The health benefits of cucumber you probably didn’t know

From a nutritional perspective, the cucumber is 95 per cent water, so it’s super hydrating and great for all facets of your health, including your skin. “I like to think of cucumbers as a great way to eat your water, but with all the added benefits of containing soluble fibre to nourish the digestive tract, which helps flush the system of toxins, preventing constipation and creating a less acidic environment in the gut microbiome too,” she says.

Rich in nutrients like vitamins K, B and C, as well as minerals like copper, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium, you benefit from around 2g of fibre for every 300g of cucumber you consume.

Don’t slice off the skin, because it’s one of the richest sources of silica–a mineral that activates enzymes involved in the production of collagen to keep skin supple and healthy. “And to top it off, cucumbers are also loaded with phytochemicals, such as lignans, flavonoids and triterpenes, which help keep inflammation in the body at bay,” Shand adds.

How to eat cucumber

Other than the many health benefits of cucumber, it is also one of the easiest vegetables to add to your plate because it works with most other foods. Of course, Logan’s page has a wealth of cucumber ideas (some work better than others), but Shand has also found a recent favourite in one of her newest hormone-balancing recipes. “My sesame soy salmon includes a fresh cucumber salad that totally elevates the dish,” she says. “The crunchy, fresh cucumber works so perfectly as a contrast alongside the salty Asian flavours from the omega 3-rich salmon, adding fibre, hydration and powerful plant nutrients.”