Are cucumbers beneficial for people with diabetes. How do cucumbers affect blood sugar levels. What nutrients do cucumbers provide. How can cucumbers be prepared and incorporated into a diabetic-friendly diet.

The Nutritional Profile of Cucumbers

Cucumbers are low-calorie, water-rich fruits that belong to the gourd family. Despite being commonly considered a vegetable, cucumbers are technically berries. Their high water content and low calorie density make them an excellent choice for those managing their weight or blood sugar levels.

A half-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

Cucumbers are also rich in various vitamins and minerals, including:

• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Folate
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Choline

Health Benefits of Cucumbers for Diabetics

Cucumbers offer several health benefits that make them particularly beneficial for people with diabetes:

Blood Sugar Management

Can cucumbers help control blood sugar levels? Early trials suggest that cucumbers may be effective in reducing blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during blood sugar drops. Their low carbohydrate content makes them a suitable option for individuals with elevated blood sugar levels.

Weight Management

Do cucumbers aid in weight loss? With their high water content and low calorie density, cucumbers can contribute to weight management. Studies have shown that consuming foods with low energy density, like cucumbers, is associated with weight loss in obese individuals. Incorporating cucumbers into your diet may help maintain or reduce weight, which is crucial for diabetes management.

Antioxidant Properties

Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, particularly in their skin. These compounds help the body process and remove free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. A study testing cucumber powder found that adding cucumber to the diet significantly increased antioxidant activity in the body.

Nutrients in Cucumbers Beneficial for Diabetics

Cucumbers provide several nutrients that are particularly beneficial for people with diabetes:

Potassium

Why is potassium important for diabetics? Potassium plays a crucial role in nerve function, cell communication, muscle contraction, and kidney function. Adequate potassium intake is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function, which are important considerations for people with diabetes.

Fiber

Although cucumbers are not particularly high in fiber, they do contribute to overall fiber intake. Fiber is essential for blood sugar management and digestive health.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health. Some studies suggest it may also play a role in insulin sensitivity, which is particularly relevant for people with diabetes.

Incorporating Cucumbers into a Diabetic-Friendly Diet

Cucumbers are versatile and can be easily incorporated into a diabetic-friendly diet. Here are some ways to enjoy cucumbers:

1. Raw in salads or as a snack
2. Sliced and added to water for a refreshing drink
3. Used as a low-carb alternative to crackers for dips
4. Pickled for a tangy, low-calorie condiment
5. Added to sandwiches or wraps for extra crunch

When preparing cucumbers, it’s best to keep them raw to preserve their nutritional value and crisp texture. Their high water content can lead to undesirable results when cooked.

Portion Control and Cucumber Consumption

While cucumbers are low in calories, it’s still important to practice portion control. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach discomfort. Generally, it’s recommended to consume a few ounces of cucumber at a time to prevent digestive issues.

For diabetics, the low carbohydrate content of cucumbers means they can be consumed in larger quantities without significantly impacting blood sugar levels. However, it’s always best to monitor individual responses and consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice.

Potential Concerns and Considerations

While cucumbers are generally safe and beneficial for people with diabetes, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Pesticide Residue

Cucumbers may contain pesticide residues. To minimize exposure, consider buying organic cucumbers or thoroughly washing conventionally grown ones before consumption.

Allergies

While rare, some individuals may be allergic to cucumbers. If you experience any allergic reactions after consuming cucumbers, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

Interaction with Medications

The vitamin K content in cucumbers may interact with blood-thinning medications. If you’re taking such medications, consult your healthcare provider about incorporating cucumbers into your diet.

Cucumber Varieties and Their Benefits

There are several varieties of cucumbers, each with its own unique characteristics:

English Cucumbers

Also known as hothouse cucumbers, these are longer and have thinner skin than regular cucumbers. They typically have fewer seeds and a milder flavor, making them ideal for salads and raw consumption.

Persian Cucumbers

Smaller and sweeter than regular cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are crunchy and have thin, edible skin. They’re excellent for snacking and can be eaten whole.

Pickling Cucumbers

These are shorter and have bumpier skin compared to slicing cucumbers. They’re ideal for making pickles and can also be eaten fresh.

All varieties of cucumbers can be beneficial for people with diabetes, offering similar nutritional profiles with slight variations in taste and texture.

Innovative Ways to Enjoy Cucumbers for Diabetics

To make cucumbers a more exciting part of a diabetic-friendly diet, consider these innovative preparation methods:

Cucumber Noodles

Use a spiralizer to create cucumber noodles as a low-carb alternative to pasta. These can be served raw with a light dressing or paired with lean protein for a satisfying meal.

Cucumber Soup

Blend cucumbers with yogurt, herbs, and a touch of olive oil for a refreshing cold soup. This can be a great low-calorie, diabetes-friendly option for hot summer days.

Cucumber Rolls

Use thin slices of cucumber as a wrap for lean meats, vegetables, or low-fat cheese. This creates a carb-free alternative to traditional sandwich wraps.

Cucumber Salsa

Dice cucumbers and mix with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh, low-carb salsa. This can be used as a topping for grilled meats or as a dip for vegetable sticks.

These innovative preparations can help diabetics enjoy the benefits of cucumbers while adding variety to their diet.

The Role of Cucumbers in a Comprehensive Diabetes Management Plan

While cucumbers can be a beneficial addition to a diabetic diet, it’s important to remember that they are just one part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. A well-rounded approach should include:

• A balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Regular physical activity
• Consistent blood sugar monitoring
• Proper medication management as prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Stress management techniques
• Regular medical check-ups

Incorporating cucumbers into this broader plan can contribute to better blood sugar control, weight management, and overall health. However, it’s crucial to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop an individualized plan that takes into account personal health needs and preferences.

In conclusion, cucumbers offer numerous benefits for people with diabetes. Their low calorie and carbohydrate content, coupled with their rich nutrient profile, make them an excellent addition to a diabetic-friendly diet. By incorporating cucumbers in various ways and considering them as part of a comprehensive diabetes management strategy, individuals can enjoy their refreshing taste while potentially improving their health outcomes.

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

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Health Benefits
• Nutrition
• How to Prepare Cucumber

from the WebMD Ingredients Guide

Serving Size 1 Each (301 g)

Calories 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0 g

0%

Saturated Fat 0 g

0%

Trans Fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

0%

Sodium 6 mg

0%

Potassium 0 mg

0%

Total Carbohydrate 11 g

4%

Dietary Fiber 2 g

7%

Sugar 5 g

Protein 2 g

4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

• Vitamin C 9%
• Iron 6%
• Vitamin B6 0%
• Magnesium 0%
• Calcium 4%
• Vitamin D 0%
• Cobalamin 0%
• Vitamin A 6%

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?

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.

• Cucumbers. (n.d.). 
  whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=42
• 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.   
  docplayer.net/32866987-Hypoglycemic-and-hypolipidemic-effects-of-cucumber-white-pumpkin-and-ridge-gourd-in-alloxan-induced-diabetic-rats.html

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

Share this article

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

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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

• Diabetes
• cucumbers
• nutrition

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benefits and harm to the body of men, women, children

Cucumber belongs to the pumpkin family – it is a relative of zucchini, melon and watermelon. Botanically, the cucumber is considered a berry, however, false. But traditionally cucumber is most often referred to as a vegetable. In terms of cultivation, these fruits occupy the 4th place in the world, which only confirms their popularity.

The history of the appearance of cucumbers in nutrition

The name of this fruit is borrowed from the Greek language and comes from the word “unripe”. Cucumber, which is eaten “unripe”, is opposed to melon – it can only be eaten when fully ripe.

Cucumbers are one of the most ancient crops, perhaps more than six thousand years old. Most likely, cucumbers originated from ancient India and China. They grew wild and only in the second millennium BC. were cultivated. From India and China, cucumbers have spread throughout the world. When exactly this fruit came to Rus’, it is not known exactly. But during the time of Peter I, cucumbers were already popular, the first greenhouses were built for them.

There are many proverbs about cucumbers, mostly of a positive nature. The English say “calm as a cucumber” about a calm person. In Russia, everyone knows the expression “like a cucumber” about a cheerful state of mind and health. Brazilians use the name of the Mexican cucumber and do as an affectionate appeal to loved ones. And in July, on the 27th, they celebrate International Cucumber Day.

Composition and calories of cucumber

Calories per 100 g	15 kcal
Proteins	0.8 g
Fats	0.1 g carbohydrates	2. 8 g

Benefits of cucumbers

from water, so there are not too many vitamins and minerals in them. The largest amount is in the peel. Why is cucumber considered healthy?

• All biologically active substances are dissolved in this vegetable in a physiologically ideal form, there is practically no dry matter in cucumbers. Thanks to this, all useful compounds are perfectly absorbed.
• Cucumbers stimulate appetite, stimulate the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which helps digestion. The fiber in their composition removes cholesterol and toxins, and also nourishes the intestinal microflora. This helps fight constipation. Enzymes in cucumbers help to better absorb proteins and B vitamins.
• Potassium, which is abundant in cucumbers, has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and kidneys. The diuretic effect allows you to remove excess fluid, relieve swelling.
• Useful cucumbers for diabetics – they contain an enzyme similar in its action to insulin: it lowers blood sugar levels.
• Even bitter cucumbers are useful. Such a sharp taste is caused by the substance cucurbitacin. It is produced in large quantities in fruits that grew under adverse conditions – with poor watering, etc. Cucurbitacin is not dangerous, it stimulates the intestines. Scientists have also discovered that this substance has an antitumor effect.

Harm of cucumbers

— Cucumbers are a useful product to which allergy or intolerance develops infrequently. In rare cases, cucumbers can cause increased gas formation. It is important to remember that these are seasonal vegetables. In winter, they are treated with various chemicals so that they grow faster and stay fresh longer: such a product in itself is less useful. You can peel off the peel of cucumbers: it is rubbed with wax for greater safety and freshness. Although it is the peel that contains the largest number of useful elements, – comments gastroenterologist Olga Arisheva .

Use of cucumbers in cooking

Cucumbers are mainly eaten fresh, added to various salads and sauces, pickled and salted. But in some countries, cucumbers are even fried and soups are made from them.

Glekhurad vegetable salad

At first glance, this is an ordinary vegetable salad. But it has a piquant interesting taste thanks to a special dressing. Vegetables can be used according to your taste

Photo: pixabay.com

Wash vegetables, cut into medium-sized strips or pieces. Finely chop the greens, tear the lettuce leaves with your hands.

Prepare dressing: mix oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Grind the walnuts into small crumbs, and pass the garlic through a press. Add to butter mixture, mix well.

Place the vegetables in a serving bowl and season with the walnut dressing.

Lightly salted cucumbers on mineral water

Lightly salted cucumbers retain enough nutrients and do not contain too much salt. However, it should be borne in mind that an increased level of sodium is dangerous for people with kidney diseases

Photo: pixabay.com

Soak cucumbers in cool water for two hours. At this time, put half of the greens, garlic and pepper, previously chopped, in a two-liter jar.

Next put the cucumbers, cover the top with the remaining herbs and bay leaf. Sprinkle with salt, pour mineral water and close the lid. Leave at room temperature for 3-4 hours. Next put in the refrigerator. Cucumbers are ready the next day.

Share your recipe

Send your signature dish recipe to [email protected] . Komsomolskaya Pravda will publish the most interesting and unusual ideas

How to choose and store cucumbers

Cucumbers should not be soft, yellowish or too large. It is better if the tail is not dry yet. Whether the cucumber is bitter, unfortunately, cannot be checked in advance.

You can also pay attention to the peel and choose a vegetable suitable for your purpose – for pickling or salad. If there are few spikes on the surface, the marinade will penetrate slowly and keep the cucumber crispy.