Cucumbers are one of the best and cheapest vegetables to beat the summer heat. No salad is ever complete without the tasty cucumbers. I have fond memories of eating sliced cucumber with salt and chilly powder in the roadside shop near my school. Whether eating it raw or cooked or having the juice, cucumber has various health and beauty benefits.
Read on to know why you should include this humble vegetable in your diet everyday.
Health Benefits:
* Cucumbers are very low in calories and hence good for weight loss and for people on a diet program.
* It has high fibre content which helps in relieving constipation and regulates bowel movements.
* It detoxifies and cleanses the entire body flushing out all toxins from the system.
* Cucumber juice is a natural coolant and help to reduce body heat and can also cure ulcer, acidity and heartburn problems.
* The high water content in cucumbers assist in healthy functioning of kidneys and urinary bladder. Consuming cucumber water regularly can also treat kidney stones.
* Several studies have shown that cucumbers have anti-cancer properties. They contain a phytonutrient called cucurbitacins which help fight cancer.
* The diuretic properties of cucumber reduces blood pressure and water retention.
* Cucumbers are 95% water and are ideal to prevent dehydration in summers. Sip cucumber infused waters to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day when you are travelling somewhere.
* Cucumber has been found to be beneficial for diabetic patients as they contain a hormone needed by the pancreas to produce insulin.
* Research reveals that cucumbers also contain a compound called sterols which regulates cholestral levels.
* Consuming cucumber juice mixed with carrot juice daily decreases the uric acid levels and hence relieve conditions like gout and arthritis.
Beauty Benefits:
* Cucumbers are best for treating sunburns. Mix cucumber pulp with some chilled yoghurt and apply on face for a soothing and calming sensation.
* Cucumber juice can be used as a natural toner to tighten and shrink pores and keep face oil-free.
* It has natural bleaching properties. Mix cucumber juice with lemon juice and apply on tanned hands and feet to lighten the skin.
* Dry skinned people can apply a face pack of cucumber pulp and milk to hydrate and rejuvenate dull skin.
* Apply cucumber paste to your eyes and leave for 30 minutes to get rid of dark circles.
* If you are experiencing tired or puffy eyes, just place two cucumber slices on your eyes and relax for 20 minutes. It reduces water retention thereby clearing puffiness and under eye bags.
* The hydrating properties of cucumber reduces wrinkes and fine lines and gives clear skin inside out.
* Drinking cucumber juice everyday will help control hairfall as it contains essential nutrients for hair growth.
Ways to consume cucumbers:
Raw: Use in salads, sandwiches, wraps, instant chutneys, cucumber raitha, pickled cucumbers
Cooked: Add to noodles, pastas, soups, gravies
To Drink: Cucumber juice, cucumber buttermilk, cucumber lemonade, add to fruits to make smoothies, cucumber infused water