Eating one affordable fruit provides 'most of the vitamins we need on daily basis'

A nutritional expert has provided an in-depth look into the fruit he claims is "nature's solution" to feelings of low energy due to it being packed full of vitamins and minerals.

The aptly-named Dr Blake Livingood regularly shares health advice with his 177,000 TikTok followers, and in his latest clip he highlighted the perks of cucumbers. "They contain most of the vitamins and the minerals and the micronutrients that you need every single day all in one single vegetable," he began.

Dr Livingood explained that cucumbers' B1, B2 and B3 vitamins will boost your energy as well as "lots of other processes" inside the body. He continued: "Then we're getting minerals including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus that most people are deficient in."

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The doctor added that whilst most energy drinks include the B vitamins and electrolytes to boost performance and energy levels, there's no substitute for the natural ingredient. "We're also getting extra fibre, which is going to aid in weight loss and make us more full," he added.

Dr Livingood recommended cucumbers as a particularly useful tool when lacking energy later in the day, suggesting energy drinks and caffeinated beverages are best avoided at this time. "Ignore sodas, simply pick up a cucumber," he closed.

"Cucumbers and hummus are my favourite lunch!" one TikTok user penned in response. "I never understood why I enjoyed it so much until hearing this. I am low in B vitamins which would explain why I crave it."

Another asked: "So how many cucumbers do you need to eat to get your daily recommended dose of these nutrients because the percentages for one cup is pretty damn low? "We recommend 1/2-1 cucumber per day!" the doctor wrote in response.

As for those querying whether cucumber was a fruit or a vegetable, Dr Livingood explained it is, in fact, both. He replied to one cynic: "Yes, botanically cucumbers are a fruit, and culinarily they are treated as vegetables!"

"Do you have to eat the skin?" another of Dr Livingood's followers pondered. He replied: "We recommend keeping the skin on! You can peel it if you prefer, but it may not have the exact same nutrients listed in this video."

Whilst a third curious TikTok user questioned the effects of pickling the plant, to which the doctor explained: "Pickling has great benefits! They will not maintain all of the exact same vitamins and minerals, but it will be similar!"

Healthline supports Dr Livingood's advice, meanwhile, stating: "It’s high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions. Cucumbers are also low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fibre, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss."