Nutritional advisory: Here’s what’s in a 100 gram serving of cucumber

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

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

Nutritional profile of cucumbers

According to Mathur, here is the nutritional breakdown of the cucumber.

Energy – 15 kcal
Protein: 0.7 grams (gm)
Dietary Fiber – 0.5g, 2% of 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 fiber for our body. (Source: Unsplash)

Health benefits of cucumbers

Provides hydration: Due to the presence of 95% water in its composition, Mathur claims that cucumbers are a lot moisturizing for summer.

Fiber Source: It’s a great source of fiber for our bodies, so it helps in heart disease control and lowering cholesterol, according to Mathur.

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

Helps in weight reduction: Remember to take it on an empty stomach, says Mathur, as that’s the best way cucumbers can help reduce weight.

Can Diabetics Eat Cucumbers?

For diabetic patients, cucumber juice and raw cucumber taken as a salad are helpful in controlling sugar levels, according to Mathur. It also helps lower blood pressure.

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

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

Is it safe for pregnant women?

During pregnancy, women often experience fluctuations in blood pressure. Because it contains potassiumhelps regulate blood pressure, according to Mathur.

They also help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance during pregnancy.

Myths and facts about cucumbers

A famous myth regarding cucumbers is that they are toxic to children and cough inducing due to their cold nature. But, says Mathur, the fact is that it has no harmful effects on our health. It’s a great antioxidant, so it enhances our immunity rather than doing harm.

As for the bitter cucumbers, you can eat them, says Mathur, but do it in moderation. The bitterness in cucumber is due to the chemical cucumbitacin, which is gaseous. So make sure you take bitter cucumber in moderation as excessive intake can cause flatulence and gas.

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