Cucumber is an ideal summer food and is composed of over 95% water. It is an excellent food for hydration and is rich in vitamins, too. Even its peel has a lot of benefits! But what if we tell you that you might be eating it wrong and losing out on its full benefits? A dietician has now highlighted how we are making a big mistake while eating cucumber and shared the right way to include it in our diet.
Cucumber Peel Is The Most Nutritious Part
When we think of eating a cucumber, we simply take it out of the fridge, peel it, slice it, and eat it. This is what many of us have been doing for years. But dietician Shweta J Panchal has now highlighted how we might be losing out on its benefits. She shared that by peeling the cucumber, we are “literally throwing the best or the most nutritious part away.”
The skin or peel is where most of the benefits lie. It has the majority of its fibre, silica, vitamin K, and antioxidants. When you throw the peel away, you are mostly left with water. Silica in the skin of the cucumber is good for your skin, hair, and joints. Fibre keeps your gut healthy, and antioxidants in the peel protect cells from oxidative damage.
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When Should You Actually Peel A Cucumber?
Dietician Shweta also shared that the only reason to peel a cucumber is if it is waxed. Commercially sold cucumbers are often coated with wax to extend shelf life. In that case, you can wash it thoroughly before eating. Otherwise, it is safe to eat cucumbers with their skin.
Apart from that, to increase its benefits, you can also sprinkle a little pink salt on it. This helps maintain electrolyte balance and hydration, especially in summer. Honestly, this advice was much needed. So, the next time before eating a cucumber, make sure you keep this in mind.
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How do you prefer eating cucumbers?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Georgescu Adrian
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FAQs
What are the benefits of eating a cucumber?
Cucumber helps with hydration, supports digestion, and provides vitamins and antioxidants.