Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
Cucumbers are effective body coolants during summers.
They are the perfect low-calorie snack to control hunger pangs at work or to add to your weight loss salad. But is it a good idea to have cucumbers during pregnancy? Can they have any negative impact on you or your baby? Continue reading this post to know how much cucumber is safe during pregnancy, its health benefits, and possible adverse side effects.
Key Pointers
- Cucumber offers numerous health benefits during pregnancy.
- It is a good source of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, electrolytes, minerals, and more.
- Due to its high water content and low calorie count, cucumber can aid in treating digestive problems.
- Cucumber salad, sandwiches, and soup are among the best ways to consume cucumber during pregnancy.
Is It Safe To Eat Cucumbers During Pregnancy?
You can eat small amounts of cucumber, although it is not usually recommended in the pregnancy diet. Cucumbers are known to cause allergic reaction, frequent urination due to excess water and salt content, and belching and indigestion (1). So, discuss with your healthcare provider during your prenatal care visits before adding it to your regular diet, because they can do good too.
Infographic: How To Consume Cucumber In Pregnancy?
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
How Cucumber Can Be Beneficial During Pregnancy
Cucumbers are a healthy snack for pregnant women. They possess high amounts of water, vitamins, and minerals that benefit overall health. The low fat and minimal calorie content make it ideal for weight management during pregnancy. Consult your doctor, and once you get their approval, you can consume cucumber for its several health benefits.
1. Low-calorie food
Cucumbers are low in calories and can prevent obesity. They help in weight management and can keep you full for a longer time, and prevent excess eating, thus avoiding weight gain.
2. High water content
Cucumbers contain about 96% water (2). Consuming cucumber is a great way to maintain hydration levels (in addition to drinking water). Vegetables with high water content might also help manage pregnancy-related nausea.
3. Natural diuretic
The water content of cucumber acts as a diuretic (3), thus supporting the elimination of toxins. It also reduces swelling (4).
4. Cooling and cleansing
The cooling and cleansing property of fresh cucumber juice is helpful for skin nourishment and tightening (4).
5. B vitamins
Cucumber is rich in B vitamins. B vitamins are known to boost your mood. They ease anxiety and might help reduce stress (5).
6. Fiber
Image: IStock
Cucumbers are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels (helpful for women with gestational diabetes), whereas insoluble fiber softens stools and treats constipation, which is common during pregnancy (6).
7. Essential micronutrients
Rich in antioxidants (7) including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese (9), cucumbers help boost the immune system function and thus prevent contracting infections. Also, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iodine, and sulfur (10) (8) are all important for fetal development and can prevent growth abnormalities.
9. Electrolytes
The availability of sodium and potassium electrolytes in cucumber juice can help manage high blood pressure during pregnancy (9).
Next, we will tell you about the nutritional facts of cucumber.
Quick factNutritional Value Of Cucumber
According to the USDA, the nutrition present in 100g of raw cucumber with peel is as follows (10):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Zinc | 0.2mg |
| Manganese | 0.079mg |
| Selenium | 0.3mcg |
| Fluoride | 1.3mcg |
g=grams; mg=milligrams; mcg=micrograms; IU=international unit
Though cucumbers have a high nutritional value, they can pose some risk when taken in excess amounts.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Cucumber During Pregnancy?
The downside of consuming cucumbers in excessive amounts include:
- Gas formation and indigestion (11).
- The excess water content in cucumbers will increase the frequency of urination, which could make you uncomfortable.
Image: IStock
- Sometimes, cucumbers can cause allergic reactions resulting in itching and swelling.
- Cucumbers contain toxic substances such as cucurbitacins and tetracyclic triterpenoids, which are responsible for the bitter taste and are life-threatening when taken in excess amounts (12).
Can You Drink Cucumber Juice During Pregnancy?
Image: IStock
Yes, you can have freshly made cucumber juice. Select firm and dark-colored cucumbers, blend them and consume.
Quick tipHow To Consume Cucumber In Pregnancy?
Consuming raw vegetables during pregnancy can be a healthy choice, but it’s vital to wash them thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses. Consider selecting organic varieties to minimize pesticide exposure, which can be harmful during pregnancy. If your healthcare provider has given you the go-ahead to consume cucumbers, you can enjoy their health benefits by including them in your diet as part of a healthy eating plan.
First, peel the cucumbers, since their skin contains toxic pesticides. Wash them at least for three to four minutes in running water and scrub them using a vegetable brush.
The best ways to consume cucumbers are:
- Salads: Combine cucumbers with tomatoes, onions or any other vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, vinegar, and pepper. You can also make a delightful salad by combining cucumbers, black olives, chopped dill, avocado, and cress. This tastes good with kosher salt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Point to consider
Image: IStock
- Soup: Blend sliced cucumbers, red onions, garlic clove, chopped dill, olive oil and some sour cream. Once the puree is ready, refrigerate for about one to two hours. This is an excellent soup to have on hot and long summer days.
- Sandwiches: Cut thin slices of cucumber and put in between two slices of bread along with some unsalted butter, chopped mint leaves, and sour cream cheese. These make an ideal snack to go with a cup of green or mint tea.
- Tzatziki sauce: Combine one large, sliced cucumber, three tablespoons of plain or Greek yogurt, one tablespoon of fresh mint or dill, and one minced garlic clove. Add one tablespoon of salt and three tablespoons of lemon juice. Refrigerate the mixture for five to six hours, and serve as a salad dressing.
Image: Shutterstock
- Homemade pickle: If you have been craving pickles during pregnancy, here is a simple recipe you can try. Take three to five cups of water, one tablespoon of sugar, one tablespoon salt and 25 cups white vinegar. Boil the mixture and let it cool. Take four cups of cucumber spears, two heads of fresh dill, and two garlic cloves in a container. Add the chilled mixture over the vegetable, cover the lid and refrigerate for two to three days before consuming.
Next, we answer a few commonly asked questions about eating cucumbers when pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is pickled cucumber safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to eat pickled cucumber but be watchful about the sodium intake. Go for home-made pickles, that too in minimal quantities.
2. Does craving cucumbers when pregnant tell something about baby’s gender?
According to old wives’ tales, craving cucumbers can indicate that you are carrying a boy. However, this has no scientific value.
3. Can you eat cucumber seeds during pregnancy?
You cannot have excess amounts of cucumber seeds since they contain a compound called cucurbitacin (12). This is toxic and might result in digestive issues in some people, especially those with a sensitive digestive system.
4. Can cucumber cause miscarriage?
Cucumbers are not known to cause miscarriage; there are no studies to show an association between them.
Nevertheless, add cucumbers to your pregnancy diet in tiny quantities. If you feel alright, you might add a few more pieces but do not over-consume.
5. Can I drink cucumber water during pregnancy?
Yes, you may drink cucumber-infused water during pregnancy. You may also add lemon juice and mint leaves to the infusion to enhance its taste.
6. Is it safe to eat cucumbers at night?
Yes, it is safe to eat cucumbers at night. Cucumbers are a healthy and low-calorie food that can be consumed at any time of day. They contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help support overall health. Eating cucumbers in moderation as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe for most people.
7. How do I pick fresh cucumbers?
When picking fresh cucumbers, look for firm ones that have a bright and even color and are free from bruises, soft spots, and yellowing. Also, it’s best to choose cucumbers that are heavy for their size, as this is an indicator of freshness.
Cucumbers are loaded with nutrition. They are high in water content, fiber and are excellent for cooling and cleansing the body. However, cucumber during pregnancy is not an ideal choice because it causes indigestion, gas, frequent urination, and allergies. That said, consuming cucumbers in small quantities will not cause any harm. Consume them after peeling and washing them properly. This reduces the toxic effects of pesticides and ensures food safety. Include them in your diet of salads, soups, and pickles. If you have any medical condition, talk to your doctor before consuming cucumbers during pregnancy.
Illustration: Excellent Health Benefits Of Cucumber During Pregnancy
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
References
- Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome.
https://www.rush.edu/news/pollen-food-allergy-syndrome - Cucumber: A Brief History.
https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2014/3/Cucumber-A-Brief-History/ - Cucumber, Cucumis sativus.
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/olson_eri2/Pickling.htm - Pulok K Mukherjee et.; (2013); Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/ - Kathleen Mikkelsen et al.; (2016); The Effects of Vitamin B in Depression.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27655070/ - Boost health with more fiber.
https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2014/3/Cucumber-A-Brief-History/ - Cucumber Great For What Ails You.
https://pioneer.occc.edu/cucumber-great-for-what-ails-you/ - Cucumbers.
https://fsi.colostate.edu/cucumbers/#nutrition- - Sumirah Budi Pertami et. al.; (2017); EFFECT OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS) JUICE ON LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE IN ELDERLY.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330442483_EFFECT_OF_CUCUMBER_CUCUMIS_SATIVUS_JUICE_ON_LOWERING_BLOOD_PRESSURE_IN_ELDERLY - Cucumber, with peel, raw; FDC ID: 168409.
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168409/nutrients - Tips on Controlling Gas.
https://iffgd.org/gi-disorders/symptoms-causes/intestinal-gas - How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Eyesight
https://www.all-eyes.org/how-pregnancy-can-affect-your-eyesight-2021/ - Cucumbers
https://ucsdcommunityhealth.org/work/eat-ca/cucumbers/ - Ujjwal Kaushik et. al.; (2015); Cucurbitacins – An insight into medicinal leads from nature.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441156/
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