Cucumbers are chosen by many for the array of benefits they offer. They are loaded with many beneficial nutrients and can be an excellent addition to your salads, sandwiches, or pasta (1). You can have them baked or grilled too. In fact, they are among the few foods that promote hydration (2). However, recent research sheds light on their negative effects, including itchy skin and an embarrassing belch. People with chronic sinusitis should also minimize their intake of cucumbers, as they may aggravate the condition. Learn further about the side effects associated with excess cucumber consumption. Continue reading.
10 Side Effects Of Cucumber
Just read on to know what more unwelcoming reactions your favorite veggie gives, which in turn will help you find an alternative way of enjoying it.
1. It Could Prove To Be Toxic
The presence of the toxins, such as cucurbitacins and tetracyclic triterpenoids in cucumber is a thing to worry about (3). Studies have proven that these elements trigger the bitter taste in these wonderful veggies. Researches point out that consuming cucumber beyond moderation could even be life threatening.
2. Excessive Loss Of Fluid
Cucumber seeds are the source of cucurbitin, an ingredient that is known to possess innate diuretic properties (4). Even though the diuretic nature is mild, excessive intake could prove to be less harmful for you. When ingested in large quantities, this diuretic ingredients result in excessive elimination of fluid from your body, hampering the electrolytic balance. In extreme conditions, it could leave you gravely dehydrated!
3. Side Effects Of Excessive Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an immune boosting element (5). Plus, it plays a major role in preventing and combating various health conditions, including flu and scurvy. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Nevertheless, exceeding the recommended limits come with its own set of harmful effects. Vitamin C, when ingested in extremely large quantities, acts like a pro-oxidant against its innate anti-oxidative nature. This, in turn, triggers the growth and spread of free radicals. And, when free radicals roam around, you will be at a higher risk of cancer, acne, premature aging, and so on.
4. Harmful For Renal System
Hyperkalemia is a medical condition that arises due to the presence of high potassium content in the body (6). It leads to bloating, abdominal cramps, and intestinal gas, initially. The condition worsens over the time, hampering the functioning of the kidneys in an effective way. This, in turn, puts your renal system at the risk of succumbing to damages.
5. Watch Your Heart
Cucumber, as you all know, contains more than 90% of water in it. And drinking excess leads to excessive ingestion of this fiber loaded veggie. The higher the water intake, the higher the net volume of blood will be. This, in turn, exerts pressure on the blood vessels and on the heart. The result – your heart and blood vessels will incur unwanted damages. Excessive presence of water could also create an imbalance in the electrolyte levels of the blood, which actually causes the seepage in cells. This will lead to frequent headaches and obstructed breathing.
6. Milk Allergy
This sounds weird, but true. Many a time, farmers use wax to coat the skin of these fragile veggies to safeguard it from insects as well as shipping damages. Wax is made up of numerous ingredients, including milk casein, soaps, and ethyl alcohol. People who are allergic to milk can demonstrate an allergic reaction to milk casein as well.
7. Bloating And Flatulence
Cucumbers, as mentioned above, contain an ingredient called cucurbitacin. This element can trigger indigestion in certain people, especially if they have a sensitive digestive system. Indigestion triggers bloating and flatulence, which your body tries to eliminate in the form of burps and farts. If you form gas in your stomach by eating onions, cabbage, and/or broccoli, then it is advisable to restrict the consumption of cucumbers as well.
8. Oral And Skin Allergy
Study conducted by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology on the allergic reactions of cucumber on human beings suggest that people who are allergic to ragweed pollen, melons, chamomile tea, bananas, and sunflower seeds could also experience allergy after consuming this green skinned veggie. Even though cooking or grilling cucumbers could possibly remove this threat, it is better to substitute zucchini for the same to avoid allergies.
9. It May Cause Sinusitis
If you have sinusitis or any kind of chronic respiratory conditions, then it is advisable to stay away from eating cucumber. If Ayurvedic practitioners are to be believed, the cooling effects of these veggies aggravate such conditions, leading to complications.
10. Cucumber During Pregnancy
While cucumber is generally considered safe during pregnancy, there are certain conditions which could make you uncomfortable if cucumbers are consumed excessively.
The diuretic nature of these veggies will trigger frequent urination, leaving you irritated and uncomfortable. Cucumbers are good sources of fiber and hence, uncontrolled portions could leave you bloated. You might also experience a distended tummy along with abdominal pain.
Tips To Avoid Cucumber Side Effects
Here are a few handy tips that you could try to avoid the aforementioned side effects of eating cucumbers.
Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water.
Ensure to remove the peels of the cucumber to safeguard yourself and your family from the toxins hidden on the peels.
If you find that raw cucumbers are giving you a tough time, then try sautéing or grilling the same.
Is it OK to eat cucumber every day? Check out the infographic below to learn more about cucurbitacin, where it is present, and why it is a cause for concern. Yes, consuming cucumber in moderate amounts every day helps promote overall health. Can we eat cucumber on an empty stomach? No, cucumbers can be hard to digest on an empty stomach and may trigger stomach discomfort. What time is best to eat cucumber? Cucumbers can be a healthy addition to any meal of the day. However, eating them in the afternoon helps you reap maximum benefits.
