THE BENEFIT OF CUCUMBER

Cucumbers soothe skin irritations, prevent water retention and are rich in water, fibre and beneficial minerals. It’s no wonder then that beauty products contain this beneficial vegetable.

So, who has not heard about the wonders cucumber pads can do for tired/over strained eyes? Just cut two slices of cucumber, lie down somewhere comfortable, relax and place the cucumber slices over your eyes. As they work their refreshing magic, in a matter of minutes, you can feel the puffiness and tiredness in your eyes being washed away by the moist cucumber.

If you want happy skin, cucumber is your answer, say beauty experts. As cucumber and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it becomes easy for cucumber to mask all the problem areas. It helps in soothing and softening your skin so you feel relaxed in no time. Scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, the cucumber belongs to the same family as watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin and other types of squash. Ever wondered how the phrase “cool as a cucumber” originated? Perhaps this is due to cucumber’s high water content (90 per cent) which lends it a unique moist and cooling taste.

Cucumber also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which soothe skin irritations. These two acid compounds prevent water retention, which is why cucumbers applied topically are helpful for swollen eyes, burns and dermatitis. Its hard skin is rich in fibre and contains a variety of beneficial minerals, including silica, potassium and magnesium. The silica in cucumber is an essential component of healthy connective tissues, which include muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. This is why beauty experts recommend drinking cucumber juice as a source of silica to improve the complexion and health of the skin.

Cucumbers are thought to have originated more than 10,000 years ago in southern Asia. Early explorers introduced this vegetable to India and other parts of Asia, and later to the United States. It was popularly used during the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome, not only as a food source but also for its skin healing properties.

Now that you know how good cucumbers are for you and your skin, besides eating them, you may want to slather some on your skin as well.