TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Timun Suri or yellow cucumber is one of the common menus to break the fast during Ramadan in Indonesia. The fruit can be found almost in every stall or obviously street vendors in Jakarta.

The member of the gourd family has enormous advantages for body health. As referred from Health Line and Natural Food Series, here are some of its benefits:

1. Reduce the risk of chronic disease

The yellow cucumber is rich in antioxidants. This substance is beneficial to block oxidation that generates free radicals, the main cause of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and autoimmune disease.

2. Help to lose weight

The fruit contains 96 percent of water and is low in calorie. The high water content particularly will help to prevent you from unnecessary hunger. Moreover, a cup of cucumbers (104 grams) only contains 16 calories.

3. Good for your heart

The content of potassium in the yellow cucumber plays a vital role in controlling blood pressure and maintain the nervous system, as well as muscle contraction and heart function. It is also high in fiber that helps to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the artery and clogged heart.

4. Good for your eyes

Vitamin E in timun suri is favorable for the health of your eyes. Based on a study in the United States, the vitamin can increase the vision and prevent you from cataract. It also helps to treat hyperpigmentation such as a dark circle around the eyes.

Eating cucumbers, or the yellow ones, to break the fast provides health benefits for your body, especially during this year's Ramadan that falls in the dry season, because it helps to fulfill your water intake.

SARAH ERVINA DARA SIYAHAILATUA | HEALTHLINE | NATURALFOODSERIES