Vitamins And Minerals In Cucumbers

Most of the weight of cucumbers comes from water. A serving of 1/2 cup of cucumbers with the skin weighs 52 g, and approximately 50 g of this weight is in the form of water, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Because of this, cucumbers are not considered a very nutrient-dense food. Cucumbers do provide some small amounts of vitamins and minerals, however.

Calcium

A serving of 1/2 cup of cucumbers with the skin provides 8 mg of calcium. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth and plays a role in muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and blood clotting. Calcium also aids in the transmission of nerve signals. Although cucumbers do contain some calcium, adults require 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium per day, so the percentage of calcium a cucumber contributes is very minimal.

Potassium

Over 95 percent of the potassium in your body is located inside your cells, according to "Nutrition and You" by Joan Salge Blake. Potassium helps maintain proper heart beat and plays a role in nerve impulse transmission. Approximately 76 mg of potassium is in 1/2 cup of cucumbers. Generally, adults should consume 4700 mg of potassium every day.

Phosphorus

As with calcium, phosphorus plays an important role in building strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus also helps your body store energy that you receive from the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat. A 1/2-cup serving of cucumbers contributes approximately 12 mg of phosphorus. Both male and female adults should consume 700 mg of phosphorus daily.

Vitamin A

One of the most important functions of vitamin A is its role in allowing you to see. Vitamin A also plays important roles in reproduction and keeping your immune system healthy. A 1/2-cup serving of cucumbers contributes 55 IU of vitamin A. Adult females need 2310 IU of vitamin A daily, and adult males need 2970 IU each day.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K acts as a coagulation factor and ensures that your blood is able to clot properly. Vitamin K also aids enzymes in allowing a chemical reaction that ensures your bones stay healthy. Cucumber with the skin provides you with 8.5 mcg of vitamin K per 1/2 cup. Adult men should aim to consume 120 mcg of vitamin K every day, whereas adult women should aim to consume 90 mcg of vitamin K daily.