Cucumbers contain up to 95% water, helping to increase blood filtration and excretion of uric acid through urine.
Maintaining adequate water intake is the first and most important step in controlling uric acid levels. Hydrated foods such as cucumbers not only relieve fluid but also help dilute uric acid levels in the blood, reducing the risk of crystallization.
A study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition showed that gout patients who maintain a diet supplemented with high water content, including cucumber, have a 25% reduction in gout attacks compared to the control group.
Cucumbers provide a moderate amount of vitamin C. Supplementing 500 mg of vitamin C/day helps reduce the risk of increased uric acid and gout by 12%.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, enhancing kidney function, while promoting the excretion of uric acid through urine.
Although cucumbers are not rich in vitamin C such as oranges, guava or kiwi, eating them regularly still contributes significantly to the total daily vitamin C intake.
In addition to water and vitamin C, cucumbers also contain soluble fiber.
A diet rich in fiber helps regulate blood sugar and blood lipids, indirectly reducing the metabolic burden on the liver, kidneys, and organs involved in the treatment of uric acid.
The fiber in cucumber also helps nourish the intestinal microflora, improve metabolism, thereby reducing inflammation - a factor related to gout.
Cucumbers provide a significant amount of potassium, which has the effect of balancing electrolytes and supporting kidney function. According to the National Institutes of Health, a diet rich in potassium helps reduce the risk of kidney stones and increase uric acid excretion.
This explains why adding cucumbers to your daily meals can help prevent gout attacks.
Experts recommend that to take advantage of the benefits of cucumber, you should:
Eat fresh cucumbers such as salad mixed with olive oil to increase vitamin absorption.
Combining cucumber with green vegetables and lean protein at lunch helps balance nutrition and limit foods rich in purines (red meat, seafood).
Drinking cucumber juice (no sugar) 2-3 times a week can help purify the body.
