Nutrients. Cucumbers are packed with them. In just a single cup of cucumber slices, you'll get 14% to 19% of the vitamin K you need for the day. You'll also get vitamins B and C along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
Cucumbers contain magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. These 3 nutrients are vital for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. In taking magnesium and potassium can lower down blood pressure. A regular intake of cucumber has been found to decrease bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well.
All that water in cucumbers can help keep you hydrated. Plus, the fiber boost they give you helps you stay regular and avoid constipation. The vitamin K helps blood clot and keep your bones healthy. Vitamin A has many jobs, like helping with vision, the immune system, and reproduction.
They offer big health benefits. “Cucumbers can help with disease prevention, weight management and digestion,” says registered dietitian Amber Sommer, RD, LD. “And because they are readily available and easy to eat, everyone can reap the benefits.”
Since cucumber is very low in calories, it can burn fat effectively. When consumed often, it can help cut down belly fat as well. Due to its high water and fibre content, a cucumber diet could help you detox, improve metabolism, and help with problems like constipation, water retention, and bloating.
Excessive intake of cucumbers may trigger Hyperkalemia, which is a rare medical condition caused due to the presence of high potassium content in the body. Excessive intake of potassium rich cucumber may lead to flatulence, abdominal cramps and in some cases it can affect the renal system and kidneys.
It is usually not necessary to peel a cucumber or remove the seeds if you plan to eat it raw. If the cucumber skin has been waxed (to make it look shiny) or if you plan to cook the cucumber, remove the skin with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Some large cucumbers have hard seeds.
The carotene present in carrots also fights anemia and helps in increasing the number of red blood cells. Cucumbers on the other hand are good sources of phytonutrients such as flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
Not only is it a cooling snack to eat, it has a high source of Vitamin K, antioxidants as well as an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin which plays an important role in promoting brain health.
Cucumbers are 96% water, and the water content is more nutritious than regular water. If you are feeling dehydrated, munch on some cucumbers. They will also help you flush out toxins, so you can slice some up before bed to avoid a hangover.
Since cucumbers are low in calories, you can eat as many as you want and still be in a calorie deficit. Also, as cucumbers are low in protein, the diet recommends pairing the cucumbers with some protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meat, cottage cheese, and nuts.
Cucumber is a powerhouse of nutrients and it can be eaten at any time of the day. However, to reap maximum benefits, you can consume cucumbers during the daytime, preferably before a meal.
One of the less-researched cucumber benefits is brain health. Cucumbers are rich in a flavonoid called fisetin, which research has shown to protect nerve cells, improve memory and decrease the risk of Alzheimer's.
Cucumber: It is best to eat cucumbers raw as cooking reduces the nutritional content of this vegetable.
Cucumbers also have a decent amount of calcium (48mg, 5 percent of recommended daily values), iron (0.84mg, 4.68 percent of DV), magnesium (39mg, 10 percent of DV), phosphorus (72mg, 7 percent of DV), potassium (442mg, 13 percent of DV), zinc (0.6mg, 4 percent of DV) and copper (0.123mg, 6.17 percent of DV).
Energy Boost: If you're feeling tired in the afternoon, don't give Starbucks your five bucks. Instead, grab a cucumber. There are just enough carbohydrates and B vitamins to give you a longer-lasting and healthier boost of energy than soda, coffee, or those health hazard energy drinks.
Even though cucumbers are prone to chilling injury, the fridge is still the best place to store them. At room temperature, cucumbers will only last for about two days. So, what's the solution? Store cucumbers in the warmest part of the fridge — towards the front, furthest from the cooling elements.
Having lots of it is sure to make you feel "full" and bloated and as a result, interrupt your sleep. Plus, there is another reason why you should only eat cucumber in a limited quantity. This is because you are taking in more water and are bound to fill up the bladder and urinate more during your sleep.
Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavor, cucumbers are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches. Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more flavor.
Cucumber and Radish
But unfortunately, Cucumber contains ascorbinase, which breaks down vitamin C. Ultimately, it prevents our body from absorbing them. So cucumber and radish (or any food with vitamin C) should not be eaten together.
Because cucumber is so low in calories, it's hard to eat too much when it comes to weight management. However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach pain or distress.
Salad vegetables
A portion is 3 celery sticks, a 5cm piece of cucumber, 1 medium tomato or 7 cherry tomatoes.