CUCUMBER NUTRITIONAL VALUE

I really wanted a cucumber nutritional value source since it's mid summer and I write this and I've been enjoying an abundance of fresh, organic cucumbers from my garden. Just what are the health benefits of cucumber? I discovered and wanted to share!

Cucumbers are from the same family as gourds, squash and zucchini but a cucumber is 95% water which makes them wonderful for a hot summer day to help keep you cool and hydrated. They are also a very low calorie food with only about 13 calories per 1 cup of sliced cukes!

Though cucumbers are not rich in traditional vitamins and minerals they do contain nutritional value such as:

• Iron
• Potassium - A wonderful raw food for people fighting high blood pressure!
• Vitamin A - Highest in the rind of the cuke.
• Vitamin C
• Phytochemicals (plant compounds) - Cukes contain phytosterols and terpenes both believed to help diminish the risk of cancer. Incorporate more whole, raw foods in your diet to absorb the wonderful benefits of natural phytochemicals!
  

Here's some cucumber uses and cucumber remedies I'll bet you've never used!

Cucumber for acne - Apply cucumber juice directly on acne and leave on for 15 minutes then wash off with luke warm water.

Cucumber to sober up - Feed as much fresh cucumber as you can to an intoxicated person. It's said the cuke's enzyme, erepsin, may help lessen the effects of alcohol.

Cucumber for puffy eyes - Lay down and apply fresh cucumber slices over your tired, puffy eyes. They not only take down inflammation but soothe and heal also.

Cucumber for high blood pressure - As mentioned above, cukes are high in potassium and they're also a good diuretic. Try eating a cucumber each day. Mix a little cayenne pepper in for an added heart healthy bonus!

Cucumber for weight loss - Not only are cukes low in calories but they create bulk in the stomach making you feel full much quicker.

As you can see the cucumber nutritional value is much higher than you think! Now let's try mixing cucumber and vinegar for even more ways to enjoy cucumber nutritional value not to mention taste!

A COUPLE NO-CAN CUCUMBER PICKLE RECIPES

Recipe for Sweet Refrigerator Pickles
(p. 154 of The Garden-Fresh Cookbook)

Ingredients:

8 cups sliced cucumbers ( 6 to 8 medium cucumbers)
2 large onions, sliced
2 large red peppers, sliced
3 hot peppers, sliced
1 tablespoon pickling salt
2 cups cider vinegar
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons celery seed
2 teaspoons mustard seed



Directions: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices, onions, and peppers. Sprinkle with the salt and set the bowl aside for 1 hour. Drain and discard the liquid. In a bowl or jar with a lid, combine the vinegar, sugar, and seeds and whisk or shake until sugar is dissolved. Pour the liquid over the cucumbers. Transfer the cucumbers to a glass or plastic-covered container for storage and refrigerate. These will keep up to 3 months. Makes about 4 quarts.

Refrigerator Dill Pickles

Ingredients:

3-1/2 cups water
1-1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon canning salt (NOT table salt)
1 tablespoon sugar
cucumbers, unpeeled, sliced into disks (about 4 cups)
2 cloves garlic (whole)
2 heads fresh dill

Instructions:
Boil the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Cool. Add cucumbers, garlic, and dill in a plastic or glass bowl (not metal!). Cover with the cooled liquid. Put in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The pickles should be good for 6 weeks. Enjoy!

Find cucumber nutritional value in this great raw food recipe!

5 Ingredient Cucumber Toss

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers - peeled and chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup of your favorite italian dressing (I love Newman's Own Light Raspberry & Walnut!)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese

Toss everything together in a large bowl and chill for an hour or two before serving! YUM!

If you have any thoughts on this cucumber nutritional value page or a simple cumcumber remedy, please share below!



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