarian cancer. To some other people, we should avoid it because it can lead to cramps and worsen menstrual pain while some others believe it could damage beneficial cells in the human body! Surprisingly, so many have fallen prey to this fallacy. Let’s see what science has to say about this; though we need look briefly at what you really need to avoid and take while menstruating!

WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO AVOID DURING MENSTRUATION

***The topic of what to really avoid during menstruation is quite broad but just to give a quick summary, it’s advisable to stay away from anything cold while menstruating such as cold drinks and water, cold foods or even bathing in very cold water. This is because the cold temperatures may cause the stomach muscle to cramp resulting in even severe pain and discomfort. It’s also advised to avoid processed foods, caffeine, fried foods, sugar as well as foods with high salt content. In addition to this, you should avoid any food that you have found to be allergic to!

WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO TAKE OR EAT DURING MENSTRUATION

***World Health standards recommend that during this special time of the month, women would need plenty of foods rich in iron, vitamin C, vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fibre, vitamin A and many other beneficial nutrients!  Where else can one get all these, if not from foods that are very close to their natural state such as fresh fruits and vegetables of which cucumber is definitely one of them!

RESEARCH RESULTS ON HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUCUMBER AND AS IT RELATES TO MENSTRUATION

***Cucumber is one natural food that helps you “Eat your water” as it is composed of 95% water which explains its general cooling effect while the remaining 5% has lots of vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and B7, magnesium, potassium and many more). Eating cucumber during menstruation has been shown to help keep the body hydrated, reduce feelings of tiredness and weakness, lessen bloating of the stomach, prevent accumulation of harmful radicals in the body, aid thicker hair and firmness, prevent constipation, help with excessive cravings during your period, relieves stress and even help reduce the risks of chronic diseases says Rachel (2017) an RD from Healthline in San Francisco. Read the information on the picture above and see what more you benefit when you eat cucumber!

***A study published in Pakistan Journal of Nutrition found that cucumbers are good sources of minerals and phytonutrients such as flavonoids, and triterpenes which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits and as well help removes waste from the body.

***Cucumbers contain two phytonutrients which has also been associated with anti-cancer benefits; they are Lignans and Cucurbitacins. In recent years too, Pharmaceutical companies are paying close attention to Cucurbitacins in cucumber to see how it can be used in new cancer drugs and this is also supported by a 2010 research review published in Scientific World Journal where scientist discovered that Cucurbitacins could be beneficial in preventing cancer cell multiplication.

***For Lignan (also found in cucumber) too, a Journal of Nutrition after carrying out a study on nearly 800 American women found that higher lignan intake is associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer. A published work in the Journal of National Cancer Institute in San Francisco also carried out a similar study and came out with the result of lower risk of endometrial cancer (a type of cancer that starts from the womb linings) with high lignan intake. All these points to the fact that cucumbers are highly beneficial even while menstruating!

THE BOTTOM LINE

***The summary of this all is that cucumbers are filled with so much nutrients which have been proven by researches to be beneficial  to overall wellbeing even during menstruation! You only avoid taking it if you ALLERGIC to cucumbers. I need also say that while menstruating, it would not be a good idea to take cucumbers stored in the refrigerator as cold foods might aggravate menstrual cramps. So eat them FRESH and at room temperature while menstruating! Remember that there are authorized health organizations such as the World Health Organizations (WHO) that are in best position to give evidence based information on food and diseases yet none is supporting avoiding cucumbers while menstruating! Please know who you get your food related information from; many are information givers but only a few are trained! Trust and talk to a registered nutritionist or dietitian for your food or diet information because they are the food experts!

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