What characteristic of the plant compounds called cucurbitacins can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals?
Answer
They can cause digestive discomfort like gas or bloating.
Cucurbitacins are natural plant compounds responsible for imparting a bitter taste to some cucumbers. While low concentrations are typical in everyday produce, high concentrations can be toxic. In sensitive individuals, even the low amounts present can trigger gastrointestinal upset, manifesting as symptoms such as gas or bloating. In such cases, alleviating these symptoms by removing the skin, where some of these compounds may concentrate, is suggested.
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