On a diet and looking for something low in calories, low in fat, filling and that's not only good for you but tastes good? Then you might be enticed by the cucumber.
Cucumbers make a delicious, healthy snack for dieters and non-dieters alike. Another plus, cucumbers act as a diuretic and aid in removing trapped water from the body. Too much salt in the diet may encourage water retention and water weighs very heavily on the scales. So the next time your meal contains a bit more salt than you would have liked, grab a serving of cucumber.
5 ounces of cucumber contain about 20 calories and contains about 1.5 grams of dietary fiber, 1 gram of protein, 12% RDA of Vitamin C, a trace of saturated fat and zero cholesterol.
If eating cucumbers exactly the way Mother Nature presents them doesn't sound very enticing, try the below healthy recipe and add a little pizzaz to your meal.
Japanese Cucumber Salad
Makes 4 servings, about 1 cup each
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 packet sugar substitute (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (see Tip below)
1. Peel cucumbers to leave alternating green stripes. Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise; scrape the seeds out with a spoon. Using a food processor or sharp knife, cut into very thin slices. Place in a double layer of paper towel and squeeze gently to remove any excess moisture.
2. Combine vinegar, sweetener and salt in a medium bowl, stirring to dissolve. Add the cucumbers (and sesame seeds); toss well to combine. Serve immediately.
Tip: To toast sesame seeds, heat a small dry skillet over low heat. Add sesame seeds and stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
Japanese Cucumber Salad Nutrition Information
Per serving: 46 calories; 2 g fat* (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber. Nutrition bonus: Iron (35% daily value).
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