Health expert issues important warning over viral cucumber trend

The latest food trend taking over social media is cucumbers - and while it seems much healthier than the usual fast food mukbangs we're all so used to, health experts are warning that it may come with some risks.

TikTok star Logan Moffitt, who has become known as 'the cucumber guy' on the video sharing platform, and encourages people to 'join the cucumber community', started the unexpected food movement when he began posting videos that start with him declaring: "Sometimes you just need to eat an entire cucumber."

The food influencer has gone viral multiple times slicing up an entire cucumber - with a knife or mandolin, before dressing it in an array of ingredients.

Depending on the recipe, he's been known to add chilli oil, soy sauce and sesame seeds, or cream cheese, salmon and red onion.

Logan, who boasts over six million followers, has popularised the every day vegetable and is credited with popularising cucumber salads.

Despite cucumbers being all the rage, health experts have weighed in to tell Tyla why we should all be treading carefully with our consumption.

Bethany Lawrence, a health expert at Panda London, told us: "While cucumbers are generally considered a healthy snack due to their high water and fibre content, the sudden intake of large quantities can lead to digestive discomfort, including bloating and gas."

The expert continued: "This discomfort might exacerbate existing musculoskeletal conditions, such as lower back pain, as the bloating can increase pressure on the spine.

"Moreover, the timing of such a meal is crucial; consuming a large, fibrous snack close to bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns due to the digestive disturbances, leading to poor sleep quality."

She added: "Inadequate sleep is a known risk factor for impaired tissue recovery, muscle stiffness, and joint pain, all of which are detrimental to orthopaedic health.

"Therefore, while cucumbers can be part of a balanced diet, moderation is key to preventing unnecessary strain on both digestive and musculoskeletal systems."

Reema Pillai, a Dietitian for Dietitian Fit, added: "Consuming cucumbers are a great way to keep hydrated as they are high in water and also a great source of fibre, though it is important to be mindful of how much you eat.

"Our guts can be sensitive to fibre, and having too much too quickly can cause digestive discomfort for some, and possibly lead to diarrhoea."

Reema encourages some vegetable variety, suggesting: "Try the trend with other vegetables such as diced carrots or even courgettes can be a good way to add variety and different flavours and nutrients."

She concluded: "Also be mindful of what you mix the cucumber with. Some ingredients such as soy sauce, chilli oil, MSG (monosodium glutamate) and fish sauce, can be high in sodium, and regular consumption of these products is not advised."