Are cucumber good for diabetics. Cucumbers for Diabetics: Nutritional Benefits and Health Impact

02.09.202306.07.2023 by alexxlab

Are cucumbers beneficial for people with diabetes. How do cucumbers affect blood sugar levels. What nutrients do cucumbers provide. How can diabetics incorporate cucumbers into their diet.

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Nutritional Profile of Cucumbers: A Diabetic-Friendly Food

Cucumbers are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes. A single cucumber (approximately 300 grams) contains just 45 calories, making it an excellent choice for those managing their weight. The nutritional breakdown of a half-cup serving of cucumber is as follows:

Calories: 8
Protein: Less than 1 gram
Fat: Less than 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Fiber: Less than 1 gram
Sugar: 1 gram

This low-carbohydrate profile makes cucumbers an ideal snack or addition to meals for diabetics. Do cucumbers have any impact on blood sugar levels? Studies suggest that cucumbers may actually help reduce blood sugar levels and lower the risk of hypoglycemia during blood sugar drops, making them a potentially valuable addition to a diabetic diet.

Antioxidant Power: Cucumbers as a Natural Health Booster

Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, particularly in their skin. These compounds play a crucial role in protecting the body against free radicals, which are associated with various health conditions including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. How effective are cucumbers as an antioxidant source? Research has shown that adding cucumber powder to the diet significantly increases antioxidant activity in the body, suggesting that whole cucumbers could have similar benefits.

Key Antioxidants in Cucumbers

Beta-carotene
Vitamin C
Flavonoids
Lignans

These antioxidants work synergistically to protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Hydration and Weight Management: Cucumbers as a Dieter’s Ally

With a water content of over 96%, cucumbers are an excellent source of hydration. This high water content, combined with their low calorie density, makes cucumbers a valuable tool for weight management. Can eating cucumbers help with weight loss? While no single food can cause weight loss on its own, incorporating low-energy-density foods like cucumbers into your diet can help you feel full and satisfied while consuming fewer calories overall.

Studies have shown that eating foods with low energy density is associated with weight loss in people who are obese. For diabetics, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications.

Essential Nutrients in Cucumbers: Beyond Hydration

While cucumbers are often praised for their high water content, they also provide a range of essential nutrients that are beneficial for overall health, including:

Potassium: Crucial for nerve function, cell communication, muscle contraction, and kidney health
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health
Folate: Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division
Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing
Magnesium: Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body
Choline: Important for brain function and metabolism

How can these nutrients benefit diabetics specifically? Many of these nutrients play a role in maintaining overall health and potentially reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. For example, adequate potassium intake is associated with better blood pressure control, which is crucial for diabetics who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cucumber Preparation: Maximizing Nutritional Benefits

To get the most nutritional value from cucumbers, it’s important to consider how they are prepared and consumed. Are there specific ways to prepare cucumbers that enhance their health benefits? Here are some tips:

Eat the skin: Much of the nutritional value of cucumbers, including antioxidants and fiber, is found in the skin. Opt for organic cucumbers to avoid pesticide residues.
Consume raw: Cucumbers are best eaten raw to preserve their water content and heat-sensitive nutrients.
Use in salads: Combine cucumbers with other low-glycemic vegetables for a diabetes-friendly salad.
Make infused water: Add cucumber slices to water for a refreshing, sugar-free drink.
Create cucumber noodles: Use a spiralizer to make low-carb cucumber noodles as a pasta alternative.

By incorporating these preparation methods, diabetics can enjoy the full range of cucumber’s nutritional benefits while keeping their meals interesting and varied.

Potential Blood Sugar-Lowering Effects of Cucumbers

One of the most intriguing aspects of cucumbers for diabetics is their potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Early trials have suggested that cucumber may be one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop. What mechanisms might be responsible for these effects?

Low glycemic index: Cucumbers have a very low glycemic index, meaning they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels when consumed.
Fiber content: Although not high in fiber, the fiber present in cucumbers can help slow the absorption of sugars in the digestive tract.
Bioactive compounds: Cucumbers contain various bioactive compounds that may influence glucose metabolism.

While these findings are promising, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the blood sugar-lowering effects of cucumbers. Diabetics should always consult with their healthcare provider before making significant changes to their diet.

Incorporating Cucumbers into a Diabetic Diet: Practical Tips

For diabetics looking to include more cucumbers in their diet, there are numerous creative and delicious ways to do so. How can diabetics incorporate cucumbers into their meals without compromising taste or dietary requirements? Consider these suggestions:

Use cucumber slices as a low-carb alternative to crackers for dips and spreads.
Add diced cucumbers to Greek yogurt with herbs for a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Create cucumber cups by hollowing out cucumber chunks and filling them with tuna or chicken salad.
Mix cucumber into cold soups for a refreshing summer meal.
Use cucumber slices in place of bread for mini sandwiches.

These ideas not only provide variety but also help to reduce the overall carbohydrate content of meals, which is crucial for blood sugar management in diabetics.

Portion Control and Monitoring

While cucumbers are generally safe to consume in large quantities due to their low calorie and carbohydrate content, it’s still important for diabetics to practice portion control and monitor their overall intake. Eating large amounts of any food, including cucumbers, can potentially cause digestive discomfort. Additionally, diabetics should be aware of any toppings or dressings added to cucumber dishes, as these can significantly impact the overall nutritional profile and blood sugar response.

Potential Concerns and Considerations for Diabetics

While cucumbers offer numerous benefits for people with diabetes, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Are there any potential risks or side effects of consuming cucumbers for diabetics?

Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to cucumbers or other members of the gourd family.
Digestive issues: Consuming large quantities of cucumber may lead to bloating or gas in some people.
Medication interactions: The vitamin K in cucumbers may interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin.
Pesticide exposure: Non-organic cucumbers may contain pesticide residues, which some studies suggest could potentially impact insulin sensitivity.

To minimize these risks, diabetics should introduce cucumbers into their diet gradually, choose organic when possible, and consult with their healthcare provider about potential interactions with medications.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

While cucumbers can be a valuable addition to a diabetic diet, it’s crucial to remember that they should be part of a balanced, varied eating plan. No single food can provide all the nutrients needed for optimal health and blood sugar management. Diabetics should aim to include a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats in their diet, in addition to cucumbers.

By incorporating cucumbers as part of a well-rounded diet and lifestyle approach, diabetics can potentially enjoy improved blood sugar control, better hydration, and a range of other health benefits. As with any dietary change, it’s important to monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Cucumbers are refreshing, juicy members in the gourd family that are popular in summer dishes and salads around the world. Cucumbers thrive in warm temperatures, making them a common addition to summertime gardens. Their mild flavor makes them easy to add to many dishes without affecting the flavor of the food, which makes cucumbers an easy way to add bulk to smaller meals. Cucumbers can also be pickled, and they pick up the flavor of the brine better than almost any other green thing. Cucumbers are technically considered berries, not vegetables. However, their green skin still offers some significant health benefits, as does the rest of the cucumber.

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cucumber provide significant health benefits. For example, cucumber skin is full of beta-carotene, which is part of the reason for its rich green color. The carotene family of pigments are important provitamins. Your body can convert beta-carotenes into vitamin A, which is a critical vitamin for keeping your eyes and skin healthy.

Other health benefits of cucumber include:

May Aid Weight Management

Cucumber is a super-low calorie food. An entire cucumber, generally defined as being 8.25 inches long or 300 grams, only has 45 calories. Cucumbers are more than 96% water, so they’re filling and nutritious but not calorie-dense. This high-water, low-calorie combination is great for weight management. Studies have shown that eating foods with low energy density, or few calories per gram, is connected with weight loss in people who are obese. Cucumbers are the very definition of a food with a low energy density, so adding them to your diet may help you maintain or reduce your weight.

Rich in Antioxidants

Cucumbers are full of nutrients that act as antioxidants. These antioxidants may have particularly powerful effects, according to some studies. One such study tested the power of cucumber powder and found that adding cucumber to the diet significantly increases the amount of antioxidant activity in the body. While more studies should be done, cucumber root is a safe way to get more dietary antioxidants easily.

May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Finally, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they can be a good option for people with elevated blood sugar levels. Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop. For people with diabetes, cucumber may be a helpful addition to their diet to moderate blood sugar levels more effectively.

Cucumbers are full of antioxidants, particularly in their skin. These compounds help your body process and remove free radicals, which lowers your risk of health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cucumber is also rich in the mineral potassium. This mineral helps your nerves fire, your cells communicate, your muscles contract, and your kidneys function. Without enough potassium, you may start to notice problems with your blood pressure and heart function.

In addition to antioxidants and potassium, cucumber is an excellent source of:

Beta-carotene
Vitamin K
Potassium
Folate
Zinc
Magnesium
Choline

Nutrients per Serving

A 1/2-cup serving of cucumber contains:

Calories: 8
Protein: Less than 1 gram
Fat: Less than 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Fiber: Less than 1 gram
Sugar: 1 gram

Portion Sizes

Because cucumber is so low in calories, it’s hard to eat too much when it comes to weight management. However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach pain or distress. In general, it’s best to eat a few ounces of cucumber at a time to prevent stomach discomfort.

Cucumber is a versatile food. It’s easily found in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and health food stores around the country all year long, though it may be less expensive during the summer when it’s in season.

Cucumbers are most frequently eaten raw. Their high water content can cause strange results when they are incorporated into cooked dishes. As a result, cucumbers are most commonly eaten cold. Here are a few ways to incorporate this refreshing plant into your diet.

Sprinkle sliced cucumbers with salt as a snack.
Eat a small cucumber on its own.
Add cucumber slices to water.
Include cucumbers in salads.
Make your own pickles.
Add cucumbers to sandwiches.
Throw cucumber slices into smoothies.

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Are Cucumbers Good to Eat with Diabetes?

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Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. D., Nutrition — By Scott Frothingham on January 29, 2019

Yes, if you have diabetes, you can eat cucumbers. In fact, since they’re so low in carbohydrates, you can almost eat as many as you want whenever you want.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) considers cucumber a non-starchy vegetable, the “one food group where you can satisfy your appetite.” A 2011 study from Newcastle University even suggested that a low-calorie diet based on non-starchy vegetables might prove effective in reversing type 2 diabetes.

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) belong to the same botanical family as melons and squashes. Commercially grown cucumbers are typically divided into two types: “slicing cucumbers” for fresh consumption and “pickling cucumbers” for processing into pickles.

Low in calories and high in nutrients, 1/2 cup of sliced raw cucumber contains:

calories: 8
carbohydrates: 1.89 grams
dietary fiber: 0.3 grams
sugars: 0.87 grams
protein: 0. 34 grams
fat: 0.06 grams

Cucumbers also provide:

vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin K
potassium
magnesium
biotin
phosphorus

Cucumbers are good sources of plant chemicals with protective or disease preventive properties called phytonutrients such as:

flavonoids
lignans
triterpenes

The glycemic index (GI) affects how food affects blood sugar (blood glucose). A high glycemic index food can heighten your blood sugar level. The glycemic index of cucumber is 15. Any food with a GI less than 55 is considered low.

For comparison purposes, here’s the GI of other fruit:

grapefruit: 25
apples: 38
bananas: 52
watermelon: 72

Animal studies linking cucumber extracts to lower blood glucose measurements exist, but they’re limited. More research is necessary.

A 2011 study concluded that diabetic rats had a decrease in blood sugars after a nine-day diet of cucumber seed extract.
A 2012 study indicated that cucumber’s phytonutrients are linked to blood sugar lowering effects in diabetic rats.
A 2014 research paper published in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Research demonstrated that cucumber pulp could be used effectively for the treatment and management of diabetes in rats.

These studies used cucumber extracts. There’s no evidence that whole cucumbers would have provided the same benefit.

Although more research is needed to see if cucumbers might be an effective treatment for diabetes, they’re a nutritious vegetable that can be eaten relatively freely in a diabetes meal plan.

Talk to your doctor about a diet that can help manage blood sugars. If you want greater detail or a customized meal plan, consider consulting with a dietitian.

If you’re planning on radically altering your eating habits, review your thoughts with your doctor before you start.

Last medically reviewed on January 29, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Lim EL, et al. (2011). Reversal of type 2 diabetes: Normalisation of beta cell function in association with decreased pancreas and liver triacylglycerol.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168743/
Minaiyan M, et al. (2011). Effect of hydroalcoholic and buthanolic extract of Cucumis sativus seeds on blood glucose level of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586845/
Mukherjee PK, et al. (2013). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. DOI:
10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003
Non-starchy vegetables. (2017).
diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/non-starchy-vegetables. html
Saidu AN, et al. (2014). Phytochemical screening and hypoglycemic effect of methanolic fruit pulp extract of Cucumis sativus in alloxan induced diabetic rats. DOI:
10.5897/JMPR2014.5506
Sharmin R, et al. (2012). Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of cucumber, white pumpkin and ridge gourd in alloxan induced diabetic rats.
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jan 29, 2019

Written By

Scott Frothingham

Edited By

Judy Lee

Medically Reviewed By

Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD

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Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D., Nutrition — By Scott Frothingham on January 29, 2019

Named a vegetable that lowers blood sugar in 30 minutes

07:50, February 9, 2022

Experts talked about the benefits of cucumbers in diabetes.

Specialists told about the unexpected useful properties of cucumber. It turns out that eating this vegetable helps to reduce sugar, so it is useful for people with type 2 diabetes, reports Medic Forum.

Experts recommend eating cucumbers daily to reduce blood sugar and also to regulate its level in case of hypoglycemia.

Cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they are good for people with high blood sugar levels, experts explained.

In addition, studies have shown that cucumber is one of the most effective herbs not only for lowering blood sugar, but also for reducing the risk of hypoglycemia during a drop in blood sugar.

Cucumbers have a low glycemic index and can lower blood sugar levels in as little as 30 minutes from the time they are eaten.

Author: Snezhana Shakhova

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Is it possible to pickle cucumbers in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Many diabetic patients are afraid to eat pickled and canned vegetables, without thinking about whether they are really harmful. Pickled cucumbers for metabolic disorders are not contraindicated. However, if the patient suffers from hypertension that has developed against the background of endocrine pathology, such food will have to be excluded.

Composition

Pickled cucumbers are part of the diet of many people. They are used as an independent product or added to salads, soups, and other dishes. To understand whether these vegetables are allowed for diabetics, it will turn out if we turn to the chemical composition. The amount of substances of interest to us in a salty and fresh product is practically the same:

proteins 0.8 g;
fats 0.1;
carbohydrates 1.7.

Calories – 11 kcal. The glycemic index is 15, the number of bread units is 0.17. These data should be guided if sugar was not used in the processing of vegetables.

It is not worth refusing to use pickles, because they are a source of:

sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus;
vitamins A, C, PP, E, group B;
fiber;
lactic acid, which is formed during fermentation;
antioxidants.

Diabetics are allowed to eat cucumbers. They do not affect blood sugar levels. When compiling a diet, it must be remembered that for some diseases it is better to refuse such food.

The taste of pickles depends on the spices used. Housewives can add horseradish, dill, black pepper, currant leaves or cherries. There are 2 ways to harvest vegetables. Some preserve them in jars with airtight lids. Others prefer to marinate in barrels. However, these additives and processing method will not significantly affect the composition, calorie content, glycemic index.

Diabetics are also allowed to include the Mexican variety (chayote) in their diet. It contains:

proteins – 0.8 g;
fats – 0.1;
carbohydrates – 2.8.

Calorie content is 19 kcal. Glycemic index – 50. The level of bread units – 2.2.

Due to their beneficial properties and unique composition, Mexican cucumbers are recommended to be included in the diet in small quantities for diabetics. Fiber, aspartic acid, which are contained in chayote, contribute to the normalization of the pancreas. As a result, the concentration of sugar can be normalized.

Pickled cucumbers for diabetics

Patients with endocrine disorders should consult a physician when formulating a diet. Canned vegetables that have not been processed with sugar can be safely included in the menu.

However, salty foods retain fluid in the body. As a result, patients develop edema, and blood pressure may increase. If a person does not have a tendency to hypertension, it is not necessary to limit the consumption of canned, pickled products.

Benefits

In type 2 diabetes, pickles can have a positive effect on the body. When they are consumed, lactic acid enters the gastrointestinal tract. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system, improving its microflora. When the substance enters, the growth of beneficial bacteria is also stimulated.

Cucumbers contain fiber, which improves intestinal motility, activates the production of gastric juice, increases appetite.

Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system. It stimulates the body’s resistance to pathogens of infectious diseases. Vitamin E is essential for strengthening nails and hair.

Daily use of pickles helps to get rid of iodine deficiency. However, diabetics should not eat them in excessive amounts. A day is advised to eat no more than 2-3 vegetables.

When drinking alcoholic beverages, preparations are recommended to be used as a snack. Pickled cucumbers are able to neutralize alcohol toxins.

Harmful

Doctors do not recommend abusing canned vegetables, because they provoke fluid retention in the body. Acetic acid, which is part of pickled cucumbers, negatively affects tooth enamel.

Do not include canned vegetables in the diet for:

cholelithiasis;
atherosclerosis;
pyelonephritis;
hypertension;
obesity.

Overweight patients are not recommended to eat cucumbers because they provoke edema and improve appetite.

For gestational diabetes

Gynecologists do not advise expectant mothers to include canned food in their diet because of the high amount of salt in the composition. The use of pickled vegetables provokes the appearance of edema. This increases the load on the kidneys, which work in an enhanced mode during the period of bearing a child. However, from 1-2 pieces there will be no harm.

In gestational diabetes, doctors do not prohibit the inclusion of pickles in the diet. It is important to observe the measure so as not to increase the burden on the kidneys. This product does not affect the level of sugar.

On a low carbohydrate diet

It is acceptable to include pickles in the diet of patients with diabetes. Many people with metabolic disorders are advised by endocrinologists to focus on foods that contain a small amount of carbohydrates. With such nutrition, it is possible to minimize the likelihood of a sharp rise in blood sugar.

Pickles do not affect glucose levels. They are allowed for diabetics who adhere to low-carbohydrate diets, because neither cucumbers nor salt increase glucose.

By reducing the intake of carbohydrates, sugar stabilization can be achieved. Such control helps to prevent the development of many complications of diabetes. Patients who adhere to the principles of low-carbohydrate nutrition will not have to face a deterioration in the condition of blood vessels, kidneys, skin, and the nervous system.

Caution should be exercised when consuming pickled cucumbers due to the fact that they lead to edema. This increases the load on the urinary system of the body. Diabetes increases the risk of kidney failure. Therefore, canned vegetables are best eaten in limited quantities.

Methods of preparation

Diabetics should only use recipes that do not contain sugar when salting. For processing, it is better to choose small cucumbers up to 10–12 cm long. They should have a dark green peel, pronounced tuberosity, dense pulp without voids.