Vitamin specialists on the viral TikTok pattern

“Typically it’s worthwhile to eat a whole cucumber.”

So begins a sequence of viral movies by TikTok “cucumber man” Logan Moffitt, who has raked in tens of millions of views for his cucumber salad movies. He is additionally impressed hundreds of copycat movies showcasing cucumbers as a hero ingredient in salads and different dishes.

This pattern has reportedly brought on a surge in cucumber demand, resulting in cucumbers being offered out in a number of shops in Australia and internationally.

However what’s really taking place in your physique while you eat a whole cucumber? Let’s assessment the science of cucumbers.

@logagm

Smartest thing ever

♬ authentic sound – Logan

Cucumbers 101

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are technically fruit that belong to the gourd household Cucurbitaceae. This household contains pumpkins, melons and zucchinis.

Cucumbers originated from India over 3,000 years in the past. They develop on vining crops and are sometimes harvested whereas nonetheless agency and unripe.

Cucumbers are principally water (96%), which is why Logan Moffitt has been described because the most hydrated particular person on the web.

Primarily based on our calculations utilizing the Australian Nutrient Reference Values, for those who “ate a whole cucumber” (300g), you’d eat:

• about 11% of your day by day carbohydrate wants (an vital power supply)
• about 5% of your day by day fiber wants (fiber aids in digestion and intestine well being)
• greater than 50% of your day by day vitamin Ok wants (vital for bone well being and blood clotting)
• about 10% of your day by day vitamin C wants (vital for immune well being, pores and skin well being and wound therapeutic)
• about 10% of your day by day potassium wants (potassium regulates blood stress and helps with muscle operate).

Unsurprisingly, there aren’t any fashionable scientific research which have particularly examined the well being impacts of consuming a whole cucumber day by day.

Nonetheless, cucumbers additionally comprise cucurbitacins (particularly within the pores and skin) which researchers suppose might assist with irritation and might be a possible anti-cancer agent.

Extra broadly, individuals have used cucumbers to:

Can cucumbers assist with hydration?

Given they’re about 96% water, cucumbers may meaningfully enhance day by day fluid consumption when eaten in average quantities.

For instance, a whole cucumber (about 300g) would contribute roughly 288 milliliters of water, which is simply over one cup. We’d like loads of water every day, so this extra consumption might be useful for some individuals.

Their excessive water content material, mixed with important electrolytes like potassium, makes them a refreshing snack, particularly in sizzling climate or after train.

Whereas cucumbers can contribute to day by day hydration, they should not substitute ingesting water. Including cucumbers to meals or snacks might be a tasty approach to keep hydrated, however you continue to must drink water.

Can somebody eat too many cucumbers?

Cucumbers generally is a welcome addition to a nutritious diet. But, counting on them too closely may need sudden downsides.

Cucumbers are typically simple to digest and low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), which implies they’re unlikely to trigger bloating for most individuals in average quantities.

Nonetheless, when eaten in giant quantities, some individuals might expertise digestive discomfort, particularly in the event that they’re delicate to fiber or have a historical past of irritable bowel points.

Being low in carbohydrates, fat and protein, cucumbers are unsuitable as a main meals supply. In different phrases, you possibly can’t simply stay on cucumbers. They do not present the important vitamins wanted for power, muscle upkeep and total well being.

If somebody have been to primarily eat cucumbers over an prolonged interval, they might be susceptible to undernutrition.

What about including MSG ‘(clearly)?’

Lots of the cucumber-based dishes on TikTok additionally embrace components resembling garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil and sugar—all well-known to residence cooks who like to spice up taste in their very own dishes.

Moffitt can be fond of claiming “MSG, clearly”, when itemizing his favourite cucumber salad components.

MSG is monosodium glutamate, also referred to as meals additive 621, an umami substance added to reinforce the flavour of many Asian dishes.

Regardless of previous scare campaigns about MSG, it’s secure and approved for consumption in Australia and different international locations.

Sometimes, MSG is consumed at about 0.5g per serving, however some individuals report sensitivities at increased doses, resembling over 3g.

It is also price noting that many meals—together with tomatoes, mushrooms, and parmesan cheese—naturally comprise glutamate, the principle part of MSG.

So, ought to I eat a whole cucumber?

Properly, like every meals, moderation and selection are key.

Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating addition to a balanced weight-reduction plan, and work finest nutritionally when paired with components from different meals teams.

For instance, to create a balanced meal, attempt combining cucumbers with protein-rich meals like tuna, hen, eggs, or marinated tofu, together with complete grains resembling wholemeal bread, pasta, or rice. This mixture will enable you to eat important vitamins for sustained power and total well being.

And if you’re searching for tailor-made dietary recommendation or a tailor-made meal plan, it is at all times finest to talk with an accredited working towards dietitian.

This text is republished from The Dialog beneath a Artistic Commons license. Learn the authentic article.