Wellness Wows (Cucumber)


Kudos to Cucumber!

Discover the health benefits of cucumber as a natural coolant; hydrating agent; nutrient-dense fruit with high fibre content, vitamins and antioxidants; a beauty enhancer; a composting material and a detox facilitator.

 

Photo courtesy: Pexels.com

BY PRAMITA BOSE

Summer Special

Cucumber juice with a little hint of pink salt, crushed ice and some ginger slivers makes for a perfect summer treat.

Benefits

Apart from hydration, cucumbers provide some important health benefits. They offer nutrients like vitamins K and C, potassium and magnesium that help build healthy bones and preserve a strong heart. Moreover, the antioxidants found in cucumbers help reduce the damaging free radicals, which could lower the risk of chronic diseases. Other health advantages include removal of toxins since it is rich in water and fibre, fighting inflammation and diseases, maintenance blood pressure at a normal rate and cutting down on the unwanted fat. It makes the stomach feel full for an extended period of time with fewer calories, and ample water and fibre content. The cooling character of a cucumber also relaxes the skin and decreases puffiness or swelling around the eyes.


Unique Recipes

A lesser-known yet very tasty cucumber dish is kakdi koshimbir, a Maharashtrian cucumber salad. The salad mixes finely diced cucumber with roasted peanuts, fresh coconut and chopped green chillies, and is taken to another level with tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. It is an absolute delight with crunchy and flavourful taste that should accompany any traditional Indian meal.


This cooling sorbet is another ideal summer titbit. Blend 2 peeled and chopped cucumbers, a bunch of mint leaves, 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of 1 lemon. Chill the mixture for 4-5 hours, stirring every now and then to ensure a smooth consistency. When set, scoop and serve as a refreshing dessert. This sorbet is moisturising, calorie-free and rich in antioxidants, thereby scoring some brownie points as a healthy and tasty option.

Beauty Pack

The combination of milk, cucumber extracts plus rice water is rich in antioxidants and chemical exfoliators that help pulling off the dead skin cells from your face. This, in turn, aids in reviving the lost radiance and deleting dullness. You get back your even toned skin and brighter complexion without compromising on your skin’s pH level because all the said ingredients are skin-friendly.



Cucumber Variety

Seminis Malini is the most commonly accessible and the best-selling breed of cucumbers in India and is worth adding to your routine.



FACTOID

Belonging to the climbing and creeping vine plant of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae or cucurbit) that sprouts cylindrical or spherical fruits — cucumber has become a go-to agent in almost every Indian kitchen because of its cooling character in torrid conditions across the tropical zone. It is native to the Chinese Himalayan region and is widely cultivated. It is also used as a vegetable for culinary purpose and comes in three chief varieties — slicing, pickling and seedless, respectively, within which multiple cultivars further exist.

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