What can you do with Cucumbers?
If you are like me you don’t often think of cucumbers as a delicious, fulfilling bite to eat. Let’s be serious, do you ever think of them at all? If you had a glut of cucumbers would you be able to easily come up with a multitude of tasty dishes featuring the humble cucumber? That is besides an addition to salads, juices or added to your gin and tonic?
This year the most successful crop in my organic garden is cucumbers. So yes, the dilemma is real. At first I tried adding them to a few Asian inspired stir-fry’s and all I can say about that is, actually no. Not a fan! Now it’s the end of our summer growing season and the cucumbers are coming in thick and fast. So one day last week I decided to simply eat the cucumber as a substitute to my afternoon apple and here are a few things I have learnt.
Organic, just off the vine cucumbers are damn tasty and crunchy, refreshing and altogether yummy. Nothing like the older, slightly less firm (organic or not) compatriots from the market. Truly, I am delighted to say that I’ve found a whole new respect for this unassuming fruit.
Are Cucumbers Healthy?
This afternoon as I sat eating my cucumber snack I thought about my tasty new favourite. What about the health benefits? I remembered that putting slices on your eyes is touted to reduce puffiness and inflammation so, what else can these fresh morsels do for you? As it turns out, quite a lot actually.
Fun Fact: Cucumbers are one of the oldest cultivated crops believed to have originated in the Indian Subcontinent.
Cucumbers are packing a health punch far above their weight. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin K, B, C & A, copper, phosphorus, manganese and potassium, as well as phytonutrients called Lignans. Cucumbers are also approximately 95% water so they are an amazing boost to your hydration.
Health Benefits of Cucumbers
The health benefits of eating cucumbers regularly include;
- Improved skin and hair
- Strengthened bones, helps prevent osteoporosis
- Improved heart health
- Balanced hydration
- Detoxification of the body
- Improvements to renal system health
- Good for dental health
- Amazing benefits for the nervous system
- Great for gut and bowel health
- Help manage blood sugar levels
- Reduced insulin resistance
- Improved immune system
- Helps the body to fight free radicals and ageing
- Has amazing anti-inflammatory properties
The next time you are walking through your fresh fruit and vegetable market take a second look at the beautiful cucumber. I always recommend organic vegetables so that goes without saying. I think you will be surprised and delighted when you rethink this quiet, unassuming delight.
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