Five reasons to eat cucumber
Cucumber stands out as a true nutritional champion on our plates. Let us take a closer look at what this fruit vegetable has to offer and why it deserves its reputation as an exceptional health food.
1- Hydrating with cucumber
Did you know? Cucumber is 96% water. This exceptional characteristic makes it an ideal choice for maintaining good hydration, especially during periods of high heat. Indeed, eating cucumber regularly helps you hydrate gently while benefiting from essential vitamins and minerals.
2- For good digestion
Well supplied with fibre, cucumber contributes to the proper functioning of intestinal transit while also promoting a feeling of fullness. Its high water content also gives it diuretic and draining properties.
3- As part of your skincare routine
With its anti-inflammatory properties, cucumber is the perfect ally to soothe skin irritation. We all know the famous cucumber slices placed over the eyes to reduce swelling in tired, irritated eyelids, but these slices are also very useful over areas of itchiness. It also provides plenty of copper, essential for the production of collagen.
4- A source of vitamin K
Cucumber is a source of vitamin K, a nutrient the body needs to strengthen bones. Thus, combining regular cucumber consumption with foods rich in vitamin D could help increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Vitamin K is also necessary for the synthesis of proteins associated with blood clotting.
5- An ally against anxiety
Thanks to the pyridoxine it contains, cucumber may naturally reduce stress and help combat anxiety.
6 - A very low-calorie food
Cucumber has an extremely low calorie density of just 0.16 on a scale of 9, making it one of the lowest-calorie vegetables. With barely 10 calories per 100 grams, it can be eaten in large quantities without significantly affecting daily calorie intake.
To put these figures into perspective, a whole cucumber weighing between 400 and 500 grams provides only around 58 to 73 calories, equivalent to a small snack. In addition, this vegetable contains virtually no fat (less than 0.5g per 100g), reinforcing its status as a light food.
Its natural diuretic effect also helps reduce water retention, contributing to a slimmer figure and flatter stomach. This is why cucumber is an essential slimming ally in a balanced diet and is perfect paired with our Slimming Tea Ritual
3 simple, quick cucumber recipes
Today, we are sharing 3 cucumber recipe ideas, perfect for summer!
Made up of more than 90% water, eating cucumber regularly helps you hydrate gently. The best way? With a jug of iced mint-cucumber green tea! If you struggle to remember to hydrate, this refreshing blend will be a reliable source of motivation.
Iced mint-cucumber green tea
Start by filling your jug just over halfway with simmering water. Then immerse a mint-cucumber green tea bag and relax for the 10 minutes while the blend brews.
Remove the tea bag and add plenty of ice cubes. To jazz up your iced tea, add a few cucumber slices. And there you have it, it is ready! A simple, refreshing recipe to enjoy in the height of summer.
The cordial cocktail
To make this lightly sweetened, slightly tangy cocktail, you will need:
- mint-cucumber green tea (2 tablespoons for 500ml of brewed tea
- 100g caster sugar
- 6 cucumber slices
- 30ml lime juice
- 50ml gin
- 2.5ml liquid sugar
- 1.25ml anise liqueur
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 15 ice cubes
In a container, pour 150ml of brewed mint-cucumber green tea and add 100g of white caster sugar and 4 cucumber slices. Add 5ml of lime juice and whisk the mixture until the caster sugar has dissolved.
In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves and the 2 remaining cucumber slices. Add 30ml of cordial, lime juice, gin, liquid sugar and anise liqueur. Add 10 ice cubes, then shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
Prepare the glass, add the remaining ice cubes, then pour in the mixture using a strainer. Garnish with a basil leaf and a few cucumber slices.
Greek yoghurt, cucumber, mint and honey dip
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 150g cucumber
- 1 garlic clove
- 10 mint leaves
- 300g Greek yoghurt
- 2 teaspoons acacia honey
- salt and pepper
- sesame seeds
- crackers or wholemeal bread
Start by cutting the cucumber in half, then remove the seeds and finely slice the flesh. Finely chop the mint leaves and grate the garlic clove.
In a bowl, mix the Greek yoghurt with honey, salt and pepper. Then add the cucumber, garlic and mint. You can garnish with sesame seeds and a few mint leaves.
Serve chilled with crackers or slices of wholemeal bread!
Raw, cooked, as juice or tea: the best ways to enjoy it
Traditionally eaten raw for its freshness, cucumber also lends itself to quick cooking. It can be sautéed, braised or steamed like courgette. When cooked, it offers a melting texture and surprising sweetness. Cucumber juice is also an excellent Detox option, particularly refreshing in summer, just like organic mint-cucumber green tea and our herbal infusions and tisanes.
Tips for choosing and storing it well
Choose a cucumber with deep green, smooth skin and a firm texture. Store it whole in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for up to ten days. Once cut, wrap it in cling film and consume within 48 hours. To preserve its freshness, avoid washing it before storage.
Should you peel it or keep the skin on?
Cucumber skin is rich in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants. Keeping it allows you to benefit from these essential nutrients and enjoy its crunchy texture. However, if your cucumber is not organic, it is best to peel it to avoid pesticide residues. For certain recipes such as tzatziki, removing the skin can give a smoother texture.
The health benefits of cucumber
Beyond its hydrating, low-calorie profile, cucumber contains many active compounds beneficial to the body. This unassuming vegetable offers an impressive range of health benefits.
Improves digestion with fibre
Cucumber contains soluble fibre which, when dissolved in the intestine, forms a kind of gel that regulates transit. Its insoluble fibre also speeds up the passage of food and acts as a prebiotic by feeding our beneficial bacteria. This combined action promotes a balanced microbiome and effectively prevents constipation. In addition, thanks to its mineral content, including potassium and magnesium, cucumber has an alkalising effect that helps manage gastric acidity. With cucumber and a delicious after-meal tea, protect your digestion.
Regulates blood pressure with potassium
Cucumber's high potassium content actively contributes to regulating blood pressure. This property can help treat both low and high blood pressure. Indeed, regular consumption, particularly as juice, helps reduce cholesterol levels and thus prevent cardiovascular risks.
For more advice, read our article on remedies for blood pressure.
Strengthens bones with vitamin K
A 200g serving of cucumber covers nearly 20% of daily vitamin K requirements, an essential nutrient for proper bone formation. This vitamin facilitates calcium absorption, helping to maintain bone density. Combined with foods rich in vitamin D, it could reduce the number of fractures by strengthening bone structure.
Protects the heart and kidneys
Cucumber, rich in potassium and vitamin K, plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and kidneys. Its natural diuretic effect promotes the elimination of toxins. In addition, cucumber helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid thanks to its silicon and sulphur content.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect
Cucumber is rich in flavonols, powerful antioxidants, and lignans, substances with anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help fight free radicals responsible for cellular ageing. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties, such as quercetin, can reduce inflammation in the body. These benefits make cucumber a valuable ally in preventing cardiovascular disease and boosting vitality.