Why is consuming the peel of a cucumber advised when trying to maximize the nutritional density of the snack?
Answer
It retains fiber and certain vitamins.
The peel of the cucumber is rich in certain micronutrients that are significantly reduced when it is removed. Specifically, the peel contains the bulk of the dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive regularity, and it holds substantial amounts of Vitamin K. A whole, unpeeled cucumber provides a much greater nutritional yield, including potentially over 40% of an adult's daily Vitamin K needs, making the retention of the peel beneficial for overall nutrient intake.
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