Can diabetics eat cucumbers: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More

13.09.202317.07.2023 by alexxlab

Содержание

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.

Top Picks

Are Cucumbers Good to Eat with Diabetes?

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

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

Cucumbers for diabetes: useful properties and benefits

Cucumbers are a useful product for people with diabetes. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories and have a low glycemic index. Eating cucumbers helps control blood sugar levels and keep the body healthy.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. People suffering from this disease should watch their diet and choose foods that will help them control their glucose levels in the body. Cucumbers are one such food due to their health benefits and low carbohydrate content.

Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium and potassium. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body, which is especially important for people with diabetes. Vitamin K contributes to the normalization of blood clotting and improves vascular health. Magnesium and potassium help maintain normal blood pressure levels and control blood sugar levels.

Cucumbers are also low in calories, making them an ideal choice for people with diabetes who are watching their weight. They are also rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion and control blood glucose levels. Fiber also promotes satiety and prevents overeating, which helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

It is important to note that cucumbers are not a cure for diabetes and cannot completely replace drug therapy and proper nutrition. They can be a useful addition to complex treatment and help control blood sugar levels. Before including cucumbers in your diet, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist.

In conclusion, cucumbers are a healthy food for people with diabetes due to their low carbohydrate content, rich vitamin and mineral content, and fiber content. They can help control blood sugar levels, maintain normal blood pressure, and improve digestion. However, it must be remembered that cucumbers are not a panacea and you should consult your doctor before using them in your diet.

Cucumber is a low calorie food

Cucumber is one of the lowest calorie foods, making it an ideal choice for people with diabetes. They contain only about 15 calories per 100 grams and contain almost no fats and carbohydrates, which allows them to be included in the diet without fear of blood sugar levels.

Cucumbers are also rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining health. In particular, they contain vitamin K, which plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health. Cucumbers also contain vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and protect the body from harmful free radicals.

Due to their high water content, cucumbers also help keep the body hydrated. Water is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and is especially important for people with diabetes as it helps control blood sugar levels and keep organs and systems functioning properly.

Cucumbers can be consumed in various forms: fresh, pickled or added to salads. They go well with other vegetables and herbs, making them a versatile product for a variety of dishes. Cucumbers can also be used as a substitute for bread or tortillas in sandwiches, which can help reduce carbohydrate load and control blood sugar levels.

Rich in vitamins and minerals

Cucumbers are a source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining health in diabetes. Cucumbers contain vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and protect the body from harmful environmental influences. They are also rich in B vitamins, which play an important role in metabolism and the nervous system.

In addition, cucumbers contain vitamin K, which helps repair and heal wounds, and also strengthens bones. They are also a source of vitamin A, which is essential for skin and vision health.

Cucumbers also contain various minerals such as potassium, magnesium and copper. Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure levels, while magnesium improves metabolism and supports heart health. Copper also plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells and iron metabolism.

Therefore, the inclusion of cucumbers in the diet of diabetics can be beneficial in providing the body with essential vitamins and minerals.

Cucumbers help control blood sugar

Cucumbers are a low-calorie, vitamin- and mineral-rich food that can be helpful in diabetes. They are low in carbs and have a low glycemic index, which means they don’t cause blood sugar spikes.

Cucumbers are also high in water and fiber, which help maintain normal blood glucose levels. Water helps dissolve sugar and improves metabolism in the body. Fiber, in turn, slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and improves bowel function.

Cucumbers also contain magnesium, which helps control blood sugar levels. Magnesium helps to increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin and improves metabolism. In addition, cucumbers contain vitamin K, which helps improve pancreatic function and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Including cucumbers in your diabetes diet will help control your blood sugar levels and keep your body functioning normally. However, before making changes to your diet, it is important to consult your doctor or dietitian.

Contains soluble fiber

Cucumbers are a source of soluble fiber that may be beneficial for people with diabetes. Soluble fibers help control blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This allows you to more smoothly maintain a stable level of glucose in the blood.

In addition, soluble fiber improves satiety, which can help control appetite and prevent overeating. This is especially important for people with diabetes, as proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight are key aspects of managing the disease.

Cucumbers can be added to various dishes such as salads, soups or appetizers. They also go well with other vegetables and herbs. When choosing cucumbers, you should give preference to fresh and mature specimens in order to get the maximum benefit for the body.

Cucumbers improve digestion

Cucumbers are an excellent source of fiber, which plays an important role in improving the digestive process. Fiber is found in the peel of cucumbers, so it is recommended to consume them with the peel.

Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, improves peristalsis and prevents constipation. It also helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, which is especially important for people with diabetes.

Cucumbers contain a lot of water, which helps to moisturize the intestines and facilitates the process of digestion. Thanks to this, they help prevent constipation and maintain the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, cucumbers contain enzymes that help break down food and improve digestion. They also have a mild laxative effect that helps cleanse the body of toxins and waste.

Including cucumbers in a diabetic diet can be beneficial for improving digestion and maintaining normal blood sugar levels. However, before making changes to your diet, it is important to consult your doctor or dietitian.

Helps to lose weight

Cucumbers are the perfect product for those who want to lose weight. They contain very few calories – only about 15 kcal per 100 grams. Because of this, they can be included in the diet even in diabetes mellitus without causing an increase in blood sugar levels.

Cucumbers are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes digestion and improves bowel function. They also help control appetite and prevent overeating, which can help with weight loss.

Cucumbers are high in water, making them an excellent hydration product. At the same time, they do not contain fats and cholesterol, which also has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body and helps to reduce weight.

Cucumbers can be eaten fresh, added to salads or used as an appetizer. They go well with other vegetables and herbs, which allows you to create a variety of healthy dishes for weight loss.

Strengthen the immune system

Cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is one of the main nutrients needed to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C helps increase the production of white blood cells, which play an important role in protecting the body from infection and disease.

In addition, cucumbers contain vitamin A, which also has a positive effect on the immune system. Vitamin A helps maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes, which are the body’s first defense against pathogens.

Cucumbers are also rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage and repair damaged cells. This is especially important for the immune system, as damaged cells can become vulnerable to infection and disease.

Cucumbers are an excellent source of hydration

Cucumbers are one of the most hydrating vegetables and are therefore very beneficial for people with diabetes. They are made up primarily of water, which helps hydrate the body and maintain normal blood glucose levels.

In addition, cucumbers contain vitamins and minerals, which also affect the hydration of the body. The vitamin C found in cucumbers helps boost the immune system and protect the body from infections. Vitamin K promotes bone health and hemostasis.

Cucumbers are also rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation and prevent cell damage. This is especially important for people with diabetes, as they are more prone to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Including cucumbers in a diabetic diet can not only help maintain normal glucose levels, but also improve overall health. Cucumbers can be eaten as an independent dish, added to salads or used as an ingredient in the preparation of various dishes.

Video on the topic:

Question-answer:

Is it possible to eat cucumbers with diabetes?

Yes, cucumbers can be used in diabetes. They are a low-calorie, low-carb food, making them safe for diabetics to consume. Cucumbers are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, which are helpful in maintaining diabetes health.

What are the health benefits of cucumbers?

Cucumbers have many health benefits. They are a low-calorie food that helps control weight and blood sugar levels. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect the body’s cells from damage. They are also a source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, which are beneficial for maintaining health.

How can cucumbers help with diabetes?

Cucumbers can help with diabetes due to their low carbohydrate and low calorie content. They do not cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels and help control appetite. Cucumbers also contain vitamin K, which helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. In addition, cucumbers have a diuretic effect, which can be useful for people with diabetes, as it helps to remove excess sugar from the body.

What are the contraindications to the use of cucumbers in diabetes?

In general, cucumbers are safe for diabetics. However, people with kidney or digestive issues may be advised to limit their consumption of cucumbers. It is also worth paying attention to the quality of cucumbers to avoid the use of pesticides or other harmful substances.

What other foods are recommended for diabetics?

Yes, cucumbers can be eaten with diabetes. They are low in calories and high in water, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Also, cucumbers are rich in fiber, which helps to normalize blood glucose levels.

What are the useful properties of cucumbers in diabetes?

Cucumbers for diabetes have several useful properties. First, they are low in carbohydrates and calories, which makes them suitable for diabetic diets. Secondly, cucumbers are rich in vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation. In addition, cucumbers contain fiber, which helps to normalize blood sugar levels and improve digestion.

Reviews

Anastasia Ivanova

The article is very interesting and useful! I am a diabetic myself, so I am always looking for new information about foods that can help control blood sugar levels. Cucumbers are a great choice for our menu! They are rich in vitamins and minerals but have a very low glycemic load. This means that they do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels after a meal. In addition, cucumbers contain a lot of water, which helps maintain normal glucose levels and reduces thirst. I will definitely add cucumbers to my diet and will recommend it to all my diabetic friends. Thanks a lot for the helpful information!

Andrey Kozlov

Cucumbers are an excellent choice for people with diabetes. I myself am a diabetic and I know how important it is to watch your diet. Cucumbers are high in water, which helps keep blood sugar under control. Due to their low carbohydrate and calorie content, cucumbers can be included in the diet without fear of high sugar levels. In addition, they are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which are beneficial for maintaining heart and vascular health. Cucumbers also contain substances that help improve metabolism and digestion. I regularly consume cucumbers in my diet and they have become an integral part of my healthy lifestyle. I recommend that all diabetics add cucumbers to their diet to maintain stable sugar levels and improve overall health.

Alexander Ivanov

Very interesting article! I myself suffer from diabetes and am always looking for new information about healthy foods. Cucumbers are one of my favorite vegetables and I am glad to know that they are also good for diabetics. After all, you often have to limit yourself in choosing products. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals and also contain a lot of water, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. I am confident that adding cucumbers to my diet will help me control my sugar and improve my overall health. Thanks a lot for the helpful information!

MikeKuz

The article is very interesting and useful for me, since I suffer from diabetes. Very happy to know that cucumbers can be good for my health. I always thought they were just watery and didn’t contain any nutrients. But it turns out that cucumbers are rich in fiber and vitamins, which help control blood sugar levels. Now I will actively include them in my diet. In addition, cucumbers help maintain normal blood glucose levels and improve the functioning of the digestive system. Thank you very much for such useful information!

Sergey

Cucumbers are indeed a useful product for people with diabetes. As a diabetic myself, I know how important it is to watch your diet. Cucumbers are low in carbohydrates and sugar, which helps keep blood glucose levels stable. In addition, they are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and K, potassium and magnesium, which are useful for maintaining heart and vascular health. Cucumbers also help lower cholesterol levels in the body, which is especially important for diabetics. I regularly include cucumbers in my diet and have noticed positive changes in my well-being. I recommend that all diabetics add cucumbers to their diet and enjoy their beneficial properties.

Ivan Petrov

The article is very interesting and useful! I have been a diabetic myself for several years and am always looking for new ways to improve my health. Cucumbers have always been my favorite vegetable, but now I’ve found out that they can also be good for my diabetes. I am glad to know that cucumbers help lower blood sugar levels and improve pancreas function. In addition, they are rich in fiber, which helps control appetite and improves digestion. Now I will add cucumbers to my diet even more often! Thanks for the useful information!

Olga_78

Very interesting and useful article! I am a diabetic myself and am always looking for new ways to control my blood sugar levels. Glad to know that cucumbers can be beneficial for our health. I always thought they were just a delicious and refreshing vegetable, but it turns out they can also help lower blood sugar levels. I will definitely add them to my diet and will monitor the changes. Thanks for the info!

SergeyP

Cucumbers are an excellent product for people with diabetes. They are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and also contain a small amount of carbohydrates. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to control their blood sugar levels. In addition, cucumbers help improve digestion, moisturize the skin and have a diuretic effect. They are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals. The inclusion of cucumbers in the diet will not only provide useful substances, but also enjoy the taste of this fresh and crunchy vegetable. So do not deny yourself the pleasure and add cucumbers to your daily diet.

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.