Weight loss tip: My mom says cucumber ginger juice can help to lose weight

No matter what people say, eating a healthy balanced diet and following a fitness routine need to be done to lose weight. That means you can’t have those sweet pastries or ice cream or chips on a regular basis. For me, it was hard to let go of these yummy treats which started showing on my waistline. My mom suggested me to have cucumber ginger juice for weight loss, apart from picking up healthy habits. Read on know what an expert has to say about cucumber ginger juice as a weight loss drink.

Benefits of cucumber ginger juice for weight loss

This easy-to-make drink offers several health benefits.

1. Hydration

Cucumbers are composed mostly of water, aiding in hydration, while ginger can stimulate digestion and reduce water retention, says Ekta Singhwal, Dietician, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.

2. Nutrient boost

This healthy drink is rich in vitamins and minerals, like vitamin K and potassium, supporting bone health and blood pressure regulation.

3. Digestive aid

Ginger can soothe the digestive system, so that means it can help to reduce bloating and indigestion.

4. Antioxidant power

Both cucumber and ginger contain antioxidants, which may protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation, Singhwal tells Health Shots.

Cucumber ginger juice and weight loss

This great food combination can aid in weight loss by:

• Promoting hydration, which can reduce false hunger cues often confused with thirst.
• Providing a low-calorie, high-fiber option that helps to control calorie intake.
• Boosting metabolism and digestion due to ginger’s thermogenic properties which help to increase your body’s metabolic rate. That means it can help to speed up fat burning.
• Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B6 and K, magnesium and potassium. These are needed for a healthy metabolism.

Singhwal says it’s generally safe to have cucumber ginger juice on an empty stomach, but it can also be consumed at other times.

The best time to drink the cucumber ginger juice depends on your goals –
• Weight loss: Drinking it before meals can help to control appetite.
• Detox: Consuming it in the morning may assist with detoxification.
• Digestion: Drinking it after a meal can aid digestion.

Cucumber ginger juice recipe

The healthy recipe is very simple.

Ingredients
* 1 cucumber
* 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
* Water (as needed for consistency)

Method
* Wash and peel the cucumber if desired.
* Chop the cucumber and ginger into small pieces.
* Blend them together until they turn smooth, and add water as needed.
* Strain the juice through a fine sieve then serve chilled.

If you want you can add other natural ingredients to this cucumbers and ginger juice so that your body gets more nutrients. Citrus fruits such as lemons can give you vitamin C, turmeric can offer anti-inflammatory benefits and avocado can provide healthy fats. Some even like to add fruits such as pineapples for a sweeter flavour.

The drink is great for most people, but if you are allergic to cucumbers or ginger then avoid this juice. People with digestive disorders or gallstones should consult a doctor, as ginger may exacerbate these conditions. Ginger can also interact with some medications, so consult your doctor if you’re on medication. While ginger can help to deal with nausea and vomiting, pregnant women should limit ginger intake. They may end up with gas or belching if they have too much of ginger.