health benefits
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cucumbers provide significant health benefits. For example, cucumber rinds are rich in beta-carotene, which is part of the reason for their rich green color. Carotene family pigments are important provitamins. Your body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, an important vitamin for healthy eyes and skin.
Other health benefits of cucumbers include:
May help with weight management
Cucumber is an ultra-low-calorie food. A whole cucumber, usually defined as 8.25 inches long or 300 grams, contains only 45 calories. Cucumbers are over 96% water, so they are filling and nutritious without being high in calories. This high-hydration, low-calorie combination is perfect for weight management. Research shows that eating foods that are low in energy density or have very few calories per gram is associated with weight loss in obese people. Cucumbers are a low-energy-dense food, so adding them to your diet may help you maintain or lose weight.
Rich in antioxidants
Cucumbers are rich in nutrients that act as antioxidants. According to some research, these antioxidants may have particularly powerful effects. One such study tested the efficacy of cucumber powder and found that adding cucumber to the diet significantly increased antioxidant activity in the body. While more research is needed, cucumber root is an easy and safe way to get more dietary antioxidants.
May lower blood sugar levels
Finally, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they are a good choice for people with elevated blood sugar levels. Early trials show that cucumber is one of the most effective plants not only in lowering blood sugar levels but also in reducing the risk of hypoglycemia during a dip. For people with diabetes, cucumbers may be a useful addition to the diet to regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.
Nutrition
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, especially the skin. These compounds help your body process and remove free radicals, thereby reducing your risk of health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Cucumbers are also rich in the mineral potassium. This mineral helps with your nerve excitation, cell communication, muscle contraction, and kidney function. Without enough potassium, you may start to notice problems with your blood pressure and heart function.
In addition to antioxidants and potassium, cucumbers are an excellent source of:
- Β-CAROTENE
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- folic acid
- zinc
- magnesium
- choline
Nutritional information per serving
1/2 cup of cucumber contains:
- Calories: 8
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
- Fat: less than 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: less than 1 gram
- Sugar: 1g
portion size
Because cucumbers are low in calories, it's difficult to eat too much when it comes to weight management. However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating a large amount of cucumbers at one time may cause stomach pain or discomfort. Generally speaking, it's best to eat a few ounces of cucumber at a time to prevent stomach upset.
How to prepare cucumbers
Cucumbers are a versatile food. It can be easily found year-round in grocery stores, farmers markets, and health food stores across the country, although it may be cheaper during the peak summer season.
Cucumbers are most commonly eaten raw. Their high water content can lead to strange results when they are added to cooked dishes. Therefore, cucumbers are most often eaten cold. Here are some ways to incorporate this refreshing plant into your diet.
- Sprinkle sliced cucumbers with salt for a snack.
- Eat a gherkin alone.
- Add the cucumber slices to the water.
- Add cucumbers to salads.
- Make your own kimchi.
- Add cucumbers to sandwiches.
- Add cucumber slices to smoothies.
