In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “how much water is in a cucumber?”. We will also discuss the nutritional and health benefits of it. In the end, we will discuss how to prepare and store cucumbers.
How much water is in a cucumber?
There is 96 percent water in a cucumber. Cucumbers have a crisp and delightful flavor and high water content.
They can alleviate dehydration and are enjoyable to consume in extreme heat. Cucumbers are a widely cultivated vegetable that is tall, slim, and green.
They belong to the same family as watermelons and pumpkins, although the majority of people deem them vegetables.
Cucumbers are indigenous to India, have a mildly melon-like flavor, and can occasionally be bitter.
Cucumber is the fourth most extensively produced vegetable. It has a crunchy texture and distinctive flavor. It is used in a wide range of recipes such as salads, smoothies and detox water.
Cucumber is abundant in exceptional hydration and polyphenols, which have a variety of health advantages including fat loss, anti-inflammation, and treatment for many ailments like dermatitis, colitis, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and cancer.
There are two types of cucumbers:
- Pickling cucumber: This type is used in pickles. They are relatively shorter than the average cucumber.
- Slicing cucumber: These cucumbers are longer than pickling ones. They are used in salads and sandwiches.
What are the nutritional benefits of cucumbers?
A raw chopped cucumber contains the following nutrients:
- Water: 136 g
- calories: 15
- protein: 0.6 g
- fat: 0 g
- carbohydrate: 3.3 g, including 2.0 g of sugar
- fiber: 1.2 g
- calcium: 19.6 g
- iron: 0.35 mg
- magnesium: 19 mg
- potassium: 158 mg
- sodium: 2.6 mg
- folate: 19.4 mcg
Cucumbers also have a number of B – complex vitamins, niacin, and antioxidants, such as polyphenols.
Antioxidants assist in the elimination of potentially harmful compounds known as free radicals from the body.
If they accumulate in excess, they can cause cellular damage and different diseases.
What are the health benefits of cucumbers?
Cucumbers are a good hydrating source. Each is around 95% water. Without proper hydration, a person may experience dizziness or even faint.
In addition, the fiber increase they provide keeps you healthy and prevents constipation.
14 to 19 percent of the recommended dietary amount of vitamin K can be obtained from a single cup of cucumber slices. In addition to vitamins B and C, you will receive minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Vitamin K promotes proper blood clotting and bone strength. Vitamin A assists with vision, the immune system, and fertility, among other functions.
In addition to polyphenols, tannins, and triterpenes, cucumbers have a unique collection of antioxidants. In addition to protecting cells, they reduce the swelling associated with arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Cucumbers have been suggested as a potential aid in the management and prevention of diabetes.
It contains chemicals that help reduce glucose levels or prevent an excessive rise in blood sugar.
What are the risk factors of cucumber?
Cucumber is generally safe to consume. However, there are some concerns to take into consideration.
Hyperkalemia is a health disorder caused by an elevated potassium concentration in the body. Firstly, it causes swelling, stomach cramps, and intestinal gas.
The illness develops with time, impairing the kidneys’ ability to work effectively. In consequence, this puts the renal system in danger of suffering harm.
Cucumber also includes a component known as cucurbitacin. This ingredient can cause indigestion in certain individuals, particularly those with delicate digestive systems.
Indigestion causes inflation and farts, which the body attempts to expel through burping and bowel movements.
If having onions, cabbage, or broccoli causes gas formation in the stomach, it is recommended to limit the number of cucumbers you consume as well.
One issue may be the insecticides used by farmers. Before eating them, remove or rinse the skin under warm clean water.
Vitamin K levels are relatively significant in cucumbers. Consuming an excessive amount of cucumber may impact how a person’s blood clots.
People who take warfarin or comparable blood-thinning medications should not increase their consumption of cucumbers suddenly or drastically without seeing a physician.
How to prepare and store cucumbers?
Before putting cucumbers in a salad, make sure to rinse it properly.
Soak them in salt water first. This will reduce their water content and prevent the cucumbers from rendering your salad dressing mushy.
You can consume cucumber peel. In fact, it will supplement your diet with fiber and vitamin A. When purchasing cucumbers, avoid those that are yellow, swollen, or have sunken spots, protrusions, or wrinkly ends. These perfectly ripe cucumbers will not be very tasty.
Instead go for cucumbers that are bright, crisp, medium to dark green, and slim. Bruises and black patches are indicators of deterioration.
Keep cucumbers in the refrigerated section to retain their crunch. Use them within a week if they have a wax covering that gives them a lustrous appearance.
If they lack a wax coating, they should be consumed sooner. If you leave them at room temperature for too long, they will become soft and limp.
Other FAQs about Water that you may be interested in.
Can humans drink distilled water
Why does water give me heartburn?
Conclusion
In this brief article, we answered the question “how much water is in a cucumber?”. We also discussed the nutritional and health benefits of it. In the end, we discussed how to prepare and store cucumbers.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283006#organic
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-why-cucumbers-are-good-for-you
