Cucumber water is a naturally refreshing beverage full of health benefits. Known for its hydrating and detoxifying properties, it's increasingly popular among those looking to combine pleasure and well-being.

Whether it's to improve digestion, enhance hydration, or simply add a touch of freshness to your daily routine, cucumber water is a simple and natural solution. But why choose this drink, and how can you prepare it at home?

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of cucumber water, the reasons for drinking cucumber juice, and guide you through making this refreshing water at home. We'll also cover the best preservation methods to enjoy its virtues as long as possible.

What are the benefits of cucumber water?

In addition to being a refreshing drink, cucumber water offers numerous health benefits, thanks to its nutrient-rich and antioxidant composition.

1. Enhancing hydration
   Cucumber is over 95% water, making it an excellent addition to improve hydration. Drinking cucumber water helps maintain hydration homeostasis, a key factor in supporting vital body functions, including regulating body temperature, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

2. Supports digestion
   Cucumber water is rich in soluble dietary fibers, especially pectins, which aid intestinal transit and prevent constipation. These fibers also help to balance the intestinal microbiota, promoting better digestion and metabolism.

3. Aids in weight loss
   Drinking cucumber water can play a role in weight management by increasing diet-induced thermogenesis, a process where the body burns calories to produce heat after consuming food or drinks. Additionally, cucumber water is low in calories and provides a prolonged feeling of satiety, thus reducing snacking urges.

4. Improves skin health
   Cucumber is rich in silica, an essential mineral for collagen production, the protein that maintains skin elasticity and firmness. The antioxidants present, such as flavonoids and tannins, help combat free radicals responsible for premature skin aging. Moreover, its hydrating power supports cell regeneration, helping maintain supple and radiant skin.

5. Detoxifying effects
   With components such as cucurbitacins and lignans, cucumber water helps eliminate toxins from the body by stimulating kidney and liver functions. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enhancing the body's detoxification abilities.

How to make cucumber water at home

Cucumber water is an ideal drink for cooling off and enjoying the numerous benefits we've just discussed.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh cucumber (preferably organic to avoid pesticides)
• 1 liter of filtered or mineral water
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for a more tangy taste and additional benefits)
• A few fresh mint leaves (optional to enhance freshness)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the cucumber:
   Thoroughly wash the cucumber to remove any impurities. You can peel it if you prefer a milder water, but the skin contains beneficial nutrients, including flavonoids and vitamins. Then, slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Thin slices allow better flavor infusion into the water.

2. Assembly:
   In a pitcher or jug, pour a liter of filtered water. Add the cucumber slices and, if desired, a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness and digestive properties. You can also add lemon juice for an additional supply of vitamin C and antioxidants.

3. Infusion:
   Allow the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours. For a more intense flavor, you can let it infuse overnight. This process allows the active compounds in the cucumber, such as cucurbitacins, to be released into the water effectively.

4. Serving:
   Serve your cucumber water chilled, adding ice cubes if desired. You can garnish each glass with a few cucumber slices and a mint leaf for presentation.

Shelf life:

Cucumber water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days maximum. Beyond this time, the cucumber may begin to degrade, altering the water's flavor and reducing its nutritional benefits. For optimal preservation, be sure to use airtight containers and consume promptly after preparation.

A convenient alternative for naturally flavored cucumber water

If you enjoy the freshness of cucumber water but are looking for an even simpler and quicker option, eau exquise is the ideal solution. This ultra-concentrated fruit and vegetable extract, made from cucumber and mint, allows you to flavor your water in a single step, without needing to prepare fresh ingredients.

With 0% sugars, 0% sweeteners, 0% colorants, and 0% energy contribution, eau exquise offers all the natural flavor of cucumber and mint, without any calories or unnecessary additives. A 27ml vial is sufficient to flavor more than 25 liters of water, providing a practical and economical solution to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Unlike traditional cucumber water, which you must prepare and store carefully, eau exquise is easily preserved and can be used at any time to create a deliciously refreshing drink. Whether at the office, at the gym, or on the go, you can instantly add a touch of freshness to your water with ease.