Why to Eat Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a beauty food that benefits the body both on the inside and outside.

Most people know that cucumbers are low in calories and make a satisfying snack and that they add a refreshing taste to water and crunch to vegetable platters. Here are some additional benefits that are not as well known.
Cucumbers Promote Internal Health

According to David Wolfe, author of Eating for Beauty, cucumbers have the remarkable reputation of being the best natural kidney cleanser. They are a diuretic that helps to cleanse the kidneys and bladder of debris and stones. Because they contain the enzyme erepsin, cucumbers also help rid the kidneys of excessive proteins, and they kill any tapeworms that may be in the digestive tract.

Author and physician Andrew Weil, best known for establishing and popularizing the field of integrative medicine, agrees that cucumbers can prevent water retention because they contain ascorbic acid and caffeic acid. This diuretic activity may contribute to lowering blood pressure. Dr. Weil also recommends the vegetable for its vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium and fiber content.

In addition, cucumbers supply the body with lots of fiber. According to The George Mateljan Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation with no commercial interests that hosts “the world’s healthiest food website” (www.whfoods.com), “Trying to get adequate dietary fiber on a daily basis is a challenge for many Americans. Adding a crunchy cool cucumber to your salads is an especially good way to increase your fiber intake because cucumber comes naturally prepackaged with the extra fluid you need when consuming more fiber.”

Cucumbers Support the Beauty of the Skin

Cucumbers also contribute to the beauty of the skin. The cucumber's skin, safely eaten if organic, contains silicon, which supports the elastic quality of the skin, tendons, and eyes. It also contains potassium and magnesium.

Because cucumbers have a high water content, they are naturally hydrating, and thus they contribute to glowing skin. Their diuretic properties and natural coolness can also explain why cucumbers are frequently used to prevent puffy skin around the eyes and to soothe burns and dermatitis.
A Refreshing Cucumber Side Dish

For people who do not enjoy eating cucumbers as a snack, the classic Indian dish Cucumber Raita is a refreshing alternative. This easy recipe, distributed by Dr. Weil, is a wonderful accompaniment not only to curries but also to vegetarian and meat entrees.
Read on

* Eating for Health and Beauty
* Shaved Fennel, Cucumber and Orange Dill Salad
* Composition and Health Benefits of the Cucumber

Cucumber Raita

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon salt

2 cups plain, nonfat yogurt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Mix the cucumbers, onion and salt in a bowl. Let stand for 1/2 hour.

2. Drain off liquid, rinse well with cold water, and drain; then soak in cold water to remove as much salt as desired. Drain again.

3. Add the yogurt, cumin and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

First published July 31, 2010 Sylvia Somerville