As soon as the summer season begins, the demand for cucumber increases rapidly. It is a fruit that not only cools but also keeps the body hydrated. From salad plate to lassi, cucumber finds its place in the kitchen of every house. But one question that often comes to people's minds is whether it is right to eat cucumber after peeling it or without peeling it? If you are also confused about this, then let us know the right way, so that you can get the full benefit of complete nutrition and health from cucumber.

A treasure of nutrition is hidden in the peel of a cucumber.

Often, the peel of a cucumber may seem bitter or hard, but this part is rich in many nutrients. Fiber, vitamin K, silica, and antioxidants are found in abundance in the peel of the cucumber. Fiber improves the digestive system and relieves constipation. Vitamin K helps strengthen bones, while antioxidants protect the body from free radicals and increase immunity. At the same time, silica plays an important role in giving shine to the skin and strengthening the hair.

Then why do people peel a cucumber?

Most people peel cucumbers because their peel is sometimes bitter or fibrous. Another big reason is the fear of pesticides used in farming. Since these chemicals can remain on the upper surface of fruits and vegetables, people consider it safe to remove the peel. But this problem can be easily overcome by washing it thoroughly. By soaking the cucumber in cold water, rubbing salt or baking soda, and washing it, the harmful chemicals present on it can be removed to a great extent, and the peel becomes safe to eat.

What is the harm of removing the peel?

When you remove the peel of a cucumber, many of its essential nutrients are also destroyed. By eating only the inner part, you get only water and a little fiber, while you are deprived of phytonutrients, silica, and other antioxidants. This can have a direct effect on your digestion, skin, and immune system.

What is the right way to eat a cucumber?

If you are buying organic cucumber or can wash it properly, then eating the cucumber without peeling it is the best way. This will give you more nutrition and will also benefit the digestive system and skin. If the peel of the cucumber seems very bitter or you are not completely sure about its cleanliness, then you can peel it a little in a zig-zag manner. This saves some peel and also maintains balance in taste.

How to give a cucumber to children and the elderly?

If you have small children or the elderly in your house, whose teeth are weak or who have trouble chewing the peel, then it is better to give them cucumber by lightly peeling or chopping it finely. Apart from this, you can also give them cucumber raita or a smoothie, which will also provide nutrition and will also make it easy to digest.

Some additional suggestions

Before eating the cucumber, it should be soaked in water for 15-20 minutes. This reduces the amount of chemicals and dirt present on it. Try to consume fresh, green and shiny cucumbers that do not have many blemishes or wrinkles. Remove the peel completely only if you have doubts about its cleanliness.

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