Why does cucumber help you lose weight?

Cucumber stands out for its high water content and low in carbohydrates, which gives it the characteristic of being a very low-calorie vegetable. Of the rest of the components, it stands out for its contribution in minerals such as potassium, but also phosphorus and magnesium, and some vitamins, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A.

Cucumber benefits and nutritional value

100 gr of cucumber contain Energy11.07 Kcal Total protein0.7 gTotal fat0.1 gMonounsaturated fat0.0 gTotal carbohydrates2 gFiber0.8 gPotassium150 mgPhosphorus23 mgCalcium19 mgMagnesium12 mgVitamin C5 mgVitamin E0.09 mgVitamin CES: Calculus A1IDNutritional source Calculus

Soluble and insoluble fiber

Cucumber skin has a high content of insoluble fiber, which is what adds volume to the stool and helps it food pass through the digestive tract faster. On the contrary, its white part of the interior contains soluble fiber, the one that captures water forming a voluminous gel-like substance that helps in digestion, softens and helps eliminate stool.

Potassium

This mineral typical of vegetables is a indispensable mineral for the transmission and generation of nerve impulse, participate in the muscle contraction, as well as in the water balance both inside and outside the cell. One of the consequences of the loss of electrolytes due to dehydration can be to suffer cramps, so a rich in vegetables and fruits, legumes and nuts will help to obtain enough potassium to prevent cramps.

Match

The main function of phosphorus is the formation of bones and teeth, and also participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, as well as in the production of proteins for growth, cell and tissue repair. What's more, helps produce ATP, the molecule that the body uses to store energy.

Magnesium

Magnesium is responsible, among other functions, for maintaining proper functioning of the intestines, muscles and nerves, it also participates in the regulation of cardiac contraction, improves the immune system, and it is also part of bones and teeth. It should be noted that it participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.

Vitamin C

is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals that are produced in the body for different reasons, and that are harmful. In addition, it is necessary for the tissue growth and repair, forming proteins that make up the skin, tendons, ligaments ... It helps in the healing of wounds and participates in the absorption of iron.

Do you have any contraindications?

Despite being an easily digestible food if eaten without the skin, in some people it is repeated even for several hours. The bitter substances contained in cucumber can cause stomach irritation in sensitive people. Adding salt and vinegar to seasoning can cause greater digestive problems, something that sometimes does not happen if it is taken only with oil. Pickles should also be avoided by all those who suffer from hypertension, fluid retention, etc. due to its high salt content.

Tips for buying and storing the comb

To choose it properly, you must pay attention to its skin, which must be dark green, without spots or bumps. They should not be very large because their flavor is usually more bitter, they have more hard seeds and their texture is softer.

When buying it, you must press the ends of the cucumber: if it is soft, it means that it has been harvested for a long time. It should be smooth to the touch.

Cucumbers keep easily in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Once opened, they should be kept in an airtight glass lunch box or wrapped in plastic wrap, as they easily catch the odors of other foods. They are vegetables that do not tolerate extreme temperatures well, so if they are frozen they lose their texture and the pulp softens, it is preferable to avoid them.

• Its low caloric intake thanks to its high percentage of water and low carbohydrate content make it an ideal food in weight loss diets.
• Being low in sodium and rich in potassium, it has a diuretic action that helps to eliminate fluids, therefore it is recommended in hypertension, hyperuricemia or fluid retention.
• Ideal to consume fresh, as part of endless salads, or as one of the star ingredients of Andalusian gazpacho

Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Master in Pediatric Nutrition and Sports Nutrition