But did you know, that the rather unassuming and underrated cucumber should be your go-to in every salad when eating for your noggin?
Hydration Powerhouses
The ubiquitious cucumber is often the underrated element in a lot of salads and snacks, but it packs a punch when it comes to hydration, whether you’re eating it or adding it to infuse water. And while it's commonly thought of as a vegetable, cucumber is in fact a fruit - who knew? It is packed full of nutritional benefits for our whole health.
Composed of around 96% water, Cucumbers are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs.
Make sure to eat them unpeeled
To maximise the nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled as peeling them reduces the amount of fibre, as well as certain vitamins and minerals.
Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
They are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fibre, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss, if that's your aim.
Moreover, cucumbers contain pectin, a type of soluble fibre which helps regulate bowel movements. Staying hydrated can improve stool consistency, prevent constipation and help maintain regular bowel movements. So you see, they really are superfoods for our health!
Dr Clara Says
Dr Clara says: "In our home we drink cucumber water and snack on cucumber and carrots with hummus. Low cost, low calories and a myriad of uses and here is the science behind why we should all be eating more of the humble cucumber."
