Have you ever wondered how you can combat the scorching heat of summer? Just think of eating cucumber, a humble and crisp cucumber, and your body will want to taste its crisp way of offering hydration.
However, this wonderful vegetable is low in calories, has great benefits, and eating cucumber, not only offers only water and electrolytes, offers, with its great nutrients, what you need to start eating it already. It is one of the oldest crops, and is believed to originate in the northern Himalayan plains of India. Health.
Reasons to Start Eating Cucumber and a Low-Calorie Recipe
This vegetable is easy to grow. Varieties, which vary in size, shape and color, are grown throughout the world, in different climatic zones. In general, the fruit has dark green skin, rich humid crunchy flesh and small edible seeds concentrated in its core. If allowed to grow without interruption, the fruit continues to grow in size, its skin becomes harder and turns yellow, and the seeds harden and are not edible.
Moisturizes the body
A fresh cucumber is 90 percent water, so if you do not have a lot of fun pouring water from the jug, a salad that includes cucumber can be a great alternative.
Combat solar damage
Eating cucumber manages to control the level of acidity in the skin. Applying cucumber to the skin can heal sunburn. Health.
Eliminates toxins
All the water in the cucumber acts like a vacuum cleaner that eliminates what the body does not need. In fact, regular consumption of cucumber can dissolve kidney stones.
Replenish vitamins
Cucumbers contain as many vitamins as the human body requires per day. Vitamins A, B and C help the immune system and provide energy. For the effect of cucumber to be more effective, it can be combined with spinach and carrot in a rich juice; But without removing the bark, as it contains 12 percent of the vitamin C we should consume daily. Health.
Minerals
Potassium, magnesium and silicon are minerals contained abundantly in cucumbers. Its main function is to tone, smooth and improve overall the appearance of the skin.
Digestion and weight loss
Due to its high water content and being low in calories, eating cucumber is ideal to include in the diet of those looking to lose weight. It is recommended to add it as a supplement, in salads, or serve it with low fat yogurt. In addition, its high fiber content makes it very conducive to the digestion process. If consumed daily, it helps prevent chronic constipation.
Ends with dark circles
The anti-inflammatory properties of cucumbers, are very useful to remove dark circles or “bags” under the eyes. Although they think it is a cliché, it is highly recommended to put two slices of cucumber on the closed eyes to eliminate the swelling. Health.
Fight against cancer
Secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol, are three lignans contained in cucumbers, which are strongly linked to the prevention of various types of cancer, such as breast, ovary, prostate and uterus. Eating cucumber, is within the preventive actions that are recommended to do.
Fights diabetes, lowers cholesterol and controls blood pressure
Cucumber juice contains a hormone necessary for pancreatic cells to produce insulin, a hormone beneficial to patients with diabetes. Researchers have discovered that sterols, a chemical compound containing cucumbers, are able to lower cholesterol levels. Potassium, magnesium and fiber from cucumbers also help regulate blood pressure.
Healthy gums and fresh breath
The juices that spill the cucumber when being chewed, heals and refreshes the diseased gums; But also the phytochemicals it contains, assure us that we have a good breath. Simply put a slice of cucumber between your teeth for a half hour so that the bacteria that cause bad breath “die.” Health.
Perfect hair and nails
The silicon and sulfur contained in cucumbers help to have shiny, strong and healthy hair and nails. They also contribute to its rapid growth.
Promotes joint health
The same silicon, causes the joints to become stronger, thanks to which it strengthens the connective tissues. When consumed as juice along with a little carrot, it eliminates arthritis pain and gout, by reducing uric acid.
Heals the hangover
Cucumbers contain lots of vitamin B, sugar and electrolytes needed to prevent hangovers or headache on awakening. Before going to sleep it is recommended to eat some slices or cuts of cucumber, especially its has been drunk alcohol. Health.
Keeps Kidneys in Shape
As mentioned, cucumbers reduce uric acid in the body and therefore keep the kidneys healthy.
They’re delicious
A good cucumber cut into pieces with some dressing or maybe salt, lemon and a little chili, are the perfect snack for any day.
Cucumber is the fourth most harvested vegetable in the world, is very nutritious and good for health. So always try to have in your refrigerator to make your appetizers, juices or salads.
Here’s a delicious, healthy, low-calorie recipe that will serve as an appetizer or accompany your meals making them lighter. Health.
Low-calorie recipe with cucumber
Ingredients:
– 2 cups finely chopped peeled and seeded cucumber
– 1/2 cup seeded tomato cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 chili/chili of your choice (jalapeño, tree, etc.) without seeds and chopped
– 4-1 / 2 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 clove garlic, chopped
– 1/4 cup greek yogurt (you can also use cottage cheese/ricotta)
– 1-1 / 2 teaspoon lemon juice
– also 1-1 / 2 teaspoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– also 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Intermediate toast
Firstly in a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Than in another bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin, and salt. Finally pour over cucumber mixture and mix gently to cover. Serves immediately with whole-grain toast. Health.
Note: 1/4 cup has only 16 calories
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