A native of India, the cucumber was used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and is mentioned in the Bible. It has cooling and curative properties and many health and cosmetic benefits.
Composition of the Cucumber
The cucumber is full of water. It also contains fiber, folic acid, vitamins A and C, zinc and calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and some vitamins of the B group. It is alkaline and non-starchy.
Health Benefits of the Cucumber
The cucumber has digestive, purifying and cooling properties, and is thus beneficial in many health conditions.
- The high water content of the cucumber leads to a strong diuretic effect. This in turn eliminates toxins that accumulate in the body and cause skin problems.
- The presence of water and potassium makes the cucumber effective in urinary disorders.
- The alkaline content helps to maintain the alkalinity of the blood.
- The cucumber has a cooling effect on the blood, and prevents allergies and sunstroke. Moreover, it alleviates a burning stomach, acidity and indigestion.
- The fiber helps to alleviate constipation.
- The magnesium and potassium help to control high blood pressure.
- The cucumber is supposed to soothe nerves and tempers. According to practitioners of color therapy, green is the color of peace and calm and allays fears. Therefore, a green cucumber is recommended for reducing stress and depression.
- It improves the sight.
- Finally, the cucumber is useful as a thirst quencher.
Culinary Uses
Wafer thin cucumber sandwiches have been traditionally served with evening tea. The cucumber is also an excellent summer dish, and can be made into a healthy salad.
It can be served as thin slices with lemon juice, salad dressing or yoghurt. A traditional Indian salad combines cucumber with curd and spices like chillies, cumin powder, salt and chopped coriander leaves. Finally, the cucumber is used in relishes, and makes a delicious soup.
Suggestions for Use
Some measures, such as the following, ensure maximum benefit from the cucumber.
- The cucumber enhances the nutritional value of other foods when taken along with vegetables, fruits, cereals and nuts.
- The potassium and phosphorous are lost during the cooking process, so the cucumber is best consumed raw.
- The juice is very beneficial for gastric and renal disorders, and can be combined with other juices like carrots, celery, lettuce and spinach.
Cosmetic Uses of the Cucumber
Like the avocado and papaya, the cucumber is a common beauty aid.
- Since it purifies the blood, the cucumber improves the complexion.
- The high water content makes it an excellent natural moisturizer, and prevents aging and wrinkles.
- Placing slices of cucumber over closed eyes removes dark circles and relieves tiredness. Cucumber slices are also used to treat puffy and swollen eyes.
- The cucumber is a popular ingredient in face masks. It is peeled, grated and mixed with curd to make a mask to lighten the complexion and remove blemishes.
The cucumber is refreshing and soothing, and has many health benefits. It can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. Moreover, it has cosmetic uses.
Tip: The cucumber becomes dull and yellow if over matured, so choose a cucumber that is medium or dark green in color.
Sources:
http://www.dietobio.com/aliments/en/cucumber.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=42#healthbenefits
Foods that Heal: Dr.Jensen
Nita Mukherjee - I have 25+ years of experience in education and tutoring in English, and 12+ years in writing. With a post graduate degree (B.Ed) in ...
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