Cucumbers are a go-to snack for weight watchers, and their cooling crunch in summers gives all of us a sigh of relief. While cucumbers are good for you, are you aware of the side effects? Yes, and these effects are associated with its overconsumption.
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.
Know The Flip Side: Cucumber
Short-Term Effects
Digestive issues, toxicity, allergy and blood clotting.
Long-Term Effects
May cause abdominal cramps, sinusitis, and frequent urination during pregnancy, leading to loss of fluid in the body.
Drug Interactions
Consuming cucumbers with anti-diabetic medicines can cause alarmingly low blood sugar level.
When To See A Doctor
If you have sudden skin and oral allergies, like rashes, or if you have been facing constant low blood pressure, you should consult a doctor.
In This Article
11 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. Researchers point out that consuming cucumber beyond moderation could even be life-threatening.
Trivia
Cucurbitacins can be found in other gourd plant families such as Bryonia, Cucumis, Cucurbita, Luffa, Echinocystis, Lagenaria and Citrullus.
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 ingredient results in excessive elimination of fluid from your body, hampering the electrolytic balance. In extreme conditions, it could leave you in severe dehydration!
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 comes 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 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 may 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.
Ani Fuller, a blogger, observes her personal experience thus: “As plain as they seem, cucumbers are actually quite well-known to cause gas. It’s a substance called cucurbitacin found in cucumber skin that causes the problem. For some people, skinning them works but cucurbitacin can leach into the flesh too so it doesn’t work for everyone and sadly not for us (i).”
Related: Home Remedies For Gas And Bloating That Provide Relief
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.
Related: 14 Best Home Remedies For Skin Allergies | Causes And Symptoms
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.
Related: Top 10 Home Remedies For Sinus Infection, Pressure, And Pain
10. Cucumber During Pregnancy
While cucumber is generally considered safe during pregnancy, there are certain conditions that could make you uncomfortable if it is consumed excessively.
- The diuretic nature of these veggies will trigger frequent urination, causing you irritation and discomfort.
- 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.
Note: Look for “burpless” cucumber varieties that have less cucurbitacin in them, resulting in lesser stomach upsets.
Trivia
Cucumbers originated in East Asia. China is said to be the largest producer of cucumbers, serving up close to 80% of the global cucumber production.
11. Eye Irritation
Cucumbers possess hydrating and cooling properties and are often used as a natural remedy to soothe tired eyes and reduce puffiness. However, applying cucumber slices to the eyes for extended periods may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Unwashed cucumbers can carry pesticide residues or bacteria that can increase the risk of eye irritation or infection. Hence, wash the cucumber slices thoroughly before using them.
But ensure you remove them off if you still experience swelling, itching, or any discomfort. Get immediate medical attention.
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.
Curious about the strange side effects of cucumber? Check out this video to learn 10 surprising side effects of cucumber!
Infographic: Concerns Over Cucurbitacins In Cucumbers
Cucumbers are replete with many bioactive nutrients. But while some nutrients may offer great benefits, other compounds may cause harm. One such controversial chemical compound in cucumbers is cucurbitacin.
Check out the infographic below to learn more about cucurbitacin, where it is present, and why it is a cause for concern. Save Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
The side effects of cucumber come with its excessive consumption. Not many know that it can even be life-threatening due to the presence of certain toxins like cucurbitacins. As it is a rich source of vitamin C, the excess intake of cucumbers may also be counterproductive with regard to its antioxidant function. Their high potassium content may also put pressure on the kidneys and damage the renal system, while its high water content could exert pressure on the heart and blood vessels. The cucurbitacin in it may also cause indigestion and lead to bloating and flatulence and sometimes to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Moreover, the cooling effects of cucumber could also worsen sinusitis. So, it is always better to eat this vegetable in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to eat cucumber every day?
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.
Key Takeaways
- Eating cucumbers may cause bloating in people with sensitive digestive systems.
- People who are allergic to sunflower seeds, milk, and bananas should avoid cucumbers.
- The toxins in cucumbers may increase cancer risk, acne, aging, and other health problems.
- Cucumbers may worsen pre-existing sinusitis.
- Excessive consumption of cucumbers by pregnant women may induce frequent urination and a distended tummy.
Personal Experience: Source
i. Healthy But Hurtful Veggies
https://medium.com/in-fitness-and-in-health/healthy-but-hurtful-veggies-a1703c01bc3b
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Cucumber with peel raw
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168409/nutrients - Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/ - Cucurbitacins – An insight into medicinal leads from nature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441156/ - Determination of cucurbitacin E in some selected herbs of ayurvedic importance through RP-HPLC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7527799/ - Vitamin C and Immune Function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/ - Hyperkalemia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470284/
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Cucumbers are a popular snack for weight watchers and are known for their cooling crunch in the summer. They are loaded with beneficial nutrients and can be a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or pasta [[1]]. However, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with overconsumption of cucumbers.
Short-Term Effects
- Digestive issues, toxicity, allergy, and blood clotting can be some of the short-term side effects of excessive cucumber consumption [[1]].
Long-Term Effects
- Excessive cucumber consumption may cause abdominal cramps, sinusitis, and frequent urination during pregnancy, leading to fluid loss in the body [[1]].
Drug Interactions
- Consuming cucumbers with anti-diabetic medicines can cause alarmingly low blood sugar levels [[1]].
When to See a Doctor
- If you experience sudden skin and oral allergies, such as rashes, or if you have been facing constant low blood pressure, it is advisable to consult a doctor [[1]].
Side Effects of Cucumber
- Toxicity: Cucumbers contain toxins such as cucurbitacins and tetracyclic triterpenoids, which can trigger a bitter taste and, when consumed beyond moderation, can even be life-threatening [[3]].
- Excessive Loss of Fluid: Cucumber seeds contain cucurbitin, a diuretic ingredient that, when ingested in large quantities, can lead to excessive elimination of fluid from the body, potentially causing severe dehydration [[4]].
- Side Effects of Excessive Vitamin C: While vitamin C is beneficial in moderate amounts, excessive intake can act as a pro-oxidant and increase the risk of conditions such as cancer, acne, and premature aging [[5]].
- Harmful for Renal System: High potassium content in cucumbers can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause bloating, abdominal cramps, and intestinal gas, potentially damaging the kidneys [[6]].
- Watch Your Heart: Excessive water intake from cucumbers can put pressure on blood vessels and the heart, potentially causing damage and electrolyte imbalances [[1]].
- Milk Allergy: Some cucumbers may be coated with wax that contains milk casein, which can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals allergic to milk [[1]].
- Bloating and Flatulence: Cucumbers contain cucurbitacin, which can trigger indigestion, bloating, and flatulence in certain individuals with sensitive digestive systems [[1]].
- Oral and Skin Allergy: People allergic to ragweed pollen, melons, chamomile tea, bananas, and sunflower seeds may also experience allergies after consuming cucumbers [[1]].
- Sinusitis: The cooling effects of cucumbers may worsen sinusitis and other chronic respiratory conditions [[1]].
- Cucumber During Pregnancy: Excessive cucumber consumption during pregnancy can lead to frequent urination, bloating, and abdominal pain [[1]].
- Eye Irritation: Extended application of cucumber slices to the eyes may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation in some individuals. It is important to wash cucumber slices thoroughly before use to reduce the risk of infection [[1]].
Tips to Avoid Cucumber Side Effects
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly under running water.
- Remove the peels to eliminate toxins.
- If raw cucumbers cause discomfort, try sautéing or grilling them [[1]].
These side effects highlight the importance of consuming cucumbers in moderation. While cucumbers offer many health benefits, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive consumption.
