Cucumber

I love, love, love cucumbers. They are crisp, cool, and perfectly refreshing. I’ve been cucumber spoiled, as my grandpa grows the biggest and best ones that I’ve ever tasted. Cucumbers are one hydrating vegetable and really tasty in salads, salsas, dips, smoothies, infused in water, and just plain on their own.

  • Cucumbers are 95% water, which helps to keep our body nice and hydrated, while aiding in the elimination of toxins.
  • They contain three key polyphenols (antioxidants, baby!) that have a strong history of research in reduced risk of heart disease as well as several cancers.
  • They are a good source of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese.
  • Make sure to eat the skin and seeds of cucumbers. This is where many of the goodies (nutrients) are located. If you can’t buy organic, however, remove the skin so you’re not eating chemical wax.
  • Cucumbers contain silica, a trace mineral that contributes to strong connective tissues. Silica is necessary for, literally, keeping our bodies together and is necessary for the intracellular cement, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones.
  • You can use cucumbers topically for a variety of ailments and issues, including swellings underneath the eye, skin burn, and dermatitis. The ascorbic acid and caffein acid in cucumbers prevent water retention, therefore beneficial for puffy eyes and burns.

Vegukate Tips:

Try to buy organic, as cucumbers regularly fall on the “dirty dozen.” Not to mention, the skin of conventional cucumbers are coated with synthetic waxes than contain chemical contaminants. Ew.

Cucumbers are best stored in the refrigerator and eaten within one to three days. To extend their life a bit more, wrap them in individual paper towels before storage.