Yeah, yeah, yeah… the title, I know.
What is good for you in cucumbers? Hmmm. I don’t know.
I was just asked that recently, so I thought I would learn. Sure, I know that they are used in salons and day spa’s… something about being good for your skin.
Well, well, what do you know, cucumbers are good for your skin due to the silica content, vitamin C, and high water content. Cucumbers also contain caffeic acid which helps to soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Now it all makes sense.
Cucumbers are not really chocked full of vitamins and minerals. Sure, they are good for you, and have vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, manganese, folate, molybdenum, and tryptophan (really, like in turkey), but they are not as nutrient dense as many other fruits and vegetables. Also, the skin is what is rich in fiber and most of the minerals, therefore it is best to get non-treated or waxed cucumbers and eat the skin. Personally, sometimes I like the skin and sometimes I don’t want it.
One of the main benefits I see about cucumbers is that they have lots of water in them, and are hydrating, cool, and refreshing. I like cucumbers with salt, in salad (tomato and cucumber salad, yum!), in tsatziki, and my favorite way: lacto-fermented, of that I am sure.
Are you sure?
Tim is a health researcher and educator based out of Nashville, TN. Connect with him on Instagram @eattodaytolivetomorrow.
