|
Unlike the hearty carrot, the cucumber
contains few nutrients. Indeed it is 95 percent water. But as your
mother told you, it is cooling and great for the skin.
Cucumber provides a little B vitamin,
some vitamin C and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium
and potassium. Cucumbers can be easily digested as they contain
enzymes.
100 grams cucumber contain 0.5 g
protein, 3.4 g carbohydrate, 14 mg calcium, 21 mg phosphorus, 0.2 mg
iron, 13 mg sodium, 76 mg potassium, 0.03 mg vitamin B1, 0.06 mg
vitamin B2, 0.1 mg niacin and 9.7 mg Vitamin C.
Traditionally cucumber seeds were used
to help cure diseases of the bowels. These seeds contain saponin and
this is why they are used to expel worms in children. Ripe raw
cucumbers are said to be good for sprue, a disease which causes the
mucous membranes of the stomach to become inflamed.
According to herbalist, cucumber helps
the body to get rid of excess fluid, while the juice is thought to
control high blood pressure and help to reduce weight. Taken together
with carrot and celery juice, it helps to ease rheumatic conditions.
Cucumber has a cleansing, cooling and
softening effect on the skin due to its enzymes. It is often used in
facials to improved the complexion. To use cucumber as a natural
beauty mask, blend 1/2 cup of chopped cucumber, 2 teaspoon of powdered
milk and one egg white into a smooth paste. Apply the paste in upward
swirling motions onto both face and neck and allowed to dry for 30
minutes before being rinsed off with water. Splash the face and neck
with cool water and finally blot it dry.
Cucumber is also soothing for minor
burns. Simply rub a slice over the burn. The vitamin E content could
explain its effectiveness.
It is a good complement to oily and
spicy food as the acid content helps to neutralize pungent food and
help wash down the oil. That is why cucumber is believed to be able to
prevent indigestion. |