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Cucumber Juice: the Detoxifying Mocktail

By Holly Darnell, RD

August 1, 2023

Looking for a detox drink and a mocktail all in one? You’ve come to the right place. Featuring a perfect blend of detoxifying ingredients such as cucumber, celery, ginger, lemon and cayenne, this cucumber juice also includes pineapple and zucchini for a sublime flavor (and additional nutrients).

Consider it a great way to start your day, or consume as an evening mocktail before dinner.

Cucumber Juice Benefits

One serving of this amazing cucumber juice is 100 calories even, with 25 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fat and 3 grams of protein. It includes 85 percent Daily Value of vitamin C and 63 percent Daily Value of manganese.

Cucumbers have a very high water content, with the remainder being a small amount of carbs and fiber. It's why they are a perfect ingredient for many juicing recipes. Most of cucumber’s nutrients are found inside the peel and seeds. This is why it’s a good idea not to peel cucumbers before eating them, unless they’re not organic and contain a waxy coating.

In fact, cucumbers are one of the best detoxifying foods. They contain compounds called cucurbitacins, which are known to support digestive function. These compounds can help keep the liver healthy, assist in elimination, help protect the gastrointestinal tract and also potentially reduce fluid retention.

Cucumbers are also considered a natural diuretic food, meaning they can help the body produce more urine to carry out toxins and waste. It’s why, along with the other ingredients, this cucumber juice recipe makes for an outstanding detox drink.

Best Ingredients

Beyond the cucumber, lemons help keep your skin healthy and glowing thanks to their antioxidant content. Antioxidants help fight off free radicals and prevent oxidative damage, which accounts for the many benefits of lemon water for skin.

Like cucumber, celery is also low in calories but high in several vitamins and minerals. In particular, celery juice offers a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin K and folate.

Zucchini is another low-calorie, water-based vegetable. It also features therapeutic compounds, including lutein, β-carotene, zeaxanthin and dehydroascorbic acid.

Pineapple provides you with vitamin C, vitamin B1, potassium and manganese, in addition to other special compounds and antioxidants.

Ginger and cayenne pepper are loaded with antioxidants and health benefits, including supporting a healthy response to inflammation. Cayenne is used to help digestion, heart health and pain relief. Black pepper also adds a spicy flavor and possesses major antioxidant properties. (Try our ginger turmeric shots for a similar antioxidant-filled drink.)

How to Make Cucumber Juice

The easiest way to make this cucumber juice is with a juicer, of course. Simply add cut-up pineapple, cucumber, zucchini, peeled ginger and a lemon into the juicer, one at a time. Juice, stir in the spices and then pour into two glasses. Omit the coconut water or regular water when juicing.

No juicer? No problem. Add all the ingredients except the coconut water/water to a high-powered blender. Blend well and then strain twice through a mesh sieve to remove the pulp. Stir in the coconut water or water.

Add to two glasses with ice to drink immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

FAQS

Should kind of cucumbers should I use?

All cucumbers will do the trick, but I prefer the long English variety. Ideally, get a fresh one from your farmer’s market, as the fresher, the better. Wash before using.

Is there a best time to drink cucumber juice?

Ideally, you will have this before a meal or as a snack. It can benefit digestion.

Does the cucumber need to be peeled?

Nope! Much of the nutrition is in the peel, so make sure to keep it on (just wash before using). The English type of cucumber can work best because its skin isn’t as thick or bitter as the traditional variety.

Can I have cucumber juice all by itself?

Of course, and it can be quite delightful. This particular recipe, however, adds more nutrition, flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.

Other Healthy Juices/Mocktails

• DIY beauty drink

• Ultimate green juice

• Blue spirulina collagen drink

• Homemade energy drink

• Ginger turmeric tonic

• Watermelon margarita

• Citrus electrolyte drink

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.