Is your baby older than six months? Are you planning to wean your baby and start solids? Is your baby already enjoying certain vegetables and do you want to introduce cucumber for baby food?
If any of the situations above holds true for you, reading this article will help provide you all the answers you’re looking for.
All About Cucumbers:
Did you know that cucumbers belong to the same plant family as watermelons, pumpkins, zucchinis and squash? Cucumbers grow on vines and are available throughout the year. These are available in different shapes, sizes and colors. The most common way of eating cucumbers is by eating them raw or as pickled. Cucumbers have been known to originate in India almost 10,000 years ago.
Nutritional Quotient Of Cucumbers:
Here is a quick look at the nutritional benefits and counts of cucumber (1):
| Cucumber, with peel, raw | |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
| Energy | 65 kJ (16 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 3.63 g |
| Sugars | 1.67 |
| Dietary fiber | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0.11 g |
| Protein | 0.65 g |
| Vitamins | |
| Thiamine (B1) | (2%)0.027 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | (3%)0.033 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | (1%)0.098 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | (5%)0.259 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | (3%)0.04 mg |
| Folate (B9) | (2%)7 μg |
| Vitamin C | (3%)2.8 mg |
| Vitamin K | (16%)16.4 μg |
| Trace metals | |
| Calcium | (2%)16 mg |
| Iron | (2%)0.28 mg |
| Magnesium | (4%)13 mg |
| Manganese | (4%)0.079 mg |
| Phosphorus | (3%)24 mg |
| Potassium | (3%)147 mg |
| Sodium | (0%)2 mg |
| Zinc | (2%)0.2 mg |
| Other constituents | |
| Water | 95.23 |
| Fluoride | 1.3 µg |
What Are The Benefits Of Cucumber For Babies?
You have probably enjoyed a few slices of cucumber on a hot day and felt instantly refreshed. Cucumbers are loaded with some amazing health benefits that are equally good for your little one. Here’s a look at some benefits of introducing cucumbers for baby food:
1. Rich In Water Content And Prevents Dehydration:
Cucumbers contain 96 percent water and are loaded with various minerals. Eating a cucumber will produce twice the amount of hydration as having water. This also helps to remove toxins from the body and keeps your baby’s digestive system functioning smoothly(2).
2. Prevents Cancer:
Eating cucumbers now can help your baby fight off cancer in later years. Cucumbers contain lignans like pinoresinol, lariciresinol and secoisolariciresinol. These lignans are known to prevent and reduce the risk of various cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer.
3. Prevents Diabetes And Keeps Cholesterol And Blood Pressure In Check:
Cucumbers contain the hormone that helps the pancreatic cell to produce insulin. This is especially helpful in preventing and fighting off diabetes. The compound sterol(3) found in cucumbers is thought to keep cholesterol levels in check(4).
4. Rich In Minerals:
Cucumbers are rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and other minerals. Calcium is good for your baby’s overall bone density and strength. Magnesium helps in maintaining nerve and muscle function, keeps blood glucose levels in check and also helps in producing energy(5) . Sodium is required for your baby’s overall growth as well as brain and muscle development(6).Potassium helps in your baby’s growth, is good for your baby’s heart and also helps to build proteins(7).
5. Rich In Silica:
Cucumbers contain a big amount of silica. Silica is extremely important to make your baby’s bones strong and prevent osteoporosis. It is also very important for the strengthening of your baby’s ligaments, joints and muscles. Silica helps to improve and strengthen your baby’s teeth and gums. It can also aid in your baby’s digestive system and strengthen the immune system.
A Cucumber Recipe For Your Baby:
Before you plan to introduce cucumber for babies, do check with your baby’s doctor on what is the right age to do so.
Here’s a quick and delicious cucumber recipe for your baby. Use or ignore the ingredients based on your baby’s age and preference:
You need:
- Cucumbers – peeled
- Sour cream – you can go for regular cream or cheese
- Sugar
- Freshly chopped dill
- Salt – optional
How to:
- Cut the cucumbers in long strips and scrape out the seeds. Add all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together with a spoon till it is of a smooth consistency.
- You can serve this cold or as it is. To make it healthier, add chopped fruits.
Always remember to take your doctor’s approval before starting any new food for your baby. Watch out for any signs of food allergy or discomfort. Also, don’t introduce more than one new food at a time.
When did you introduce cucumbers to your baby? Did you have any special recipes that you used? Do share them here to help out other moms.
