Nothing beats the refreshing effects of cucumber every summertime! Furthermore, it quenches our thirst all year round.
Cucumber is a low-calorie food which contains a superb amount of nutrition. It is part of the Cucurbitaceae family together with squash, melon, tomatoes, among many others. Following this, it seems that many thought cucumbers to be a vegetable, whereas it is actually a fruit!
A versatile fruit, cucumber can be served in various ways. You can snack on cucumbers raw or pickled, or you can even mix it with water to make a detox drink. Also, it is the perfect ingredient for most salads.
Aside from being consumed, cucumbers are also used for beauty products. Its hydrating effects have proven valuable in making skin smooth and healthy.
In this article, we will be discussing the nutrition facts about cucumbers. Indeed, the nutritional value and health benefits promised by cucumber will you make as healthy and cool as a cucumber!
Origin of Cucumber
Cucumber has been actively cultivated for more than 3000 years.
Records show that cucumber originated in India where other varieties of cucumbers were also located. Also, it was one of the oldest Indian medicines used during the early days of human civilization. Later, cucumber has also become a staple portion of the Mediterranean diet.
Through trade and migration, the cultivation of cucumbers has reached various parts of Europe. Indeed, this refreshing fruit – together with its nutrients and beneficial health effects – has been favored throughout human history.
Fun Fact: Cucumber is among the foods mentioned in the legend of Gilgamesh and even the Bible.
Nutrition Facts of Cucumber
Cucumber is a nutrient-dense fruit while low in calories, fat, and sodium.
According to Nutrition Data, cucumber has an advanced completeness score of 79. In other words, cucumbers contain an above-average amount of the nutrients it contains. Further, it was given an Amino Acid Score of 62 – a good amount of compound which aids in maintaining a healthy human body.
Since cucumbers are primarily composed of water, it follows that it only contains a very low amount of calorie content. Thus, this healthy fruit is perfect for both casual eater and health watchers.
Here are the nutrition facts you can find in cucumber (8 and ¼ inches) with 300 grams.
- Carbohydrate: 10.9 grams or 4 Percent Daily Value
- Vitamin A: 316 IU or 6 Percent Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8.4mg or 14 Percent Daily Value
- Vitamin K: 49.4mcg or 62 Percent Daily Value
- Pantothenic Acid; 0.8mg or 8 Percent Daily Value
- Magnesium: 39.1mg or 10 Percent Daily Value
- Potassium: 442 mg or 13 Percent Daily Value
- Manganese 0.2mg or 12 Percent Daily Value
- Total Omega-3 fatty acids: 15.1mg
- Total Omega-6 fatty acids: 84.3mg
Also, cucumbers contain a decent amount of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, and Phosphorus.
Antioxidants
Cucumbers are also loaded with antioxidants, such as flavonoids, and tannins, which effectively fight against oxidative stress and harmful free radicals.
With these antioxidants, cucumbers are an effective countermeasure against cancer, heart-related illnesses, and other autoimmune diseases.
Nutritional Facts about Cucumbers
Naturally, because cucumbers are high in beneficial nutrients, it goes without saying that it is also packed with several health benefits, as follows:
1. Hydrated Body
Cucumber is composed of 96 percent water. Thus, it is the perfect fruit to supply the hydration our body needs.
Proper hydration boosts both physical and mental performance. Also, it improves metabolism for the better digestive system.
2. Improved Skin Condition
Have you tried placing slices of cucumber around your eyes?
One of the most practical nutritional facts about cucumbers is that they have a cool effect that soothes skin. No wonder why it has become a popular ingredient in many beauty products.
Also, a high intake of this fruit is inked to an over-all healthy skin complexion.
3. Healthy Bones
Interestingly, high intake of cucumbers is also associated with healthy bones.
After all, it is rich with Vitamin K which increases bone density and calcium balance.
4. Effective Weight Loss
A piece of 301-gram cucumber only contains 45 calories. In other words, you can eat as much as you are full, and still, you will not gain additional calories which may contribute to weight gain, which is an awesome fact about cucumbers!
Since cucumber is very versatile. It can be transformed or added in any dish – a low-calorie alternative.
5. Regular Bowel Movements
High in both water and fiber, cucumbers support regular bowel movements
After all, dehydration is one of the common factors leading to constipation, and high-intake of cucumber is a great hydrating solution.
Conclusion
Cucumbers are refreshing and thirst-quenching fruit perfect for a healthy and balanced diet. It is low in calories while packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Also, cucumber is a highly versatile fruit which you can add and mix in a lot of different dishes.
Tweak it or not, veggie-fruit is perfect for you.
I hope that this article on the cucumber nutrition facts was helpful. If you are interested, visit the health facts page.
