Does Cucumber Water Burn Belly Fat? (From a Dietician)

Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD
Published by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD | Medical Doctor
Last updated: December 1, 2023
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Cucumber water has been gaining popularity as a weight loss beverage, known for its delightful taste and simplicity in preparation.

Many of my patients have been inquiring whether cucumber water can aid in reducing stubborn belly fat.

In response to these queries, I dedicated a week to examining research studies on the health benefits of cucumber water. Here are the insights I gathered.

Quick Summary

  • Cucumber water aids in weight loss by reducing appetite, keeping you hydrated, and containing almost zero calories.
  • To make cucumber water, you need water, cucumber, optional lemon, and black salt, and it's best to let the cucumber steep in water for one to two hours or overnight for a stronger flavor.
  • According to the National Institute of Health, several studies have shown the benefits of a low-calorie diet in helping to reduce overall body weight and fat.
  • In my view, while cucumber water is not a miracle solution for belly fat, its inclusion in a balanced diet and exercise regimen can support overall weight management and health.

Can Cucumber Water Burn Belly Fat?

A fit person measuring her belly

Yes, cucumber water can burn belly fat. However, it does this in the context of overall weight loss.

There is no such thing as spot fat removal. This means you cannot target a specific body part for weight loss.

Belly fat burns away when your body decides to.

To boost your fat loss, we recommend taking natural fat burners with your cucumber-infused water to really speed up your weight loss:

Consuming cucumber water regularly can help you with weight loss in the following ways:

  • Reduced appetite: Eating cucumber reduces appetite and prevents you from overeating. Adding it to your water produces a similar effect.
  • Keeps you hydrated: Staying hydrated makes you feel full. So your likelihood of snacking on extra calories is reduced.
  • Zero calories: Cucumber water has almost zero calories. So, it’s an excellent replacement for sugary beverages and other high-calorie drinks.

While the consumption of cucumbers won't burn belly fat directly, they can support your journey to weight loss and a healthier life due to their low-calorie nature. According to the National Institute of Health, several studies have shown the benefits of a low-calorie diet in helping to reduce overall body weight and fat [1].

Other Benefits

Beyond aiding in weight loss like regular water, cucumber water has additional perks. I've seen firsthand in my practice how patients who drink it daily report noticeable improvements.

  • Rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants: As per a research in WebMed, cucumbers are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, beta carotene, manganese, and essential nutrients like vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus [2].
  • Lower blood pressure: Cucumber is rich in potassium, which, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can control blood pressure by regulating the amount of sodium retained in your kidneys [3].
  • May support healthy skin: A cup of sliced cucumbers has around 5% of your daily vitamin B5, a nutrient used for treating acne.
  • May prevent cancer: A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH)  found that the dietary flavonoid fisetin (found in cucumbers) might help slow the growth of prostate cancer [4].
  • More palatable: Not many people like the plain taste of water, but you need a sufficient amount of water to drink to lose weight. The taste of cucumber in water works as a motivating factor for some people to drink plenty of water.

They help stabilize your cholesterol by helping reduce LDL, increasing HDL, and decreasing triglycerides. Also, they're a good anti-inflammatory; they're loaded with antioxidants.

- Dr. Eric Berg, DC, Ketogenic Expert

How to Prepare It

Cucumber and lime on a chopping board with a knife and a bowl of vegetables on the side

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the cucumber water:

  • One cucumber
  • One glass bottle of water
  • One lemon (optional)
  • Black salt for flavor (optional)

Here’s how you make the water:

  • Thoroughly wash the cucumber under clean tap water. If desired, you can peel off the skin. Cut it into thin slices. If you like, you can cut the cucumber down the middle and de-seed it before cutting it into small semi-circular pieces.
  • Place all the cucumber pieces into the empty glass bottle (you can also add lemon slices and black salt at this point). If you want a stronger infusion, I suggest putting a layer of ice on top of the cucumber to keep it below the water's surface.
  • Gently pour clean water into the bottle and fill it up to half an inch below the brim.
  • For the best results, let the cucumber steep in the water for one to two hours. For a more strongly flavored drink, let the cucumber water marinate overnight.
  • Gently stir it before serving.
  • If you’d like to make more, simply refill the bottle with ice and water. When the water becomes less flavorful, it’s time to replace the cucumbers.

Note: A good serving ratio is one medium cucumber to 2 quarts of water.

Here are some useful tips:

  • If you refrigerate the water, replace the cucumbers every two days.
  • If you’re not going to refrigerate the water, don't leave the cucumber in it for more than 12 hours because it will soften. A good rule of thumb is to refrigerate any leftover cucumber water after being out for a day.

Related Articles:

Comparison with Other Detox Waters

Cucumber water offers hydration and is low in calories. As a dietitian, I acknowledge its hydrating properties and antioxidant content, but its impact on reducing belly fat is quite limited.

  • On the other hand, lemon water, enriched with vitamin C, may support metabolism and aid in weight loss.
  • Similarly, ginger water is beneficial for boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.

However, it's important to understand that no detox water is a standalone solution for losing belly fat.

In my professional experience, combining these hydrating options with a nutritious diet and regular exercise is essential for effective and sustainable weight management.

FAQs

Does Belly Fat Burn Fast by Consuming Cucumber Water Daily?

Yes, belly fat can burn faster by consuming cucumber water daily. To better reduce belly fat, you should eat a healthy diet and exercise daily.

Can I Add Anything to Cucumber Water to Improve Weight Loss

Yes, you can add lemon and mint leaves to cucumber water to improve weight loss. Lemon-cucumber detox water can boost digestion and rid the body of toxins, helping you lose weight in the process.

When Is the Best Time to Drink Cucumber Water for Weight Loss?

The best time to drink cucumber water for weight loss is in the morning on an empty stomach and between your meals. You can also drink it at night to help curb hunger pangs.


References:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-why-cucumbers-are-good-for-you
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/salt/potassium.htm
  4. https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.AM2012-612
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About The Author

Dr. Kristy Dayanan, BS, MD
Dr. Kristy Dayanan, BS, MD
Medical Doctor
Education: University of Perpetual Help System, JONELTA Foundation School of Medicine
Lives in: Davao City, Philippines
Learn more about our editorial policy

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