Cucumber

Cucumber is a member of the Cucurbitaceous family, like melon, squash and pumpkins, which is very high in water and very low in calories. Its scientific name is “cucumis sativus”. It is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C and folic acid.

The high water content makes cucumbers a diuretic and it also has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. Cucumbers help eliminate uric acid which is beneficial for those who has arthritis and its fibre-rich skin and their high levels of potassium and manganese helps regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions. The magnesium content in cucumbers also relaxes nerves and muscles and keeps blood circulating smoothly.

Cucumber is also good to reduce heat and inflammation. It is very useful to treat tired eyes and remove the eye bags under your eyes by placing a slice of cucumber over closed eyes.. It also helps lung, stomach and chest problems, gout, and tapeworm. Fresh cucumber juice is good to reduce heartburn or sooth stomach acid, also for those suffering from gastritis or ulcer.

If you want a happy skin, then cucumber is the answer. As cucumber and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it becomes easier for cucumber to mask all the problem areas. It helps in soothing and softening your skin which can get you relaxed in no time.

The health benefits of Cucumber:

1.Being laxative in nature, it corrects constipation. Two cucumbers per day are advised for removing habitual constipation.

2.For stomach disorders, its juice is useful as it corrects acidity, gastric and duodenal ulcers. A cup of fresh juice daily is helpful. It gives immediate relief in burning sensation of stomach.

3.Cucumber juice promotes hair growth due to its high silicon and sulfur content,
particularly when mixed with carrot, lettuce and spinach juice.

4.In rheumatic problems, its juice along with the juices of carrot & beet, brings relief as it washes out uric acid deposition in arthritis, gout etc.

5.In urinary disorders, cucumber is very beneficial. It increases flow of urine and is useful in dissolving the gravel in urinary tract and reducing the urine acidity.

6.Grated cucumber applied over face, swelling around eyes and neck for 15 to 20
minutes has been found effective as a beauty aid and a best tonic for the skin of the face. Its regular use prevents pimples, blackheads, wrinkles and dryness of the face.

7.Cucumber, radish and bitter gourd are beneficial in diabetes.

8.The potassium content of cucumber makes it highly useful for conditions of high and low blood pressure.

9.Cucumber juice is also valuable for helping diseases of the teeth, gums, especially in cases of pyorrhea.