Of all the foods that can benefit you during pregnancy, cucumbers are among the most important. Their nutritional value and water content can help you stay hydrated and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
In this article, we’ll look into the nutritional benefits of cucumbers for pregnant women in detail. Read till the end to learn more about cucumbers during pregnancy.
Cucumber: A Nutritious Addition to Your Pregnancy Diet
Cucumbers are packed with all the essential nutrients you and your baby might need to stay healthy during pregnancy. They are especially a good source of nutrients like,
- Vitamin B,
- Vitamin C,
- Vitamin K,
- Fiber,
- Potassium, and
- Magnesium.
Aside from all these vitamins, minerals, and fiber, cucumbers are known for their water content. They have high amounts of water, making them a healthy addition to help you stay hydrated.
They are also rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and manganese, which can protect your embryo against free radicals and cell damage. Their high fiber content also helps prevent constipation and other digestive issues.
Cucumbers are also high in folate, one of the most essential nutrients needed during pregnancy. Folate helps prevent neural abnormalities and promotes the healthy development of the baby.
Nutritional Value of Cucumber for Expectant Mothers
The table below depicts the approximate nutritional value of 100g of raw cucumber.
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
|
Water |
95.23 g |
|
Calories |
15 kcal |
|
Protein |
0.65 g |
|
Carbohydrates |
3.63 g |
|
Fiber |
0.5 g |
|
Iron |
0.28 mg |
|
Sugar |
1.67 g |
|
Fat |
0.11 g |
|
Calcium |
16 mg |
|
Vitamin C |
2.8 mg |
|
Vitamin A |
5 mg |
|
Vitamin K |
16.4 mg |
|
Magnesium |
13 mg |
|
Phosphorous |
24 mg |
|
Potassium |
147 mg |
How Cucumber Can Help You Stay Hydrated During Pregnancy
Did you know that cucumbers contain the highest amount of water in any fruit or vegetable? They are 96% water and, hence, a good source of hydration for pregnant women.
Instead of always monotonously having water, you can go for alternatives like cucumbers, watermelons, and other fruit juices that are high in water. This ensures you stay hydrated while also having a tasty snack/drink.
Cucumber: A Low-Calorie Snack for Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain
It is normal for you to crave more food during pregnancy. But snacking on unhealthy foods that are high in calories can affect your body and cause complications like obesity.
Cucumbers are low in fat and calories, making them a healthy snack for weight management during pregnancy. They can also make you feel full for a long period and prevent you from snacking too often.
The Importance of Fiber in Your Pregnancy Diet and How Cucumber Can Help
Fibers are an important nutrient that you should add to your pregnancy diet. They can help you with digestive issues and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, all of which are vital during pregnancy.
Cucumbers are high in soluble and insoluble fibers. The soluble fibers help lower cholesterol and maintain a healthy blood sugar level. This is especially helpful for women to prevent pregnancy conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Insoluble fibers, on the other hand, soften stools and help prevent digestive issues like constipation during pregnancy. You can also add other fiber-rich foods like whole grains and other fruits and vegetables to your pregnancy diet.
Cucumber and the Prevention of Common Pregnancy Complications
- Vitamin K helps with blood clotting, thus preventing excessive bleeding during childbirth.
- Potassium also helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risks of preeclampsia (a condition that causes high blood pressure, swelling, and damages organs during pregnancy).
- Constipation is common during pregnancy. The fiber in cucumbers prevents digestive issues like constipation by regulating bowel movements and softening stools.
- The folate in cucumbers also helps prevent neural defects in the baby and helps with its healthy development.
Cucumber: A Natural Remedy for Common Pregnancy Symptoms
Aside from other benefits, cucumbers also help alleviate some common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, heartburn, etc.
- The high water content in cucumbers can cool your body and prevent heartburn and nausea.
- Cucumbers are easy to digest and are easy on the stomach. They help prevent symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and constipation and ease stomach discomfort.
- Cucumbers are low in calories and help reduce excess pregnancy weight gain.
How to Choose and Store Fresh Cucumbers for Optimal Nutrition
Choosing the right cucumbers is very important if you wish to add them to your pregnancy diet. Here are some tips you can follow to choose the right cucumbers for your pregnancy.
- Choose organic cucumbers that are grown on farms without any pesticides.
- Choose cucumbers that are bright green and firm without any spots or wrinkles.
- Store them in a refrigerator.
- Avoid placing them near fruits like tomatoes and bananas. They can release ethylene gas and cause the cucumbers to spoil quickly.
Potential Risks and Precautions When Eating Cucumbers During Pregnancy
Now that you know how to choose and store fresh cucumbers, here are some precautions you must follow while eating them during pregnancy.
- Don’t buy conventionally grown cucumbers. They have pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- Wash them thoroughly to remove contaminants like bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other illnesses.
- Cucumber might be allergic to some women. Limit their intake if you don’t feel comfortable eating them. You can choose other alternatives that you prefer.
- Cucumbers that are pickled or preserved in vinegar might have high sodium levels. Be cautious while eating them.
Delicious Recipes Using Cucumbers That Are Safe for Pregnant Women
There are several ways you can have cucumbers. You can either eat them raw or add them with other fruits and vegetables to have them as a salad. For example, a cucumber and tomato salad is a good option.
You can also add them to avocado smoothies or make them into dips like tzatziki, a dip made with yogurt, dill, and garlic. If you don’t want these complicated recipes, you can just put them in a blender and have tasty cucumber juice.
Another option to hydrate yourself with cucumbers is to add cucumber slices to your water. This can be refreshing and hydrating as well. Whatever recipe you choose, ensure the cucumbers are fresh, and you don’t add any artificial products (sweeteners, etc.) to your recipe.
Conclusion
Cucumbers are one of the best ways to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs and stays hydrated at the same time. Aside from cucumbers, there are also other fruits and vegetables that can give you the nutrients you need during your pregnancy.
Discuss with your Fertility doctor or consult a dietician and draft a pregnancy diet chart that suits your nutritional needs. This can help you understand what nutrients you lack and add them to your diet.
Yes, as long as you are not allergic to cucumbers, you can eat them during pregnancy. Cucumbers are rich in essential nutrients and are also good hydrating agents. Having them during pregnancy can benefit your and your baby’s health.
Yes, you can eat cucumber every day during pregnancy. They are a healthy addition to your pregnancy diet. However, limit your cucumber intake if you are allergic to it.
Yes, pregnant women can take carrots and cucumbers during pregnancy. However, check if you have any allergic reaction to the vegetable, as excess consumption can cause gas formation, indigestion, and belching in some women.
