Cucumber heals you inside and out

Tag : cucumber

By Maureen Nakatudde

ONE can overlook the value of eating cucumber because it does nothave any taste. However, cucumber has a lot of nutritional benefitsthat can aid the body to function properly.

Health benefits
Sande Senyonga, a nutritionist with Dama Medical Herbs, sayscucumber is rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin A, B6, B2,calcium phosphorus; magnesium, has small quantities of fibre, smallquantities of iron, low proteins and low carbohydrates.

Eating cucumber is vital since it helps in the elimination ofwaste materials from the blood and the skin. It provides sulphurneeded for health skin cells, nails and hair. It is alsorecommended for all those suffering from skin problems, explainsDr. Senyonga.

Dr. Roger Pamplona, in the Encyclopedia of Foods and Their HealingPower, says eating a cucumber is like drinking a glass of water.

Ninty six percent of the weight of cucumber is water; however, itdoes not mean that cucumber is of less nutritional value. Cucumberhas great biological value and healing power.

When applied directly on the skin, cucumber is an effective beautytreatment. But for the best results, one should combine cucumbersinternal properties and their external effect on the skin.

This can be done by rubbing it directly on the skin, preparing thinslices and placing them on the affected areas.

Because cucumber contains very few calories and produces a feelingof satiety, Dr. Senyonga says cucumbers are good for people who donot want to grow fat and those who want to lose weight.

It is also good for people suffering from diabetes because of thelow carbohydrate content. It also has vitamins and minerals.

Dr. Michael Murray and Dr. Joseph Pizzorro, in the Encyclopedia ofNatural Medicine, say cucumber is an excellent source of silica, atrace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connectivetissue.

Connective tissue is what holds our bones together. It includes theintracellular cement muscles, tendons, ligament, cartilage, andboner. Without silica, the connective tissue would not be properlyconstructed leaving it impaired.

Cucumber reduces swelling under the eyes, sunburns and treatsdermatitis because it contains two compounds, ascorbic acid andcaffeic acid, which prevent water retention.

How to select cucumbers
Cucumbers should be fresh looking, well-shaped and medium to darkgreen in colour. Cucumbers that are yellow or puffy, have sunken,water soaked area or are wrinkled at the tips should be avoided.Thinner cucumbers will generally have fewer seeds than those thatare thicker.

Tips for preparing
Wash the cucumber under cold running water and gently scrub them.If waxed or not organically grown, the cucumber should also bepeeled. Cucumber can be sliced, diced, or cut into sticks. Whilethe seeds are edible and nutritious, some people prefer not to eatthem.

To remove them easily, cut the cucumber lengthwise and use the tipof a spoon to gently scoop them out. Cucumbers are usually eatenraw so they must be chewed well to avoid indigestion.

Servings
For a quick and easy cold food, simply get one peeled cucumber, onecup of fresh tomatoes, one green pepper and half of red onion, thenadd salt and pepper to taste.

Make cucumber tempura by dredging cucumber slices in a beaten eggand then in whole-wheat flour.
Bake on baking tray at 3000F (about 1500C) until crispy and servewith a dipping sauce or dressing of your choice.

Apart from that cucumber can be served with food of your choice.