The sizzling summer has set in we are all experiencing exhaustion as a result of the hot weather. A major factor that helps you to stay cool during summer is your diet, and when it comes to a good mix of health and hydration, look no further than the humble cucumber to detoxify and rehydrate your body.

cucumbers

 Cucumbers are one of the healthiest vegetables that purify the body both inside and out. Every cool bite of this refreshing and nutritionally dense vegetable is filled with nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Riboflavin, B-6, Folate, Pantothenic acid, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Silica. A low-calorie vegetable, a 100-gram portion of cucumber is just 16 calories.

Top benefits of cucumber

1. Hydrates the body

Cucumbers are 95% water. They aid to keep the body well-hydrated and nourish by removing toxins. The presence of high water content in cucumbers works as a body cleanser and helps clear waste products out of the body.

2. Rejuvenates the skin

Cucumber is a storehouse of potassium and vitamin E that does wonder to your skin:

  • Aids in reducing the puffiness of the eyes and even the dark circles around the eyes.
  • Effective in treating blemishes and brightens the skin.
  • Helps in cleansing the skin and opening the pores.
  • Soothes the skin from sunburns and removes the suntans.

Expert Tips

Apply cucumber juice on the face to make you look refreshed and place cucumber pieces over the eyes to reduce wrinkles and puffiness.

3. Strong gums and fresh breath

A simple way to treat bad breath is to place a piece of cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds that beat odour-causing bacteria. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has also found that cucumber cools down excess heat in your stomach, which is the root cause of bad breath. Studies also reveal that drinking cucumber juice can help heal oral problems such as weak gums and pyorrhea. Also Read:5 Quick Fixes From Kitchen To Combat Bad Breath

4. Promotes digestive health

Cucumber is a good source of fibre and the high-water content is a great aid for digestive regularity. The insoluble fibre in the cucumber skin allows food to pass through the digestive tract quickly.

An ideal snack to munch on in summer, regular consumption of cucumber aids to relieve digestive problems such as gastritis, heartburn, acidity, ulcers and constipation. Also Read: 5 Best Ayurvedic Remedies To Treat Constipation - Infographic

5. Regulates blood pressure

Cucumbers are a powerhouse of fibre, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are effective in reducing blood pressure. Further, its diuretic properties, owing to its high potassium and water content, also aids to regulate blood pressure.

6. Ideal for weight loss

An ideal vegetable that fills you up adding bulk to your meals. With just 16 calories in a serving, cucumbers are nutritionally dense and free food that can be consumed more to keep you satiated.

Cucumbers are the best healing food for this summer so relish the treat.

Ways To Add Cucumbers Into Your Meal Regimen

How To Consume Cucumbers?

The best way to relish cucumbers is to have them with their skin to retain the goodness of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Salads are the perfect way to start adding cucumber to your diet. They can be eaten as a healthy snack to curb your hunger pangs or blended with a veggie salad to boost nutrition.

A cucumber smoothie is a great recipe to quench your thirst this summer. Simply blend cucumber, ginger, lemon juice, and honey to make a refreshing drink loaded with nutrients.

Cucumbers can be tweaked to make healthy wraps filled with veggies of your choice to make wholesome appetizers.

Sushi lovers can try innovative dishes like avocado-cucumber sushi or any other vegetable and enjoy a nutritious treat.

Pickled cucumbers boast a wealth of antioxidants and are perfect for your meal.

How To Store Cucumbers?

To ensure your cucumbers stay fresh and crisp, it's important to store them correctly. Simply wrap them in cling wrap and place them in the refrigerator. This method will help extend their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy them for longer.

Cucumber Smoothie

Cucumber blended with apple and spinach in a smoothie is your ideal summer refresher and also helps to detox the system from inside out.
cucumber smoothie

Ingredients

1 medium-sized chopped cucumber

1 cup spinach

½ cup diced apple

½ cup curd

1 tsp honey

Ice cubes as required

For Garnish

Few mint leaves

Method

In a mixer add cucumber, apple, spinach and curd blend until smooth.

Add ice cubes and honey, whisk well until the texture is frothy.

Serve chilled garnished with mint leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Cucumber is a low-calorie vegetable imbued with a dense nutritional profile. The treasure trove of nutrients in cucumber include vitamins K, C, magnesium, riboflavin, b-6, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and silica. Apple with noteworthy amounts of vitamins A, C, antioxidants and dietary fibre helps to trigger the immune system and promotes digestion. Spinach with ample amounts of iron and beta-carotene improves eye and skin health. Curd serves as a good probiotic which stimulate the healthy functioning of the gut. Honey adds flavour and taste to the smoothie.

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References

Health Beneficial Effects of Cucumber,

In book: Studies on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) [Working Title]

Shampa Chakraborty, Sadhana Rayalu

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351580539_Health_Beneficial_Effects_of_Cucumber

Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber

Pulok K Mukherjee 1, Neelesh K Nema, Niladri Maity, Birendra K Sarkar

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098877/