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Cucumber Properties
Cucumbers are actually fruits that belong to the same family as zucchinis, pumpkins and other squashes. With white succulent flesh and a dark green peel, cucumbers are can be very nutritious, as they contain, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and other minerals. Yet, cucumbers are very low in calories and can help in weight loss to a great extent. There are numerous cucumber health benefits, which is why this fruit should be a regular feature of everyone’s diet. The cucumber benefits are related to the overall health of the body, which includes the skin.
You could either add cucumbers to your daily diet, or you could even apply cucumbers topically, in order to enjoy the various health benefits that are associated with it. Cucumber health benefits There are several cucumber health benefits that people should be made aware of. Some of the most common cucumber benefits include: • Decreasing acidity: The juice that is derived from cucumbers contains alkaline properties which regulates the levels of pH in the body and neutralizes acidity.
Cucumber juice benefits also include treating gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• Controlling blood pressure: The minerals and traces of sodium present in cucumbers make it very effective in regulating blood pressure. This is one of the most common celery benefits too.
• Building connective tissues: Cucumbers are very high in silica, which is essential for the appropriate construction of connective tissues in the body, including the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles and the bones.
• Normalizing body temperature: The cooling effect that cucumbers have on the body can be very helpful during the summer months. Moreover, people suffering from fever should consume cucumber juice, after checking with a doctor.
• Promoting hair growth: When mixed with carrot juice or lettuce juice, cucumber juice benefits include strengthening the hair and increasing its volume.
• Treating skin conditions: Cucumbers contain a very high amount of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for the skin. Therefore, cucumber is usually a vital ingredient in many beauty creams and packs, as well as creams that are used for medical conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and so on. Rubbing slices of cucumber on skin that has been affected by sunburn can also help treat the condition faster. Applying cucumbers on the skin can help in cleansing the skin and making it soft, smooth and supple.
• Improving eye health: Swelling and puffiness around the eyes can be reduced to a great extent, just by applying slices of cucumber to the affected area. Several people also use cucumber to reduce dark circles around the eyes, since they can be used as natural eye pads. Many women (and men) make it a point to apply cucumber slices to their eyes after a long day, simply to relax.
• Helping in weight loss: As compared to several other foods, cucumbers can make excellent snack options, as they are very healthy, but are low in calories.
• Reducing water retention: The daily consumption of cucumbers can supply the body with the required electrolytes and it restores the moisture in the cells of the body. This reduces the problem of water retention in people.
Cucumber Health Benefits And Natural Cures
The cucumber is a refreshing and cooling vegetable that is widely cultivated in tropical areas. Known to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks, the cucumber was also available in China in the 6th century AD, however, is said to have originated in northern India. It is cultivated in the tropical areas of India, China, South East Asia, Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Ranging from light green to dark green in color, yellow, orange or brown when mature, the cucumber is available in various shapes, sizes and colors. The best variety are the ones which are dark green in color, firm and smooth.
Cucumber And Its Effective Home Remedies
Relatively high in mineral content, the cucumber should not be peeled as the vitamins and salts are in it. A well-known source of minerals like sodium, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, silicon, fluorine and chlorine, the cucumber is thus a highly nutritious vegetable. It can be mixed with carrot, lettuce, beet, tomato and other vegetables to make a nutritious salad loaded with vitamins and minerals.
The cucumber has a high percent of alkaline forming minerals, thus helps in maintaining the alkalinity of the blood. One of the best-known natural diuretics, the cucumber is an excellent remedy to treat urinary disorders, as cucumber seeds are rich in potassium. In addition, as potassium and phosphorus is lost on cooking, it is best eaten raw. Cucumber adds bulk and assists in easing bowel movement, thus is a good remedy for constipation and must be eaten twice a day for the best results.
The cucumber is 96 percent water and the juice extracted is used to treat stomach disorders gastric and duodenal ulcers and hyperacidity as well. Half a pint of cucumber juice every two hours is extremely beneficial in these conditions. The juice also gives immediate relief from the burning sensation felt due to high acidity in the stomach. Conditions like arthritis, rheumatism and gout where uric acid is accumulated are remedied easily by cucumber juice mixed with juice of beets, celery and carrots. A combination of juices of carrots, lettuce and a little alfalfa juice when applied to the affected area, removes skin blemishes and controls skin eruptions effectively.
The cucumber has been used as a beauty aid for centuries. Grated and applied over the face and neck for 30 minutes helps prevent blackheads, pimples, acne, wrinkles and dryness of the skin. It also promotes hair growth and is considered to be a good skin and hair tonic when mixed with the juices of spinach, lettuce and carrots.
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