Dear FitSugar -
What are the nutritional benefits of cucumber, if any? It is one of my fave veggies but as far as I can tell, it doesn't pack much of a punch compared to other vegetables.
Questioning Cucumbers
I too love cucumbers - they make a great addition to any salad and are also a great vehicle for hummus. Aside from being a low carb substitute, this veggie (well technically a fruit since it has seeds, but I am sticking with convention here) has some surprising nutritional attributes.
The cucumber is a decent source of both vitamin C and fiber. It is also high in potassium and magnesium, which when combined with fiber, can help reduce blood pressure. Cukes are also high in the mineral silica, an essential component for healthy connective tissues, like ligaments and tendons. Its silica content also makes the cucumber beneficial to the skin, both eating the veggie and applying its flesh topically to your flesh. There's a reason you always see images of ladies with slices of cucumbers on their eyes. Plus their high water content makes them naturally hydrating and cooling. Cucumbers are also high in the mineral phosphorus, an important mineral for bone health.
Fit's Tip: Due to its tender skin, commercially grown cucumbers may be waxed to protect their outer layer, so I suggest you buy organic!
Looking for a new way to eat cucumbers? Try the Cucumber Boat with Lox Spread. The crisp cooling cucumber makes a great bagel (so high in calories) substitute. Or make your own Tzatziki.
Sloggi
Kookai
Emilio Pucci
I LOVE cucumber water. During the summer months I always keep a pitcher of water with fresh cucumber slices in my fridge. It has a clean fresh taste that is just perfect on a hot day.
1I just thought I would say, this morning i decided to try a variation of the cucumber boat with lox spread...instead i used low-fat cream cheese, and deli-thin shaved brown sugar ham. delish. and, suprisingly enough, I am not hungry, 2 hours later...of course i have been sipping on some grapefruit juice, but normally, just cereal, even an egg, i am starving soon!
2Wow, what a great idea for putting cuc slices in water!
3I eat cucumbers all the time, so I'm glad they're actually doing something for me. Thanks, fit.
4Great tip Fit, I hate the wax they coat the veggies and fruit with...Im also terribly allergic to it.
5Cucumbers are one of my favorites too! I have them everyday!
6Oh man, I love cucumbers!!! I eat them all the time, but when we have a buttload of them from the garden and a ton of ripe tomatoes, I make a salad of sliced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, and onions. I toss it with some light viniagrette and fresh basil...delicious!
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