Cucumber During Pregnancy: Health Benefits And Side Effects
Cucumbers are effective body coolants during summers. They are the perfect low-calorie snack to control hunger pangs at work or to add to your weight loss salad. But is it a good idea to have cucumbers during pregnancy? Can they have any negative impact on you or your baby? Continue reading this post to know how much cucumber is safe during pregnancy, its health benefits, and possible adverse side effects.
You can eat small amounts of cucumber, although it is not usually recommended in the pregnancy diet. Cucumbers are known to cause allergic reaction, frequent urination due to excess water and salt content, and belching and indigestion (1). So, discuss with your healthcare provider during your prenatal care visits before adding it to your regular diet, because they can do good too.
Cucumbers are a healthy snack for pregnant women. They possess high amounts of water, vitamins, and minerals that benefit overall health. The low fat and minimal calorie content make it ideal for weight management during pregnancy. Consult your doctor, and once you get their approval, you can consume cucumber for its several health benefits.
Cucumbers are low in calories and can prevent obesity. They help in weight management and can keep you full for a longer time, and prevent excess eating, thus avoiding weight gain.
Including low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetables like cucumber in pregnancy snacks helps meet hydration needs and supports healthy eating habits (16).
Cucumbers contain about 96% water (2). Consuming cucumber is a great way to maintain hydration levels (in addition to drinking water). Vegetables with high water content might also help manage pregnancy-related nausea.
The water content of cucumber acts as a diuretic (3), thus supporting the elimination of toxins. It also reduces swelling (4).
The cooling and cleansing property of fresh cucumber juice is helpful for skin nourishment and tightening (4).
Cucumber is rich in B vitamins, and vitamin K. B vitamins are known to boost your mood. They ease anxiety and might help reduce stress (5). Additionally, a cup of unpeeled cucumber provides 15-18% of daily vitamin K, vital for blood clotting and bone health (6).
Cucumbers are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels (helpful for women with gestational diabetes), whereas insoluble fiber softens stools and treats constipation, which is common during pregnancy (7).
Rich in antioxidants (8), including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese, cucumbers help boost the immune system function and thus prevent contracting infections. Also, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iodine, and sulfur (11) (9) are all important for fetal development and can prevent growth abnormalities.
The availability of sodium and potassium electrolytes in cucumber juice can help manage high blood pressure during pregnancy (10).
Next, we will tell you about the nutritional facts of cucumber.
According to the USDA, the nutrition present in 100g of raw cucumber with peel is as follows (11):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Water | 95.23g |
Calories | 15kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3.63g |
Protein | 0.65g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Fat | 0.11g |
Sugars | 1.67g |
Vitamins | |
Vitamin C | 2.8mg |
Thiamine (Vit B1) | 0.027mg |
Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0.033mg |
Niacin | 0.098mg |
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.03mg |
Pantothenic acid | 0.259mg |
Pyridoxine (Vit B6) | 0.04mg |
Folate | 7mcg |
Alpha-carotene | 11mcg |
Beta-carotene | 45mcg |
Vitamin A | 105IU |
Vitamin K | 16.4mcg |
Electrolytes | |
Potassium | 147mg |
Sodium | 2mg |
Minerals | |
Calcium | 16mg |
Iron | 0.28mg |
Magnesium | 13mg |
Zinc | 0.2mg |
Phosphorus | 24mg |
Copper | 0.041mg |
Zinc | 0.2mg |
Manganese | 0.079mg |
Selenium | 0.3mcg |
Fluoride | 1.3mcg |
g=grams; mg=milligrams; mcg=micrograms; IU=international unit
Though cucumbers have a high nutritional value, they can pose some risk when taken in excess amounts.
The downside of consuming cucumbers in excessive amounts include:
Yes, you can have freshly made cucumber juice. Select firm and dark-colored cucumbers, blend them and consume.
Pick cucumbers with smooth skin, and do not buy those with blemishes or shriveled ends. Also, avoid buying bigger and thicker cucumbers as they contain more seeds (14).
Consuming raw vegetables during pregnancy can be a healthy choice, but it’s vital to wash them thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses. Consider selecting organic varieties to minimize pesticide exposure, which can be harmful during pregnancy. If your healthcare provider has given you the go-ahead to consume cucumbers, you can enjoy their health benefits by including them in your diet as part of a healthy eating plan.
First, peel the cucumbers, since their skin contains toxic pesticides. Wash them at least for three to four minutes in running water and scrub them using a vegetable brush.
The best ways to consume cucumbers are:
Avoid storing cucumbers with tomatoes, apples, avocados, or bananas, as they will cause them to ripen too quickly (14).
Next, we answer a few commonly asked questions about eating cucumbers when pregnant.
1. Is pickled cucumber safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to eat pickled cucumber but be watchful about the sodium intake. Go for home-made pickles, that too in minimal quantities.
2. Does craving cucumbers when pregnant tell something about baby’s gender?
According to old wives’ tales, craving cucumbers can indicate that you are carrying a boy. However, this has no scientific value.
3. Can I eat cucumber seeds during pregnancy?
You cannot have excess amounts of cucumber seeds since they contain a compound called cucurbitacin (15). This is toxic and might result in digestive issues in some people, especially those with a sensitive digestive system.
4. Can cucumber cause miscarriage?
Cucumbers are not known to cause miscarriage; there are no studies to show an association between them.
Nevertheless, add cucumbers to your pregnancy diet in tiny quantities. If you feel alright, you might add a few more pieces but do not over-consume.
5. Can I drink cucumber water during pregnancy?
Yes, you may drink cucumber-infused water during pregnancy. You may also add lemon juice and mint leaves to the infusion to enhance its taste.
6. Is it safe to eat cucumbers at night?
Yes, it is safe to eat cucumbers at night. Cucumbers are a healthy and low-calorie food that can be consumed at any time of day. They contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help support overall health. Eating cucumbers in moderation as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe for most people.
7. How do I pick fresh cucumbers?
When picking fresh cucumbers, look for firm ones that have a bright and even color and are free from bruises, soft spots, and yellowing. Also, it’s best to choose cucumbers that are heavy for their size, as this is an indicator of freshness.
8. What are some healthy vegetable alternatives to cucumbers during pregnancy?
Nutrient-rich vegetables with a mild flavor, like cucumbers, include bell peppers, squash, celery, sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and leafy greens. Their crisp texture and mild taste make them ideal for similar uses in recipes, such as salads and other dishes (17).
Cucumbers are loaded with nutrition. They are high in water content, fiber and are excellent for cooling and cleansing the body. However, cucumber during pregnancy is not an ideal choice because it causes indigestion, gas, frequent urination, and allergies. That said, consuming cucumbers in small quantities will not cause any harm. Consume them after peeling and washing them properly. This reduces the toxic effects of pesticides and ensures food safety. Include them in your diet of salads, soups, and pickles. If you have any medical condition, talk to your doctor before consuming cucumbers during pregnancy.
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