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.
A 142-g cup of unpeeled cucumber also provides 193 mg of potassium and 17 mg of magnesium. The Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults consume 4,700 mg of potassium each day and 310–410 mg of magnesium, depending on sex and age.
The minerals in cucumbers include potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Finally, the cucumber is a good source of phytonutrients, which are the plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties.
“Eating just one cucumber a day can be great! It mostly contains water. So, even if you were to eat more than one, it won't cause any harm. In fact, it will keep you full and help you avoid reaching out for any junk food,” said nutritionist Manisha Chopra.
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.
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.
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.
Cucumbers also benefit from magnesium, potassium and other micronutrients, some, like calcium, can also help the plants avoid various disorders which can affect yield. Cucumbers grow best with an uninterrupted supply of water and nutrients as well as high temperatures, humidity and light intensity.
The peel and seeds are the most nutrient-dense parts of the cucumber. They contain fiber and beta-carotene. "Beta carotene is an antioxidant that helps with immunity, skin, eye and the prevention of cancer," said Lemond.
That it's really a fruit, not a vegetable, was once the most interesting thing about the cucumber. However, a study conducted by the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego has now officially elevated the packed-lunch sandwich staple to superfood status.
Some good sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables — such as spinach — legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Tap, mineral, and bottled waters can also be sources of magnesium, but how much magnesium they contain depends on the brand.
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.
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.
Cucumber is antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory. These properties make it your skin's BFF. It can reduce skin pigmentation, prevent acne and most importantly promote healthy skin by providing a high amount of useful nutrients.
As a food, cucumbers offer superior hydration, as they are about 95% water. They have been used for decades for their anti-inflammatory benefits on skin, soothing properties for digestion, and other therapeutic uses.
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).
Cucumbers have fever reducing qualities as well as cooling and detoxifying effects on the liver. When eaten on a daily basis (at least one whole cucumber) they can actually reverse some liver damage and toxic load.
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.
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.
If the cucumber has a milky, white sheen on the outside, it's a no-go. You should also inspect them for mold. Even if it looks like the mold is isolated to one spot, it is better to play it safe and just toss it in the trash. Dark spots can also be an indicator that your cucumber is no longer a viable snack option.