“Cool as a cucumber” isn’t just a saying, it’s a perfect description of how this humble vegetable can benefit your kidneys. Cucumbers are a powerhouse when it comes to supporting kidney health. Packed with water, antioxidants, and vitamins, it is a delicious and refreshing food to add to your diet. This blog post covers are cucumbers good for kidney disease.
Facts about are cucumbers good for kidney disease
You may be wonder are cucumbers good for kidney disease. Let’s take a look at some facts.
- High Water Content: Cucumbers are made up of about 95% water, making them a perfect choice for hydration. Proper hydration helps to flush toxins out of your kidneys, preventing kidney stones.
- Rich in Nutrients: Cucumbers are low in calories but full of important nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining kidney health and overall well-being.
- Antioxidant Properties: Cucumbers contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress, a contributor to kidney disease. Antioxidants also reduce risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
- Natural Diuretic: Because of their high water content and natural diuretic properties, cucumbers help promote urine production, assisting the kidneys in flushing out excess salt and toxins from the body.
Ways to enjoy cucumbers
Now that you have your answer to are cucumbers good for kidney disease. Finding ways to include this delicious and nutritious food needs to be covered.
Cucumbers are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, making it easy to incorporate them into your diet.
- In Salads: Fresh cucumber slices or cubes can be added to any salad. Combine them with other kidney-friendly foods like leafy greens, avocados and olive oil for a refreshing dish.
- As a Snack: Simply slice a cucumber for a hydrating snack. Pair it with hummus or a light dip for extra satiation.
- Cucumber Water: For a refreshing drink, add cucumber slices to water. It’s a great way to stay hydrated while enjoying the cucumber’s nutrients.
Tips for storing cucumbers
Tips for Storing Cucumbers
- Refrigeration: Store cucumbers in the fridge, preferably in the crisper drawer. They can last up to a week when stored properly.
- Don’t Peel Until Ready to Use: The skin of the cucumber holds most of its fiber and nutrients, so keep it intact until you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Wrap in Paper Towel: To keep cucumbers fresh for a longer time, wrap them in a paper towel and store them in a plastic bag or container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to wilting.
- Keep Whole: Whole cucumbers store better than sliced ones. If you need to slice them, do so just before serving to maintain maximum freshness.
For some cucumber-friendly dishes try these options out. Remember you can always modify the recipe to be kidney-friendly.
Cucumber Salad – Ensalada de Pepino is a Spanish Cucumber salad that’s great for summer and can be served as a side dish or a topping for bread. Omit the salt for a low sodium option
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad – Instead of regular soy sauce in this fusion dish, use a kidney-friendly alternative like coconut aminios for a low sodium options
Kachumber Salad – Kachumber is a common side dish served in India. The fresh vegetables help balance out the spice of curries. Omit or reduce the salt in this recipe for a kidney-friendlier option
Incorporating cucumbers in your kidney-friendly diet
Incorporating cucumbers into your diet can provide a wealth of benefits for kidney health. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, in salads, or as part of refreshing beverages, cucumbers are a versatile, hydrating, and nutritious addition to your meals. Keep your kidneys happy by enjoying this simple, hydrating superfood today!
This article was written by Rachel Lo, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.
