Health & Beauty Benefits of Cucumber!

One of the most used vegetables in salads and sandwiches, cucumber is often referred as a 'super food'. This green vegetable is a sure shot favourite of all the health conscious people. This is one such veggie that finds its way in most Indian homes as soon as summers arrive.

Well, cucumber has some exciting health and beauty benefits that will make you pick it up right now. Here you go!

#1. Instant glow

Cucumber is known to have slight bleaching properties that can help you in getting rid of skin tanning. In fact, skin burns can also be treated with cucumber paste. Not just that, it also helps in giving your sking that desired glow.

#2. Rejuvenated skin

The high amount of water content in cucumber flushes out toxins from your system and hydrates your skin, and helps to tackle skin woes.

#3. Fairer complexion

The silica present in this wonder vegetable improves skin complexion and makes skin radiant. Grate a cucumber and squeeze the juice. Dab it on your skin with clean cotton balls, and wash your face with cold water after 10 minutes. You will in notice the glow no time! 

#4. Acne marks

To lighten acne marks, prepare a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply it on acne scars. But, don’t expect immediate results. Improvement will be noticeable over a course of time.

#5. Smooth skin

For a blemish-free skin, blend a cucumber until it is entirely liquid, and then add rosemary essential oil and egg white in it. Apply this paste evenly on your face, and wash it off after 15 minutes. This way, you are sure going to get that silky smoooth skin.

#6. Anti-ageing benefits

It is filled with antioxidants, like Beta-carotene and lutein, which help to fight free radicals in your body. This provides protection to the skin against the signs of ageing.

#7. Puffy eyes

Cucumber skin contains vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which prevent water retention and reduce skin irritation. This explains why cucumber slices work as natural eye pads and are used topically to tackle puffiness around your eyes.

#8. Chlorine-damaged hair

Love to go for a swim, but have an overriding anxiety that chlorine will damage your hair? Worry no more! Dive into the pool fearlessly, but before that prepare a conditioner to counter chlorine damage. Blend 1 cucumber, 1 egg and 1 tbsp. olive oil well. Apply this mixture on your hair evenly. Leave it on for 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it off. Use it regularly for best results.

#9. Strengthens hair

Drinking cucumber juice will provide your body with silicon, sodium, calcium, sulphur, etc., all of which are the nutrients that are needed for hair growth and hair strengthening. All you need to do is, rinse your hair with cucumber juice regularly and you will get silky, shiny hair soon.

#10. Tackles cellulite problems

If you are looking for natural ways to tackle cellulite problems, then let cucumbers be your go-to food. Eating cucumbers help to treat cellulite. Rubbing its slices on the problem area, can help you to get rid of cellulite. You can also prepare a paste of cucumber juice, grounded coffee and honey. Now, apply it on the problemetic area. Wrap this in a muslin cloth for 30 minutes before exfoliating and rinsing it off.

#11. Hydrates the body from inside

With a sudden spike in temperature, the only way to fight dehydration is drinking ample amount of water. But if you are too busy, eat more and more cucumbers as they contain over 90 per cent water. This helps in flushing the toxins out of your system for good and keeping the internal system clean.

#12. Aids in weight loss

Being high in water content and low in calories make it perfect for those who are trying to lose weight. Cucumber is one of the best sources of dietary fibre as its flesh, seeds and membranes contain high amount of nutrients. Also, it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.

#13. Fights bad breath

Dental care routine includes brushing twice a day and flossing, but ever thought of adding cucumbers? Cucumbers contain a phytochemical that is known to fight the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath. Cut a slice of cucumber and hold it on the roof of your mouth with the help of your tongue for about 30 seconds. Try it to believe it!

#14. Cures headaches

Sort your nightmare of having a hangover before you doze off after a night of merrymaking. Cucumbers contain electrolytes, vitamin B and sugar. So, eat a few slices before going to bed to replenish your system with these essential nutrients. This helps in reducing the severity of headache the morning after.

Other benefits:

1) The minerals present in cucumber regulate the body’s blood pH levels and neutralises the acidity.

2) It keeps uric acid in check, which is known to cause inflammation in the joints and  the silica strengthens connective tissues of the joint.

3) The seeds of cucumber are diuretic and broom the gut to alleviate constipation.

4) It also contains compounds called sterols that keep a check on cholesterol level.

5) Potassium, fibre and magnesium in this veggie regulate blood pressure.

6) Lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol present in cucumber are known to reduce the risk of various cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate and uterine.

7) Last, but not the least, cucumbers also help to relieve stress. Eating this amazing vitamin-rich veggie can help to regulate the functioning of adrenal glands. This is known to counter the effects of stress on your body.

Don’t we now have enough reasons to include more of cucumbers in our diets? Make the most of this wonder vegetable, and cruise your way to a healthful life!