Veggie of the Week – CUCUMBERS!
There are two types of cucumbers: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers. The pickling varieties tend to be smaller, thicker, and have bumpy skin with black-dotted spines.
Cucumber is often regarded as a healthy food because it is low in calories and fat. Cucumber also contains many vitamins and minerals that make them a healthy choice for cooking and snacking. Here are 15 health benefits of cucumber:
1. Keep you hydrated
Cucumber has 96% water content that is more nutritious than regular water, which helps in keeping the body hydrated, regulating body temperature and flushing out the toxins.
2. Skin care
The high water content and the presence of certain vitamins and minerals make cucumber an essential part of skin care. Facial masks containing cucumber juice can be used for skin tightening. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid present in cucumbers can bring down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the puffiness and swelling under the eyes. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.
3. Fight cancers
Cucumber contains lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol – three lignans that have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.
4. Control Blood Pressure
Cucumber juice contains a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber which are very helpful for regulating both high and low blood pressure.
5. Beneficial for teeth and gums
Cucumber juice is also beneficial for people with teeth and gums problems, especially in cases of pyorrhea. Cucumber is a good source of dietary fiber and this fiber massage in the teeth and gums.
6. Aid digestion
Digestive disorders, such as heartburn, gastritis, and even ulcers, can be cured by the daily consumption of fresh cucumber juice. The high water content and dietary fiber in cucumber are very effective in driving away the toxins from the digestive system and hence aid digestion. Daily consumption of cucumber can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.
7. Promotes joint health
Cucumber is an excellent source of silica which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.
8. Get rid of bad breath
The photochemicals present in cucumber help kills the bacteria in your mouth which are responsible for bad breath. To get rid of bad breath, press a slice of cucumber in between your mouth with your tongue for at least 30 seconds.
9. Nail care
The high silica content in cucumber also helps prevent splitting and spoiling of nails of the fingers and toes.
10. Relieve gout and arthritis pain
Cucumber is a best ingredient for gout pain relief. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering the uric acid levels.
11. Cures diabetes
The cucumber juice has been found to be beneficial for the diabetic patients. This vegetable contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.
12. Reduces cholesterol
Researchers found that some compound called sterols in cucumber may help reduce cholesterol levels.
13. Stimulate hair growth
Cucumber contains silicon and sulphur and thus a regular intake of cucumber can help promote healthy hair growth. For best results, mix cucumber juice with the juices of carrot, lettuce or spinach.
14. Acts as a diuretic
The water content of cucumber acts as a diuretic. It encourages the elimination of waste products from the body through urination. Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.
15. Aid in weight loss
Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is ideal for people who looking for weight loss.
http://www.healthonlinezine.info/15-health-benefits-of-cucumber.html
Cucumber Recipes:
Eat’em raw!
Cucumbers are an easy vegetable as they are most often enjoyed raw and you can’t beat them fresh out of the garden. Slice them on a sandwich, in salads with any combination of vegetables, nuts, berries of fruit (including a pasta or potato salad) or just enjoy as is.
Flavour your water!
They are also refreshing addition to any glass of water or iced tea when sliced alone or with lemon or lime. You can also add any fresh berries!
Pickle them!
A great way to preserve cucumbers throughout the seasons is to pickle them. Whether you like them with dill, garlic, salty or sweet there is a recipe out there for you!
Crisp Cucumber Freezer Pickles (these are of the sweeter variety)
Ingredients:
7 cups thin sliced cucumbers (with peel)1 large sweet onion, medium sliced
1/2 cup green pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red sweet pepper, thinly sliced / 1 tablespoon pickling salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 cup white vinegar
2 cups white sugar
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Stir well, cover and refrigerate for 3 days. Stir every day.
3. Pack into freezer containers and cover with brine (I use ziplock bags to have the pickles in small portions and then place the small bags in a larger freezer container). Freeze Thaw before serving.
http://www.food.com/recipe/crisp-cucumber-freezer-pickles-9458
Creamy Dill Cucumber Toasties
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1/2 cup mayonnaise / 1 French baguette, cut into 1/2 inch thick circles
1 cucumber, sliced
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, dressing mix and mayonnaise.
2. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on a slice of bread, and top with a slice of cucumber. Sprinkle with dill. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Creamy-Dill-Cucumber-Toasties/Detail.aspx?evt19=1