The amazing uses and benefits of cucumber

Cucumbers not only are so refreshing and taste great, they are also great for your health…  and have a multitude of uses. This vegetable is the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world and known to be one of the best foods for your body’s overall health.

Here are some amazing benefits and uses of this magic superfood.

1. They’re packed full of vitamins

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day – just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Put down that coffee!

For a pick me up in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick lift that can last for hours. Slice some and put in your water bottle.

3. Eliminate mirror fog

If you rub a cucumber slice along your bathroom mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Freshen your breath

Have you just realised you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath – the phytochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

5. Clean faucets, sinks and stainless steel

Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

6. Keeps you hydrated

If you are too busy to drink enough water, chew on a cool cucumber, which is 96 per cent water. It will make you feel hydrated quickly.

7. Skin and hair care

If you don’t like to eat the skin of the cucumber, it can be used for skin irritations and sunburns just as aloe would be used. Place a slice over puffy eyes to take advantage of its anti-inflammatory properties. The silicon and sulphur in cucumbers help stimulate hair growth.

8. Cancer fighting

Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

9. Weight loss aid

Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber a great diet addition for people who are looking to lose weight. The high water content and fibre in cucumbers are very effective in cleansing the body of toxins from the digestive system. They are also great for easing constipation.

10. Helps diabetes sufferers by reducing blood pressure

Cucumber juice contains a hormone that assists the pancreas in producing insulin – which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients. All the vitamins in cucumbers work effectively for regulating blood pressure.

11. Relieves gout and arthritis pain

Cucumber is an fantastic source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.

Do you love cucumber? How do you use it?