Cucumbers

The cucumber is a type of melon and comes from the same family as watermelon, zucchini and other squash. It is cylindrical in shape with lengths of approximately 6 to 9 inches. Its skin is very similar to watermelon, ranges from green to white. Inside, the flesh is pale green and very juicy.

The cucumber is a tropical plant but is also easily available in most part of the world. However, in some cultures, cucumber is more often used to make pickles, of which most of its nutrients would have been lost.

The inside of a cucumber is about 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding temperature. That makes it a natural for beautifying the face, along with the magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and other nutrients contained cucumbers contain. Also, they are 96 percent cool water.

Try placing a slice of cucumber on each eye and rest for 15 minutes if your eyes are puffy. Cukes can banish dark circles under eyes, too, and tighten sagging skin. Combine a grated cucumber with a half cup of milk and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then spread the resulting paste under your eyes and let it stay for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. It works and is much cheaper than those pricy cosmetics sold to take off years from your face.

Skip the mouthwash, too. Cucumbers tame bad breath. Press a slice or two to the roof of your mouth with your tongue and hold for 30 seconds. The phytochemcials in cucumbers will kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.

It is now know cucumber can help counter uric acids that are causing inflammation in joints. When cucumber is taken it does it's cleaning work at the joints, thus stirring up pain as it eliminates the uric acid.

When there is a sunburn, make cucumber juice and rub it on the affected area for a cooling and healing effect.

So can I ask... have you had your cucumber today?