Are you expecting a child in a couple of months? Have you fixed a diet chart, or are you wondering what to eat during these months? If you are wondering what fruits, vegetables you can consume, then it will be best if you can try to include cucumber in your diet. As eating cucumber during pregnancy has a lot of advantages, it is recommended to every expecting mother consume it.
The cucumber is a powerful fruit and can be consumed by everyone. It is low fat, nutrients packed fruit, which can help you to live a better life. There are different cucumber benefits for men as well. However, if you want to know the advantages of eating it during pregnancy, then you can go through the following sections –
Eating Cucumber During Pregnancy – Know its nutritional values –
NUTRIENT | |
Water | 95.23g |
Calories | 15kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3.63g |
Protein | 0.65g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Fat | 0.11g |
Sugars | 1.67g |
VITAMINS | |
Vitamin C | 2.8mg |
Thiamine (Vit B1) | 0.027mg |
Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0.033mg |
Niacin | 0.098mg |
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.03mg |
Pantothenic acid | 0.259mg |
Pyridoxine (Vit B6) | 0.04mg |
Folate | 7mcg |
Alpha-carotene | 11mcg |
Beta-carotene | 45mcg |
Vitamin A | 105IU |
Vitamin K | 16.4mcg |
ELECTROLYTES | |
Potassium | 147mg |
Sodium | 2mg |
MINERALS | |
Calcium | 16mg |
Iron | 0.28mg |
Magnesium | 13mg |
Zinc | 0.2mg |
Phosphorus | 24mg |
Copper | 0.041mg |
Manganese | 0.079mg |
Selenium | 0.3mcg |
Fluoride | 1.3mcg |
After going through the tables mentioned above, you can get a clear idea regarding the nutritional value of this fruit. Which, in turn, can help you during pregnancy. Although, it can be challenging how fruit can ensure a healthier pregnancy, by only going through its nutritional value. To know about the top 10 benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy, you can go through the section down below –
Top 10 Advantages of Eating Cucumbers During Pregnancy –
1. Vitamin B –
The first benefit of consuming cucumber is that it contains, Vitamin B, which is known to be a stress buster. Other than that, this vitamin can boost your mood and control your mood swings during pregnancy.
2. Vitamin K –
Another useful vitamin present in cucumber is Vitamin K. This vitamin is not only beneficial for you but your child as well. During pregnancy, you may face a lack of calcium, which can be countered by this nutrient. Furthermore, eating cucumbers during pregnancy can help to keep your bones healthy; it also helps to develop your child’s heart. Vitamin K also boosts your child’s brain health.
3. Fiber –
As, having a high blood sugar level, and constipation are common issues during pregnancy, it is advised to every woman consume cucumbers. Cucumber is an excellent source of both soluble and non-soluble fibers. Such nutrients play a significant role during pregnancy. While soluble fiber helps to control cholesterol and blood sugar levels, insoluble fibers can soften stools and treat constipation.
4. Electrolytes –
You may be wondering what the role of electrolytes during pregnancy is. The answer is simple, electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, can keep your blood pressure level low. Considering the vegetable broth benefits, it will be best if you can have it in a liquid form.
5. High water content –
Dehydration is one of the most common issues women, face during pregnancy. Eating cucumber during pregnancy can help you to stay hydrated, and avoid any sickness that you might face due to dehydration. The best solution will be drinking water; however, as cucumber contains 96% water, consuming it is beneficial for you during pregnancy.
6. Cooling and cleansing –
During and after pregnancy, your skin tends to lose its old elasticity. There is no method to avoid that altogether, but you can reduce this effect. The cooling and cleansing properties of cucumber can keep your skin hydrated, glowing, and elastic.
7. Natural diuretic –
One of the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy is that it helps to flush out toxins from your body. This, in turn, makes your body healthy for both you and your child. Other than the properties of cucumber, which flush out toxins from your body, it can also help to reduce swelling in pregnancy.
8. Regulates blood sugar level –
Diabetes is one of the ailments which can happen during pregnancy. It can be the result of unplanned eating, stress, or munching on desserts. In this case, it will be best to check your blood sugar level during pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, then it will be best to start consuming cucumbers. Why? Because, one of the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy, is that it can keep your blood sugar level low.
9. Low-calorie food –
It is not unusual to gain weight during pregnancy. However, if you want to maintain your weight, and consume a lot of low-calorie food, then your best option is cucumber. This power fruit will not harm your child and help to control your weight.
10. Essential micronutrients –
Cucumbers are not just a good source that can flush out toxins from your body, but it is also a good source of antioxidants. It contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese, which can boost your immunity and help you to avoid any infection. Further, another benefit of eating cucumber during pregnancy is that it also contains calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iodine, and sulfur, which can prevent growth abnormalities.
11. Foetal development –
Lastly, a significant benefit of eating cucumber during pregnancy is that it can boost your fetal development. How? As cucumbers are rich in different nutrients, like Vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, folic acid, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron, they can positively influence your fetal development.
In conclusion, it can be said that there are different foods, vegetables, and fruits, which can help you during pregnancy. However, it should be best if you can be mindful of the things you consume during this time. Considering the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy, it can be your best choice. This power fruit can not only boost your immunity but can also help your child’s development.