5: CUCUMBER & DIGESTION
As you consume cucumber, all digestion issues should be reduced including acidity, heartburn, ulcers, and gastritis; this is due to the high fiber content.
6: CUCUMBER FOR GLOWING SKIN
In truth, cucumber can help with a number of skin issues. When used as a natural toner, you can benefit from younger-looking skin and it can even remove oiliness to leave you glowing. If you have acne, add cucumber juice to your routine as a cleanser. You can purchase cucumber skin products here
7: CUCUMBER FOR HANGOVERS
Wait…what? That’s right, cucumbers will rehydrate the body and replenish lost nutrients while also removing the toxins that are created after consuming high levels of alcohol. For your headache and hangover symptoms, these should be reduced thanks to the vitamin B, sugar, and electrolytes within the cucumber.
8: CUCUMBER FOR BADBREATH
Since bad breath comes from bacteria within the mouth, cucumbers boost the production of saliva thanks to its high content of water and fiber. By doing this, your mouth finds it easier to wash away bacteria thus removing your bad breath.
9: CUCUMBER CAKE
Although it sounds strange, so did carrot cake and this took off so why not give cucumber cake a try today?
Best Cucumber Beauty Products
10: CUCUMBER TO REDUCE WRINKLES (& cELLULITE)
Of course, both are a natural side effect of getting older and every year we go off searching for magical products that slow this process down. By rubbing cucumber soap on the affected areas, you have one of the most basic tips of all; collagen will actually tighten thanks to the phytochemical within cucumber. By making your skin firmer, these two signs of ageing should reduce somewhat.
11: CUCUMBER FEET TREAT
After summer, our feet can be in a bad way but cucumbers can be used for a soothing exfoliation session. With a cucumber foot mask, blisters can heal, your feet feel rejuvenated, and dark skin can be lightened. With a simple search online, you’ll find plenty of recipes. Click here for the best cucumber feet treatment
12: REDUCE SNACKS WITH CUCUMBERS
When on a diet, snacking is the biggest problem around and it prevents millions of people from making progress. With this in mind, choose cucumber rather than a pack of chocolate treats and your hunger will soon disappear. When paired with a salad dressing or hummus, the effect is even stronger.
13: CUCUMBER STRESS BUSTER
Containing vitamins B1, B5, and B7, cucumber has been found to alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety. By consuming cucumber, you just might find it easier to get through the day.
14: CUCUMBER FOR OILY SKIN
15: CUCUMBER HELPS DIABETES
Considering cucumber contains a very important hormone, cucumber is a winner for all sufferers of diabetes. With this hormone, it aids the pancreas’ cells when producing insulin. Although not confirmed, early test-tube tests also reveal cucumber can lower blood sugar levels while also preventing other complications that arise with the condition.
16: CUCUMBER shines shoes
Before you click away with a smile on your face, this is absolutely true. With a little rub on the shoe from a cucumber, the chemicals inside will provide a fresh shine; not only will this look great for your job interview, it can repel water too.
17: CUCUMBER soap
If you like chilled soups, cucumbers are a great way to add flavor while keeping the calorie count low because they contain large amounts of water.
18: CUCUMBER for misty mirrors
We jump out the shower and can’t see our reflection in the mirror due to the condensation; trust us, you need to grab the cucumber. By rubbing one single slice over the mirror, you remove the fog and it also provides a nice relaxing fragrance in the bathroom.
19: CUCUMBER for antioxidants
Including both tannins and flavonoids, cucumbers are brilliant for antioxidant properties and this removes free radicals from your body and could decrease the risk of many diseases. With vitamins A, B, and C too, your immune system improves; with cucumber only providing around 10% of our required daily vitamin C count, try mixing it with other ingredients in a blender for best results.
20: CUCUMBER as a hair conditioner
Earlier, we saw cucumber as a shampoo but it can also be used as a conditioner because it removes frizz and makes your hair more manageable. With a small amount of juice, you can follow this with a dash of cold water and await the results. You can buy ready made cucumber conditioners here.
21: CUCUMBER for eyes
Surprised it took us this long to reach this benefit? Of course, spas often use cucumbers to boost skin function, hydrate the skin (high water content and natural ascorbic acid), and slow the effects of ageing. If the cucumber has been kept in the fridge, this coolness can also reduce swelling and contract blood vessels.
For eye bags, you need two thick slices and they should rest on the eyes for up to 15 minutes for positive results.
22: CUCUMBER fights inflammation
Although only tested in the laboratories so far, reports suggest cucumbers can calm the inflammatory response within the body. By preventing the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes, cucumber may also reduce inflammation in areas it shouldn't exist.
23: CUCUMBER bath
24: CUCUMBER for acne
Containing vitamins A, C, and E, this is coupled with various minerals (including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium) and amino acids to benefit the skin. With the astringent property of cucumber, acne should be cured and all redness should also be reduced. For people of all ages, acne can be a huge problem and this one ingredient, you probably already have one in the fridge, is a great solution. Check out the best cucumber acne products here
25: CUCUMBER helps constipation
As we've seen already, cucumber is rich in fiber which aids digestion thus removing constipation. With the skin itself, this has most of the vitamin A so you should always try to eat everything together rather than peeling the vegetable.
26: CUCUMBER soothes heartburn
With many cooling properties, this is great for the skin but it’s also helpful for easing heartburn in a natural way.
27: CUCUMBER for bone health
For many years, increased risk of bone fracture has been linked with a vitamin K deficiency in the modern diet. With a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, your vitamin K intake can increase and this allows calcium to be absorbed efficiently and, as we all know, calcium is the main mineral needed for bone strength.
28: CUCUMBER as a toner
As an astringent, cucumber can cleanse the skin but the cooling properties also rejuvenate a dull complexion (especially one with excess oil). Using a cucumber, you can open your pores and use the vegetable as a natural toner. Overall, this should have an impact both in the short and long-term.
29: CUCUMBER juice for skin
As you use the juice from cucumbers, your skin will feel moisturized and hydrated. As well as containing 95% water, the seeds in cucumbers contain high levels of vitamin E and potassium which reduce blemishes, wrinkles, and fine lines. As we saw previously, you can also place cucumber slices over your eyes as people have been doing in spas for many years.
30: LIGHTEN YOUR skin WITH CUCUMBER
If you combine cucumber with lemon juice (three parts to one), you can apply the result on your face/neck and it acts as a natural bleach. As long as you leave it on for around 15 minutes, you can wash it off with cold water and regular use can lead to some impressive results.
31: IMPROVE KIDNEY HEALTH WITH CUCUMBERS
With a great combination of water and fiber, you can protect yourself from kidney stones. If you treat yourself to a simple glass of cucumber water once a day, this water and fiber will really help your kidneys to function as normal.
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32: CUCUMBERS FOR SQUEAKY HINGES
If you have a door that squeaks within your home (or any other hinge), many sources say a simple rub with a slice of cucumber will remove this squeak in no time.
33: IMPROVED JOINTS WITH CUCUMBERS
Talking of hinges, consuming cucumber is also beneficial for our own hinges and joints. With cucumber containing silica, the connective tissues strengthen and this encourages joint health. Also boasting vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and D, this can be coupled with potassium, folate, magnesium, and calcium to keep the risk of gout and arthritis at bay (when mixed with carrot juice); this is achieved by reducing the levels of uric acid in the body.
34: CUCUMBERS IN WATER
So far, we’ve hinted at adding cucumber to water for the many benefits and this is why you get offered this refreshing beverage in high-quality spas. If you want to play around with the flavor (and health benefits), try adding lemons or mint; there are some fantastic recipes around.
35: CUCUMBERS IN PICKLES
In under half hour, you can prepare a few jars of cucumber pickles and there are several brilliant tutorials on YouTube. Offering the same cool taste but this time with more of a crunch, you can eat them as a snack or cut them up for a sandwich and you won’t believe you haven't tried this technique previously. You can buy ready made cucumber pickles here
36: CUCUMBERS FOR MAINTAINING WEIGHT
Cucumbers and Maintaining Weight - Since they’re both low in calories and filling, this is the perfect combination for maintaining weight. With soluble fiber aplenty in cucumber, this will break down into a gel within your gut which slows all digestion and keeps you feeling fuller throughout the day; this is why all fiber-heavy foods are important for maintaining weight.
37: CUCUMBERS AND BLOOD PRESSURE
With high levels of fiber, potassium, and magnesium, these three regulate your blood pressure very well which means cucumbers can be utilized for both high and low blood pressure.
38: CUCUMBERS & CHOLESTEROL
According to research, cholesterol levels can actually be reduced by a compound within cucumbers called ‘sterols’.
39: CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
Sure, we all like cucumber in a sandwich…but what about cucumber AS the sandwich. After cutting a cucumber in half, this can become your bread and you can choose your own filling from here.
40: CUCUMBERS & CANCER
Whenever the topic of cancer arises, we must always be careful but cucumbers do belong to the cucurbitaceae family of plants which makes them high in cucurbitacins. According to some research, they may have properties that prevent cancer cells from surviving in the body. Although there are no anti-cancer therapies or treatments that utilize this nutrient, there is still ongoing research regarding the topic that could prove promising in the near future.
41: CUCUMBERS FOR REMOVING STAINS
Are your countertops always stained from the ingredients of meals gone by? If so, try using cucumber as a new stain remover and you might just be surprised. By rubbing a couple of slices on the countertop, the chemicals within the cucumber should make light work of most stains.
42: CUCUMBER FOR STAINLESS STEEL
Considering most of us have stainless steel appliances, we know that it loses its shine after a few months and years. Rather than subjecting the appliance to harsh chemicals, you can use the superfood we’re discussing today; cucumber. With a thin slice, rub against the dull areas and this should bring back the shine and make the appliance look brand new.
43: CUCUMBERS FOR HEADACHES
Throughout the day, our body loses water and key nutrients through urine and sweat. To replenish this supply, cucumbers are one of the most efficient tools which makes them useful for headaches. By eating half a cucumber in some way before you go to bed, the water, electrolytes, and vitamins should get to work through the night and remove the headache by morning.
44: REMOVE ANTS WITH CUCUMBERS
If you have trouble with ants at certain times of the year, peel a cucumber near the entrance points to your home and leave it there overnight.
45: CUCUMBERS FOR CELLULITE
With a combination of fresh cucumber juice, grounded coffee beans, and honey, you can apply this mixture to any cellulite before then wrapping the area in a thin cotton cloth. After half hour, exfoliate the skin gently and smile at the results. You can also buy pre-made cucumber cellulite mixes here
46: CUCUMBERS AND FRECKLES
If you don’t like the freckles on your face, wipe your skin with cucumber juice and leave it for a while before washing it off with cold water. If you do this regularly enough, you can reduce the prominence of freckles.
47: CUCUMBERS FOR ANTI-AGEING
If you want to tighten the skin, cucumber is the way to go and can reduce the effects of wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. Since it contains good amounts of potassium and manganese, it won’t be long before you see a difference after applying regularly. You can purchase anti-aging cucumber gel here
48: CUCUMBERS NAILS
Sadly, brittle nails are a problem for many but cucumber and, more importantly, the silica inside, will make them come through stronger than ever before.
49: CUCUMBERS & RECIPES
Sometimes, we get stuck in the habit of using cucumber in salads and nothing else so why not try pickled cucumbers, cucumber and mint sorbet, baked cucumber chips, cucumber goat cheese, Thai cucumber salad, cucumber-infused water, and more.
50: CUCUMBERS PROTECT THE BRAIN
With fisetin, an anti-inflammatory flavonol, research suggests this can have a positive impact on the brain. As well as protecting the nerve cells from decline (as we age), fisetin can also improve our memory. In a recent test in mice, fisetin even prevented progressive learning and memory issues including those experienced with Alzheimer’s disease.
51: CUCUMBERS AND LIPS
52: CUCUMBERS TEA
Ok, perhaps not cucumber flavored tea because this would be a step too far but you can still enjoy a good tea with a cucumber sandwich.
53: CUCUMBER SOAP
54: CUCUMBER ICE LOLLIES
When combined with lime and mint, this will become one of the most refreshing ice lollies you’ve ever tasted and the kids may enjoy them too.
55: CUCUMBERS ENERGY BOOST
You know how it goes; we work hard all morning, have lunch, and then we lose energy by mid-afternoon. If you recognize this pattern, replace the coffee with a cucumber and you’ll notice the difference. With coffee, the energy boost is over within ten minutes and then you feel tired again. With a cucumber, the fast-acting carbs and B vitamins will get to work and provide a boost that’ll last for hours so you can get to work too.
56: SOUR CREAM & ONION CUCUMBER CRISPS
Not only are these crisps delicious, they’re also low in carbs and calories which makes them a great way to fill your stomach and prevent the need for snacks.
57: CUCUMBERS FOR INTESTINAL WORMS
With tapeworm and other conditions similar, treatment is tough but the cucumber is considered a natural remedy. With the enzyme erepsin found in cucumber, this is known to kill tapeworms.
58: CUCUMBERS POSITIVE AROMA
Unfortunately, we don’t all have the time to visit the spa every day. However, you can create the aroma while carrying on with your day-to-day activities. In a pan, boil water before adding an entire cucumber. As the nutrients and chemicals release and react with the water, it creates a heavenly aroma that can reduce stress. If you have a home-based business, or perhaps you’re studying for an exam, this is a fantastic solution.
59: CUCUMBERS AS A PAIN RELIEVER
With anti-inflammatory flavonoids, these work with the tannins and limit free radicals in their release which reduces pain around the body.
60: CUCUMBERS AND THE RENAL SYSTEM
As a diuretic, cucumber can help to flush toxins from the body and it can also relieve pressure on the kidneys.
Summary - As you can see, the health benefits of this superfood are almost endless so it seems almost criminal that we don’t have them in the fridge every week. Hands up if you’ve just added cucumbers to your next shopping list as cucumbers have an array of beauty uses, lifehacks & health benefits that now know.