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The most cheaply available vegetable is cucumber. This is used for preparing salads as well as a vegetable. This vegetable is very soft and cool.
It also has other benefits. It can also be used to increase one’s beauty. It also has several medicinal properties. Some of them are given below:
If because of heat, one’s eyes becomes red or one feels tiredness in the eyes due to longer hours of studying one can take out the pulp of the cucumber and grind it and put on one’s eyes. One would get immediate relief.
If one’s skin becomes reddish due to heat or if one’s skin feels very hot one can apply the pulp of the cucumber on one’s skin.
Taking the juice of cucumber and adding sugar in it and drinking it continuously would help one in getting rid of the problem of thirstiness.
Applying the juice of cucumber flowers to one’s eyes provides coolness to one’s eyes.
The roots of cucumber are beneficial if one is bitten by a mad dog (one affected with rabies).
If one has the problem of kidney stones regularly consume the seeds of cucumber.
To 20-25 gms of cucumber seeds add 1 teaspoon of honey and butter. If this is regularly provided to children it helps in improving their health.
Cucumber is also beneficial to the disorders related to the stomach.
For acne problem, apply the pulp of cucumber to one’s face regularly.
If the juice of cucumber is applied to one’s hair it helps in strengthening the roots of one’s hair.
Some precautions to be taken before consuming the vegetable :
Though it has so many beneficial effects one need to keep few things in mind before eating it.
Some of them are :
• Always consume the vegetable fresh.
• Never eat cucumber on an empty stomach.
• Always wash it thoroughly before consuming it.
• Those suffering from cough should never consume /eat it.
OTHER BENEFITS ARE
Cucumber medicinal values: Cucumber has countless health benefits as well as cosmetic properties. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, folic acid (when it is not peeled it contains folic acid) and potassium. The skin of the cucumber is rich in fibre that contains variety of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and silica.
Health Benefits of Cucumber
Listed below are some of the effective health benefits of cucumber:
* Cucumber has cleaning properties that removes accumulated waste and toxins from our body. It may improve arthritis since it eliminates uric acid.
* Cucumber juice mixed with carrot juice is said to be more beneficial to rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body.
* It has been found that people with diabetes are benefited from the consumption of cucumber or cucumber juice.
* Cucumber juice taken daily may help in the improvement of gout and eczema.
* Cucumber included in diet helps people suffering from chest, lung and stomach problems.
* The potassium content of cucumber helps in proper regulation of blood pressure and promotes flexibility of muscles.
* The magnesium content of cucumber helps in smooth blood circulation, relaxes nerves and muscles.
* The fibre content of cucumber helps in regulating cholesterol levels in the body and contributes to bowel regularity.
* A cup of fresh cucumber juice reduces heartburn, soothes acid stomach and gastritis.
* Cucumber helps in preventing splitting of nails of the fingers and toes as it is rich in minerals.
* Place a slice of cumber on the affected sunburn area. It relaxes and elevates the sunburn’s pain, heat and inflammation.
* Slices of cucumber placed on the closed eyes reduce swelling and soothe the eyes.
* Cucumber is a best source of silica- a trace mineral which contributes to the
* strength of our connective tissue. Connective tissue is a tissue that holds our body together.
Cosmetic Benefits of Cucumber
* It prevents and treats under eye dark circles when slices of cucumber are kept on the closed eyes regularly before sleep in the night.
* It improves skin complexion and glow as it is rich in silica.
* It is used a common component in all the face pack preparations. The cooling, cleansing and diuretic properties of cucumber work as a best natural cosmetic for skin.
* Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth especially when it is added to the juice of lettuce, spinach and carrot.
Benefits of Cucumber Mask
There are various benefits of cucumber mask. The nourishing, hydrant and astringent properties of cucumber mask can restore skin’s normal pH balance. It can cleanse, cool, soothe and soften our skin. It can relieve stress and reduce our under-eye dark circles.
Benefits of Eating Cucumber
There are many benefits of eating cucumber. It is suggested that cucumber can treat arthritis, diabetes, eczema, regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation, etc.
. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need Every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a Cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that Quick pick-me-up that can last for Hours.
3. Tired of your bathroom mirror Fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a Cucumber slice along the mirror, it will Eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, Spa-like fragrance.
4. Are grubs and Slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few Slices in a small pie tin and your garden will Be free of pests all season long. The chemicals In the cucumber react with the aluminum to give Off a scent undetectable to humans but drive Garden pests crazy and make them flee the Area.
5. Looking for a Fast and easy way to remove cellulite before Going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or Two of cucumbers along your problem area for a Few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber Cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, Firming up the outer layer and reducing the Visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles Too!!!
6. Want to avoid a hangover or Terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices Before going to bed and wake up refreshed and Headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B Vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential Nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in Equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and Headache!!
7. Looking to fight off that Afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers Have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for Quick meals to thwart off starvation.
8. Have an important meeting or job interview and You realize that you don't have enough time to Polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber Over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a Quick and durable shine that not only looks Great but also repels Water.
9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a Cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic Hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, Facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire Cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber Will react with the boiling water and be Released in the steam, creating a soothing, Relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce Stress in new mothers and college students During final exams.
11. Just finish a Business lunch and realize you don't have gum or Mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to The roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 Seconds to eliminate bad breath, the Phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your Mouth responsible for causing bad Breath.
12. Looking for a 'green' way to Clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the Surface you want to clean, not only will it Remove years of tarnish and bring back the Shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm Your fingers or fingernails while you Clean.
13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the Cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen Writing, also works great on crayons and markers That the kids have used to decorate the Walls!!
