Stop! Cucumber Skin Is Super Nutritious, Don't Peel It

It comes naturally for a lot of people to eat fruits after peeling them, which in some ways is legit, considering these foods go through several hands before reaching your kitchen. You think peeling them makes then 'cleaner'. But this is where we miss out on a whole lot of nutrition. Outer layers or peels of several fruits and vegetables are replete with important nutrien that we must inclue in our diet. Peeling them away can make the fruit lose some of its nutrient value. One such fruit is cucumber that is usually eaten after peeling away the thick, waxy layer. Cucumbers belong to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. They are usually consumed raw, as a part of salads, sandwiches or pickles. According to Delhi based Nutritionist Dr. Rupali Datta, "We generally recommend eating any fruit with peels as they contain essential fibre that is a must for your body. The dark green colour of the cucumber peel indicates the presence of antioxidants in it, which ensures nourishment. Moreover, these peels contain quite a few macro-nutrients that contribute to a healthy body."

Cucumber peel benefits

Cucumber peels are a great source of insoluble fibre that sweeps through the digestive tract easily and creates a faecal bulk, further helping in relieving constipation. The peel and seeds are considered most nutrient-dense parts of the cucumber. They contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps with immunity, skin and eye care. So, let the peel be as it is to reap the benefits of its vitamin K content. Vitamin K plays a vital role in activating proteins that your body needs for healthy bone maintenance.(Also read: 3 Simple Ways to Remove Bitterness From Cucumber)

_{Cucumber peels are a great source of insoluble fibre that sweeps through the digestive tract​}Make your cucumber peel edible

Cucumber peels may be dirty and full of pesticides, but this doesn't mean, they cannot be washed off under running water. Ensure that you wash the cucumber at least 3-4 times. Soaking cucumbers in a little bit of salt cold, salt water can help clean it further. Take out the cucumbers in 15-20 minutes, wipe them clan with a dry kitchen towel and store in a airy compartment of your fridge. Whether organic or not, washing cucumbers well is a must.

You must definitely eat cucumber peels unless they are excessively bitter in taste. So, the next time you are adding cucumber to your salads, sandwiches or pickles, make sure, they are unpeeled so that you gain all the goodness this juicy, green wonder fruit has to offer.