By Lacy Puttuck | Published on November 15, 2017
Cucumbers offer much needed water and coolness to your runs and bike rides to make sure you go the distance.
The basics
½ cup (52g) as set by USDA: 15 calories | 3.6g carbs | 1.5g sugar | 0.7g protein | 01.g fat | 0.5g fiber
What do they look like?
Cucumbers come in several varieties, from short little ones to longer skinnier ones. They should all have a firm, bright green skin that’s free of blemishes and cuts. Traditional cucumbers should be peeled prior to eating for best enjoyment. English cucumbers are best with the peel intact.
Hit the road
Taking the long route can be taxing on your body. Research from the American College of Nutrition suggests long-distance athletes have depleted antioxidant levels, specifically vitamin A, of which the cucumber has a high content. Hard training leads to depleted antioxidants and increased recovery time. If you want to run further, have a cucumber or two!
Energy generators
You know that going the distance takes a lot of energy, which comes from the all-important B vitamin, pantothenic acid. Without this acid you’d be unable to use fats, carbohydrates or proteins as energy sources. Cucumbers offer this energy generator with every serving. Increasing your intake of this green could help you get the energy you need to keep going.
Gimme air
Incredibly, more than 5% of your daily recommendation of iron can be found in the humble cucumber. This nutritional player’s job is to carry much needed oxygen to your hard-working muscles through your bloodstream. With the help of this important mineral, no distance is too far for you.
– RELATED: Why You Need To Hydrate Properly –
Serving it the tasty way
Cucumbers are very versatile and usually taste best raw, while still crunchy. Try this easy and healthy salad today for a dose of endurance and much needed electrolytes!
Japanese Cucumber Salad
You’ll Need
2 medium cucumbers, or 1 large English cucumber
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
What to do
Step 1: Peel cucumbers to leave alternating green stripes. Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds out with a spoon. Using a food processor or sharp knife, cut into very thin slices. Place in a double-layered paper towel and squeeze gently to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Combine vinegar, sugar and salt in a medium bowl, stirring to dissolve. Add the cucumbers and sesame seeds; toss well to combine.
Your dietician, Lacy Puttuck is a sports scientist and director of sports nutrition at Dominate Your Game.
