Ok, so there's no way to actually stop aging, but this will help slow down the process, and that’s what we’re all looking to do. We probably have all seen the woman in the spa with a face mask and cucumbers on her eyes. Why? Simply because cucumbers are good for the skin. The cucumbers on the eyes help to reduce puffiness. Not only on the outside of the skin, but more importantly for inside the body.
Health Benefits:
Hydration:
They are plum full of water, 96% to be exact, which helps to keep us hydrated, and helps flush out those nasty old toxins from the body.
Skin Care:
There are plenty of facial products that contain cucumber and put them on the front of the product. Why? Because we associate cucumbers with healing properties for the skin. The cucumber face masks usually help to tighten up the skin. That’s because they contain ascorbic acid, which helps to lower water retention, which takes away the puffiness. Cucumbers are full of vitamins and minerals that are essential to good skin care. They can also help to relieve pain caused by a sunburn.
Fight Cancer:
The risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer have all been shown to be lowered when 3 lignans are present in the diet: secoisolariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. They are also sources of other phytonutrients such as flavonoids and triterpenes.
Good digestion:
Not only are they a good source of fiber, but due to the high water content, this also helps to remove the toxins from the digestive system. If you are suffering with constipation, these are a great food choice for you. Also, if you are suffering from other digestive disorders like heartburn, gastritis, or even ulcers, cucumber juice can help cure these.
Fights Arthritis & Gout Pain:
These are anti-inflammatory foods. They counter the effect of uric acid by lowering the amount in the body. So if you’re suffering from joint pain, arthritis, or gout try adding more cucumbers to your diet.
Helps Blood Pressure:
It is recommended that people with high blood pressure have adequate amounts of potassium, magnesium and fiber, since they help to regulate the blood pressure. Since cucumbers contain all three they are great for helping to regulate blood pressure, whether yours is high or low.
Undo Diabetes:
Cucumbers have a hormone that is required by the cells of the pancreas to help produce insulin. The juice of a cucumber has been shown to be beneficial for diabetic patients.
Lowering Weight:
Did you see the nutrition facts below? In this whole recipe there are only 164 calories. You could eat the entire recipe for less than 200 calories. The majority of the calories came from the olive oil and maple syrup in the dressing. Cucumbers contain about 8 calories per cucumber. 8! They are low in calories and high in water content, making this a perfect food for people who are wanting to lose weight.
Makes you Pee:
If you’re wanting to help prevent kidney stones, cucumbers are the way to go. Since they are a diuretic, or they increase urination, this helps to prevent the formation of kidney stones, since urination is a way to help eliminate toxins from the body.
Recipe: 2 medium cucumbers, sliced thin
½ medium onion, sliced thin
2 tablespoons fresh dill
2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Directions:
Begin by slicing the cucumbers and onions very thin. Place them into a serving bowl. In a small bowl combine the rest of the ingredients: dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and Dijon mustard. Mix the dressing until well combined, then pour over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Toss well together until it is all covered. Eat and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Total calories 164, 3 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 0 g cholesterol,3 grams of sugar, 1 gram of fat, 649 grams of salt,
Good source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K.
