Nutrition alert: Here’s what a 100 gram serving of cucumber contains

“It helps in hydration in summer and aids in weight reduction when used in raw form as salad and as detox water,” she says.

The best way to eat cucumber is to eat it before lunch as a salad as it acts as an appetizer, she says.

Let’s look at the other benefits of including cucumbers in your diet this summer.

Nutrition profile of cucumbers

According to Mathur, here’s the nutritional breakdown of cucumber.

Enery- 15 kcal
Protein- 0.7 grams (gm)
Dietary fibre- 0.5 gm, 2% of the daily value (DV)
Sodium- 2 milligrams (mg)
Potassium- 147 mg, 3% of the DV
Calcium- 16 mg, 1% of the DV
Iron- 0.3 mg, 2% of the DV

It is a great source of fibre for our bodies. (Source: Unsplash)

Health benefits of cucumbers

Provides hydration: Because of having 95% water in its composition, Mathur says cucumbers are very hydrating for the summer.

Source of fibre: It is a great source of fibre for our bodies, hence it aids in control of heart disease and lowering of cholesterol, according to Mathur.

Maintains electrolyte balance: Because it helps maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, Mathur explains, it also helps in controlling blood pressure.

Helps in weight reduction: Keep in mind to take it on an empty stomach, Mathur says, as it is the best way cucumbers can help in reducing weight.

Can diabetics consume cucumbers?

For diabetic patients, cucumber juice and raw cucumber taken as a salad is beneficial in controlling sugar levels, as per Mathur. “It also helps in lowering the blood pressure.”

For diabetics, cucumber should be taken with peels as it increases the fibre content, she advises.

For diabetics, cucumber should be taken with peels as it increases the fibre content, she advises. (Source: Unsplash)

Is it safe for pregnant women? 

During pregnancy, women often feel fluctuation in their blood pressure. Because it contains potassium, it helps in regulating the blood pressure, according to Mathur.

They also help in maintaining the fluid and electrolytes balance during pregnancy.

Myths and facts about cucumbers

A famous myth regarding cucumbers is that they are toxic for children, and that they induce coughs because of their cold nature. But, Mathur says, the fact is it does not have any harmful effects on our health. “It is a very good antioxidant, so it improves our immunity rather than doing any harm.”

As for bitter cucumbers, you can eat them, Mathur says, but do it in moderation. “Bitterness in cucumber is because of the chemical cucumbitacin, which is gassy. So ensure to take such bitter cucumber in moderation as excessive intake can cause flatulence and gas.”

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