by Sharon Quercioli 

I looooooove cucumbers! In fact, I eat cucumbers and drink cucumber water everyday. That’s not all. I put them on my eyes because it is found the caffeic acid in this vegetable helps to prevent water retention, and, when applied topically helps reduce puffy and swollen eyes. Then again, I also use them to eliminate bad breath and clean the faucets in my sinks. Even Lou Lou Bell (my Shitzu) loves Cucumbers!

And girls…you’ll like this one… Looking for a fast and easy way to minimize cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumber along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer, reducing the visibility of the cellulite. Works great on wrinkles, too!

Guys… Don’t worry, I’m not going to leave you out. Want to avoid a terrible hangover or headache? Eat a few slices of cucumber before you go to bed and you’ll wake up refreshed and headache-free. Why? Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium avoiding both a headache and a hangover.

Let me tell you a little more about this wonderful “melon”. Yes, that’s right! The cucumber is actually a type of melon and comes from the same family as watermelon, zucchini and other squash. Cylindrical in shape with lengths of approximately six to nine inches, the cucumber’s skin is very similar to watermelon, ranging from green to white, containing a high percentage of vitamin A and should not be pealed off. Inside, the flesh is pale green and very juicy. The cucumber is a tropical plant, but is also easily available in most parts of the world.

Nutritional Benefits

Cucumber contains most of the vitamins you need everyday. In fact, just one cucumber contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and zinc. Cucumber has an impressive amount of naturally distilled water (about 96%), making it superior to ordinary water. The cucumber also contains alkaline-forming minerals and is an excellent source of vitamin C and A (anti-oxidants), folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfur and lessoer amounts of vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and chlorine.

Here are 10 great ways that a cucumber can make your day brighter! 

• Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates, which can provide a quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

•  Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the glass. It will eliminate the fog and provide a lovely spa-like fragrance.

•  Are slugs and grubs ruining your plant beds? Place a few cucumber slices in a small pie tin, and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum and give off a scent undetectable by humans, but one that drives gardens pests crazy and away from the area.

•  Looking to fight off that afternoon or even snack binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and were often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to stave off starvation.

•  Realize you have an important meeting or interview and realize you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe; its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but will also repel water.

•  Out of WD-40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the squeaky hinge. Voila! The squeak is gone.

•  Stressed out and don’t have time for a massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up and entire cucumber and place it in a pot of boiling water. The chemicals and the nutrients of the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing and relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students taking final exams.

•  Just finished a business lunch and realize you don’t have any gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.

•  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, it won’t leave streaks and won’t harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

•  Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of a cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. This also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls.

Health Benefits

Many people are ignorant of the immense health benefits of the cucumber. Fresh cucumbers may taste “Bland” to some, but it is thirst-quenching and cooling properties are refreshing. Cucumber acts as an anti-oxidant when taken together with friend and barbequed foods. Here’s a list of the health benefits of the cool cucumber. 

Acidity: The alkalinity of the minerals in the cucumber juice effectively helps in regulating the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity. The juice is also soothing for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Blood Pressure: Like celery, this colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.

Connective Tissues: The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of the connective tissues: bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

Cooling: During dry and hot weather, drink a glass of cucumber and celery juice. It helps to normalize body temperature.

Diuretic: Cucumber juice is diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination and aiding in the dissolution of kidney stones.

Consumption Tips

Choose cucumbers that are dark green in color and firm to the touch. Avoid those that are yellowish or wrinkled at either end. (Remember, thinner cucumbers have fewer seeds than thicker ones.) Store cucumbers in the fridge to retain freshness. I love to sprinkle pink sea salt on mine for added flavor. Remember, cut cucumbers should be kept wrapped up or in an air-tight container and kept in the fridge. Consume within 48 hours.

Caution

Where possible, buy organic as cucumbers may be waxed or have pesticides. If non-organic, wash cucumbers under cold running water and scrub gently with a vegetable brush. It might also help to soak if for 5-10 minutes with 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and/or two drops of Young Living’s Lemon Oil.

Recipe – Honeydew and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

3 large cucumbers – peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 honeydew melon – peeled, seeded and cut into 1 ½ inch chunks

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup lemon juice

¼ cup white sugar

Directions

Place the cucumber and honeydew melon chunks into a large bowel. Whisk together the vegetable oil, lemon juice and sugar in a small bowl until well blended. Pour dressing over the cucumber and melon; mix well. Allow to rest for 1 hour before serving then add some walnuts and feta cheese if desired.