Many of us tend to think of cucumber as a garnish, a decoration... at best an afterthought on salads and side dishes... or a clever decoration on the buffet.
Like its cousin the melon, cucumber is actually a fruit. Unlike tomatoes, it actually can pair well with fruits. Never mind all that... let's just say it's an amazing vegetable.
Why??? Because cucumber is a nutritional powerhouse!
Cucumber is a super-food containing almost all the vitamins you need each day, including B vitamins, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K1, copper, potassium, and manganese. But wait! There's more...
Here are 10 ways cucumber can help keep you healthy... read on!
Boost your energy. Rather than reaching for another cup of coffee, try cucumber. The B vitamins in cucumber provide energy that can last for hours.
Build your bones. Cucumber is high in magnesium, calcium, and vitamin K1 — all essential for bone health. If you are eating a low-meat or low-dairy diet, then be sure to eat cucumber regularly.
Is your blood pressure too high? High levels of potassium in cucumber help regulate blood pressure by boosting electrolyte levels. This counteracts the effects of sodium overconsumption.
Starting to forget things? Copper is essential for brain function. In addition, festin has been found to be effective in fighting Alzheimer's damage. Cucumber is naturally high in copper and contains festin as well.
Beat a hangover. It happens. You drank too much. Now what? To avoid having your night out turn into a nightmare the morning after, eat a cucumber right before bed. Alcohol dehydrates your body. Cucumber contains a mix of B vitamins, sugar and electrolytes that keep you hydrated. Ahhhh. Relief!
Dragon Breath? If you suffer from bad breath, try eating cucumber instead of chewing on breath mints. Phytochemicals in cucumbers kill bacteria that cause bad breath and cavities. For fresh breath, eat a slice after a meal or a coffee.
Constipated? Feeling Bloated? Constipation can be the result of stress, medication or eating a highly processed diet. Get relief with cucumber! The high water content and potassium in cucumber make it a mild diuretic that relieves bloating. High fiber in cucumbers keeps you regular and your digestive system working well.
Thinking about detox? Cucumber has detoxifying properties. Yes! It has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste materials and chemical toxins. Thinking about detox? Eat some cucumbers. Consider eating cucumber daily to keep toxins from building up in the first place.
Help in cold and flu season The blend of nutrients in cucumber boost the immune system. Cucumber's anti-inflammatory properties fight inflammation of the nose and throat when you are suffering from a cold.
Reduced Disease Risk Cucumber, it turns out, contains three beneficial lignans (lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease as well as several different types of cancer, including ovarian, prostate, breast and uterine.
Take yourself to the spa! Three more tips...
Refresh your tired-looking skin. Spas use cucumber for good reason! It contains compounds that refresh and rejuvenate the skin from both the outside in and the inside out. Make your own mask at home. Mash up cucumber and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply directly to your face. Relax. Ahhh.
Do you have puffy eyes? Place fresh cucumber slices directly onto swollen areas to reduce puffiness within just a few minutes. Magic!
Get strong, shiny hair Eating cucumber regularly can reduce hair loss and strengthen hair shafts. The compounds in cucumber also help hair look shiny and healthy. Massage cucumber juice into your hair. Allow it to sit for about five minutes before rinsing away with lukewarm water. Let me know YOUR favorite way to use this amazing super-food. liz@lizbull.com