This Week: Cucumber!

Cucumber Facts

Cucumbers are more than just a spa treatment staple; they offer a variety of surprising benefits. Here are some fun facts about this refreshing vegetable, along with tips on how to use cucumbers to alleviate headaches, hangovers, and bad breath!

Cool as a Cucumber:

The phrase originates from cucumbers' ability to cool blood temperature. When applied to the skin, they can reduce facial swelling, making them popular in skincare routines.

Freshen Your Breath:

If you forget gum or mints while dining out, ask for sliced cucumbers. Press a slice against the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to neutralize bad breath. The phytochemicals in cucumbers kill the bacteria responsible for unpleasant odors.

Nutritional Powerhouse:

Cucumbers are packed with Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, along with folic acid, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc—making them a natural alternative to multivitamins.

Stress Relief:
To unwind, chop an entire cucumber and add it to a pot of boilingwater. The steam released will have soothing, aromatic propertiesthat help relieve stress.

Fog-Free Mirrors:
Combat foggy bathroom mirrors by rubbing a cucumber slice alongthe surface. This will eliminate mist and leave a refreshing aroma.

Hydration Helper:

Struggling to drink your eight glasses of water daily? Cucumbers are 95% water, making them an excellent snack to help you stay hydrated while curbing hunger.

Erase Mistakes:

For quick fixes on paper, the waxy skin of a cucumber can be used to erase pen marks, functioning like a natural eraser.

Naturally Clean Surfaces:

Want to clean and brighten your bathroom without harsh chemicals? Wipe a cucumber slice on faucets and stainless steel surfaces to remove tarnish and build-up for a sparkling finish.

Hangover Remedy:

If you’ve overindulged, eat slices of cucumber before bed. They contain sugar, B vitamins, and electrolytes to replenish lost nutrients, helping you wake up headache-free.

Afternoon Energy Boost:

Skip sugary energy drinks! Cucumbers are a source of B vitamins and carbohydrates, providing a natural energy boost without the crash.

Easy Recipe: Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:
400 grams mixed baby plum tomatoes, halved
1 large salad cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
Generous splash of olive oil

2 or 3 splashes of fresh lime juice
Fleur de Sel, to taste

Method:

In a salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, oregano, olive oil, and lime juice. Toss well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Just before serving, sprinkle Fleur de Sel on top and enjoy generous portions!

Incorporate more cucumbers into your diet and take advantage of their numerous benefits!