Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumber is an edible vegetable which can either be eaten as raw, cooked or you can also make pickles of them. It comes from the (cucumber) plant "Cucumis Sativus".

Cucumbers have so many benefits and that is why it is been used for centuries for curing various problems, related to our skin and health as well. Mentioned below are some of thenotable benefits of them.

Cucumber's juice contains the large amount of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which is good for decreasing or preventing water retention and soothing skin irritation. It's skin is rich in fibre and contains minerals like silica, potassium and magnesium, which helps in improving the health of the skin, and rejuvenates it.

Cucumbers also have the ability for treating problems like dark circles, puffiness or swelling around eyes. It is completely a natural booster. Cucumber slices can act as natural eye pads for treating puffiness and tiredness of eyes and can do wonders after a long and tiring day, because it soothes and softens the skin instantly.

Cucumbers have the same pH level as the skin so they help in restoring theprotective acid mantle and cures all the problems naturally. They arealso known for tightening open pores and refreshing skin instantly inminutes. Cucumbers possess a high fluid / water content, which makes it naturallyhydratings, that is good for glowing skin. That is why it has become a necessary part ofmany beauty products and can be found into face packs, facials and other things which canaffect our skin in a positive way.

Cucumber contains variety of minerals and vitamins including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and folic acid. It also contains ascorbic and caffeic acids.These acids prevent water retention.The potassium content of cucumber makes it highly useful for people with high and low blood pressure problem, and can bring down the blood pressure level as well.

It also helps in liver, kidney and urinary bladder diseases. Cucumber juice is diuretic, which encourages waste removal through urination and helps in the dissolution of kidney stones. Cucumbers are wonderful as a digestive aid, and have a purifying effect on the bowel. It is also known for treating many skin and body ailments likeclearing up conjunctivitis, sun-burn, skin irritation or dermatitis.

Here's a quick recipe of a Cucumber juice, to enjoy your Summer and its benefits,
Take a blender and toss a couple of tomatoes in to it, then add two or three carrots into it and blend well. Pour it into a glass and squeeze a lemon or an orange juice to this cucumber mix, stir, drink and enjoy a very healthy and satisfying drink, which unlike some pre-packed drinks is highly nutritious and easy to prepare too.