What happens if you only eat cucumbers

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest. We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible. A staple of salads, crudite platters, and as a base for pickles, cucumbers are one of our favorite non-vegetable vegetables.

That's because, botanically speaking, cucumbers are actually fruits. And even more technically speaking, they're berries! While a fan favorite, cucumbers are often overlooked as far as superfoods go. While some fruits and veggies are teeming with antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and micro and macronutrients abound, cucumbers are, to put it mildly, relatively boring.

But that's not to say that eating them won't support your health. In fact, you may be surprised to read about some of the completely unexpected side effects of eating this piece of produce. Read on to learn more about what eating cucumbers can do to your body, and for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now. Cucumbers are about 95 percent water—containing grams of water per grams of solid cucumber, according to USDA data. Some producers apply a wax coating to cucumbers after picking them.

Do not wash these before storing, but rinse thoroughly or peel before consuming. People usually consume cucumbers raw. Their mild taste and refreshing crunch make them suitable for:. They pair well with a range of foods, including cheese, turkey , salmon, and nut butter. Some people find some types of cucumber hard to digest. One source suggests that the conventional, large cucumber available in most grocery shelves is easy for most people to digest. Cucumber is relatively high in vitamin K.

People who use warfarin Coumadin or similar blood-thinning drugs should not increase their intake of cucumber dramatically or suddenly without consulting a doctor.

Some people have reported an allergic reaction to cucumber. Anyone with a known allergy should avoid all contact with cucumber. If a person has breathing problems, they need immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. Would you recognize anaphylaxis, and would you know what to do? Some cucurbitacins are toxic for people to consume. Eating bottle gourd, for example, has caused illness in some people.

People should :. The concentration of cucurbitacins in the everyday cucumber are unlikely to cause toxicity, however. Each year, the Environmental Working Group EWG produces a list of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue. Cucumbers are currently sixteenth on the list. The EWG suggest buying organic cucumber to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure. Growing cucumbers at home is another option. People who have a garden that gets plenty of sun and has well-drained soil may wish to grow cucumbers.

In this way, they can know which pesticides, if any, they have used. Growing fruits and vegetables at home can also maximize nutritional value, as people can eat them as soon as they harvest them. Plant cucumber seeds when there is unlikely to be a frost. Cucumber is a mild-tasting, refreshing food that is easy to add to various dishes.

Like other fruits and vegetables, it is a good source of nutrients. In this Honest Nutrition feature, we explore the practice of "clean eating," and why this concept has been a controversial one for researchers. A recent study found several phthalates and other plasticizers in food items from leading fast-food chains, highlighting the need for more regulation.

This article looks at the causes of postprandial somnolence, or food coma, and explains how people who often feel sleepy after eating can cope with…. Hot water bottles can help to relieve aches and pains. New research in mice examines the impact of a Western diet on cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Health benefits of cucumber. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Share on Pinterest The electrolytes in cucumbers can help prevent dehydration.

Should I go organic? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Clean eating: What does the research say?

Hormone-disrupting chemicals found in popular US fast foods A recent study found several phthalates and other plasticizers in food items from leading fast-food chains, highlighting the need for more regulation. Also, as cucumbers are low in protein, the diet recommends pairing the cucumbers with some protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meat, cottage cheese, and nuts. The cucumber diet is very low in calories and will likely lead to short-term weight loss.

However, most people regain the weight they lost after ending a strict weight loss program like this one, especially if the diet did not teach healthy eating behaviours, such as portion control and reading nutrition labels.

Thus, to lose weight and improve your health, it is better to eat a diet full of variety. Aim to eat many different whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and lean and plant-based protein. While cucumbers contain a small number of nutrients, they are not nutritionally complete and long-term adherence to such a diet could lead to nutrient deficiencies and health problems.

The diet recommends around Calories per day, with some versions even more restrictive, which may lead to the metabolism slowing. In a way, the body adjusts to starvation. Also, cutting out food can leave the body undernourished and lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, deprivation and even depression. A weekly guide to the biggest developments in health, medicine and wellbeing delivered to your inbox.

Thank you for subscribing! Your subscription is confirmed for news related to biggest developments in health, medicine and wellbeing. Back to Top. Select a City Close.

Your current city: Mumbai Mumbai search close. All Bombay Times print stories are available on. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city OK. Go to TOI. The Times of India. How does your zodiac sign flirt?

Is it good or hopeless? Find out now! Positive affirmations for all single people out there. Things to know before you LOSE your virginity.

Why are people quitting their jobs? How to deal with an unpredictable boss.