In pregnancy, women keep their attention more than other days. Especially when it comes to food, extra care is taken of what a woman eats during pregnancy. Many times women think ten times even before consuming normal looking foods. Cucumber is one of these common foods. Now some questions arise in this matter, can we eat cucumber during pregnancy? If yes, then what are the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy? Are there some disadvantages along with the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy? So read the article till the end for the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy and other information related to it.
Is it safe to eat cucumber during pregnancy?
Before moving ahead in the article, it is important to know the answer to this question that comes to mind. Is it safe to eat cucumber during pregnancy? So let us tell that eating cucumber can be safe during pregnancy ( 1 ) . On the other hand, if experts are to be believed, cucumber can be consumed in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy ( 2 ). However, keep in mind that not everyone’s pregnancy is the same. In such a situation, if a woman has any kind of health problem during pregnancy, then it is better to consume cucumber with medical advice. At the same time, two to three slices of cucumber can be consumed with salad, but pregnant women can also consult their doctor for information related to the amount of cucumber eaten for peace of mind.
8 Benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy
It is clear that eating cucumber during pregnancy can be safe. Now it is time to look into the information related to the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy. In such a situation, here we are giving information about not one or two but more than 5 benefits of cucumber during pregnancy. So some of the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy are as follows:
1. For constipation
During pregnancy, women have to face many physical problems. This includes the problem of constipation . Slowing down of the digestive process due to hormonal changes could be one of the reasons for this. In such a situation, consuming a fiber-rich diet can be useful to get relief from it (3) . At the same time, cucumber is a good source of water and fiber, which can be helpful in improving digestion by removing toxins from the body (4) .
Additionally, cucumber has been shown to have laxative properties, which may be useful in softening stools and preventing constipation (5) . In such a situation, to get relief from constipation in pregnancy, including cucumber in the diet can be a good option.
2. Prevention of neural tube defects
There are many essential nutrients a woman needs during pregnancy and folate is one of them. Women need adequate amounts of folic acid or folate before and during pregnancy . Folate can protect the fetus from the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida (a brain and spinal cord problem) (6 ) .
In such a situation, along with the folic acid supplement given by the doctor, women can also make folate-rich diet a part of their diet. Cucumber is also included in this folate-rich diet ( 7 ) . Folate is present in cucumber, and on this basis, it can be assumed that consumption of cucumber along with other folate-rich foods can protect the fetus from the risk of neural tube defects.
3. For Nutrients
Many nutrients such as calcium, iron, folic acid are needed during pregnancy (8) . In such a situation, it can be a good option to include cucumber in the diet along with other nutritious foods to fulfill them. Along with iron, calcium and folate, many other nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin-A are also present in cucumber (7) . In such a situation, cucumber can be included in the healthy diet of pregnancy .
4. For Bones
Cucumber can also be useful for keeping bones healthy during pregnancy. Actually, cucumber has been kept in the category of alkaline diet. It can balance the pH level of the body. At the same time, imbalanced pH levels can be the cause of many health problems, including weak bones (9) . In addition, calcium is present in cucumber (7) . Calcium is an essential nutrient for healthy bones and teeth (10) . In such a situation, it can be assumed on this basis that cucumber can be a beneficial food for healthy bones during pregnancy.
5. For bloating
Swelling, especially in the hands and feet, is common during pregnancy (3) . In such a situation, eating cucumber can be beneficial to prevent the problem of swelling . According to experts, anti-inflammatory properties are found in cucumber, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Not only this, cucumber contains polyphenols called lignans, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation (9) . So cucumber can be a useful food item to prevent or reduce the symptoms of bloating in pregnancy.
6. Prevention of dehydration
Morning sickness or nausea and vomiting is common during pregnancy. However, if this problem is persistent or excessive, there may be a risk of dehydration ( 11 ) . In such a situation, along with water during pregnancy, it can be a good option to include water-rich foods in the diet. Cucumber is also included in these, according to a research, 95% water is present in cucumber. This can be helpful in keeping the body hydrated (9) .
7. Prevention of diabetes
There can also be a risk of diabetes during pregnancy . This problem can be reduced to some extent by a healthy diet (12) . In such a situation, to reduce the risk of diabetes, you can include cucumber in your diet. Actually, cucumber has antidiabetic properties, which can reduce the risk of diabetes. Along with this, it has anti-hyperglycemic i.e. blood sugar lowering properties (13) . On this basis, it can be said that it can not only control the blood sugar level, but can also reduce the risk of diabetes.
8. For the skin
Along with health, it is also necessary to take care of the skin during pregnancy. In such a situation, cucumber can also be useful for keeping the skin healthy. The use of cucumber can prevent many skin related problems. Along with providing coolness to the skin, cucumber can brighten the skin tone and make the skin shiny. Whether to hydrate the skin or provide nourishment, cucumber can be a good option for the skin.
Along with making the skin soft, soft and shiny, cucumber can also be helpful in making the skin young by bringing tightness in the skin. At the same time, due to the presence of vitamin C and antioxidants, cucumber is used as a main ingredient in many types of skin problems such as eczema , psoriasis (a type of skin disease) and pimples cream. Cucumber can also be used as a toner, face mask or face pack (4) .
After the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy, now let us know how to eat cucumber during pregnancy.
How to include cucumber in your diet during pregnancy?
After knowing the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy, now it is time to know about the methods of eating cucumber during pregnancy. In such a situation, detailed information on how to include cucumber in your diet during pregnancy is given here. So eat cucumber in pregnancy in this way:
• Cucumber can be cut and eaten as a salad.
• It can also be used by making cucumber raita. This can give coolness to the body.
• Mixing it with green vegetables, its juice can also be drunk.
• Apart from this, it can be perfect to use cucumber while making veg sandwiches as well.
• Cucumber soup can also be beneficial for pregnant women.
After the way of eating cucumber in pregnancy, now we know about the disadvantages of cucumber.
Side Effects of Eating Cucumber While Pregnant
Although cucumber is beneficial in pregnancy, but excess of anything can be the reason for its loss. In such a situation, in this part of the article, we are giving some important information related to the disadvantages of eating cucumber during pregnancy. So some of the disadvantages of eating cucumber during pregnancy are as follows:
• Consuming cucumber in excess can cause gas and flatulence ( 14 ) .
• Some cucumbers are bitter in taste and their bitter taste may be due to compounds called cucurbitacins present in them (15) . In some cases, bitter cucumber can be the cause of poisoning. In such a situation, keep in mind that pregnant women should not consume bitter cucumber.
• Cucumber has diuretic effect. Therefore, eating cucumber in excess can cause problems with passing urine frequently ( 16 ) . In such a situation, pregnant women should consult a doctor before consuming cucumber.
• According to a research, if someone is suffering from plant allergies, consuming cucumber can also cause swelling along with itching in the mouth and throat ( 17 ) . Apart from this, if a woman has a problem of allergy to cucumber or any food related to the family of cucumber, then she should not consume cucumber. If there is a desire to consume cucumber, then take medical advice before that.
After the disadvantages of cucumber, in this part of the article, know about the precautions related to eating cucumber during pregnancy.
Precautions to be taken before eating cucumber during pregnancy
To reduce the risk of harm of cucumber during pregnancy, it is necessary to keep certain precautions in mind. So before eating cucumber during pregnancy, pregnant women can follow the precautions mentioned below. Some of the precautions related to eating cucumber during pregnancy are as follows:
• Always buy fresh cucumber from the market. If the cucumber looks stale or has any spots or bruises on it, do not buy it.
• Wash cucumber thoroughly after bringing it from the market.
• Always wash cucumber thoroughly before eating it.
• Always eat cucumber after cutting it fresh, if it is half cut then do not eat it.
• Do not eat cucumber in cold weather, because cucumber has a cooling effect. In such a situation, there can be a risk of cold and cold.
• Someone else in the house should taste the cucumber before the pregnant woman eats it, so that it can be known whether the cucumber is bitter or not.
• If the cucumber is bitter, do not consume it at all.
So these were the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy. Hopefully, through the information given in this article, you must have got the answer to every question related to eating cucumber during pregnancy. Even now if there is some doubt in the mind, pregnant women can consult their doctor before eating cucumber during pregnancy. At the same time, let us make it clear that cucumber is not a cure for any disease, but can be useful in preventing physical problems and reducing their effects. If there is any kind of health problem during pregnancy, do not ignore it, give priority to medical treatment. Hope this article has been useful for you. By sharing this article with other people, inform everyone about the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
Should pregnant women consume cucumber on an empty stomach?
For example, information about the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy has been given in the article. However, there is a lack of research on eating cucumber on an empty stomach during pregnancy. In such a situation, it is better to consume cucumber along with food in the form of salad or raita. Apart from this, if there is a dilemma in mind, then pregnant women can consult their doctor about eating cucumber on an empty stomach.
Is it beneficial to eat cucumber daily during pregnancy?
There is no doubt that the benefits of eating cucumber during pregnancy are many. However, its excessive consumption can also cause some disadvantages, the information of which is given above. In such a situation, it is better to consume cucumber during pregnancy every other day or every few days instead of everyday.
Who should not eat cucumber?
If a woman is allergic to cucumber or any other vegetable related to cucumber, then she should not consume cucumber. Even if there is a desire to eat cucumber, it is better to take medical advice once before consumption.
When should we start eating cucumber during pregnancy?
As information has been given in the article that cucumber can be consumed in the first or third trimester of a healthy pregnancy ( 2 ). However, every woman’s health and pregnancy are not the same, so it is better to take medical advice once in this matter.
