Cucumbers

Photo credit: The Daily Green

Cucumbers are probably my favorite vegetable, I love to eat them with humus as well as dressing. I also like the fact that because they are 95% water they are what I call a free food, with only 13 calories and no fat, I can eat as many medium cucumbers as I want.

A natural regulator for the body's inner temperature stems from the fact they are 95% water. Cucumbers will also help to flush out harmful toxins naturally. The skin of the cucumber is similar to aloe in aiding with sunburn along with minor irritations to the skin. If you have ever seen someone with cucumbers on their eyes it is because the juice from the cucumber is known to reduce puffiness around the eyes and also to keep acne at bay.

Cucumbers also may aid in the reduction of high blood pressure to the rich content of potassium and magnesium. This is along with a diet of lean proteins and low starch. They also may aid in the prevention of certain bladder or kidney stones if consumed on a regular basis, or to regulate uric acid.

One medium cucumber also contains the following.

 Vitamin C 5.5 mcg
Molybdenum 5.6 mcg
Vitamin A 223.60 UI
Folate 13.52 mcg
Magnesium 11.44 mg
Fiber 0.83 g

Photo credit: Simply Recipes

Cucumbers also make a nice refreshing drink on a hot summer day, take a look at all the recipes at Yummly.

     Honey & Cucumber Facial

Puree one cucumer, and press throught a sieve to remove any chunks. Add 3 tsp of honey.
Pat gently over neck, underneath chin and over your face with a light cloth or cotton ball. Refrigerate up to one week.

                                                                    Clear Skin Mask

If you are occasionally troubled by blemishes, this easy mask will help to prevent them.
Place the following in a blender and blend until smooth:
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 tablespoon instant nonfat dry milk
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

                                                         Cucumber Sandwiches

Photo credit: WB Cheese

Cucumbers

Low Fat Cream Cheese

Dill Weed

Cocktail bread

Skin off or on does not matter, cut cucumber thinly. Spread low fat cream cheese on to the cocktail bread, this can usually be found at the deli, if not ask. Sprinkle dill weed ligthly over low fat cream cheese, place cucumber on top, add another sprinkle of dill weed on to the cucumber, and eat.

My kids will have me in the kitchen for an hour making these. You can also use regular bread, but this is much more fun!!

How do you use cucumbers my beautiful friends?