Cucumber known as “kheera” in hindi is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. There are three main varieties of cucumber : slicing, pickling, and burpless. It is originally from Southern Asia, but now grows on most continents. Many different varieties are traded on the global market. In North America, the term “wild cucumber” can refer to plants in the genera Echinocystis and Marah, but these are not closely related. It is one of the vegetable with highest water content present in it. It is a light green to dark green in colour from exterior and light green colour from inside with seeds which are edible and the texture of this vegetable is crunchy that’s why it is one of the favourite salad ingredient. here are Cucumber health benefits.

Cucumber benefits for hair,skin and health benefits of cucumber (kheera)

Stain Remover

It can be used to remove stubborn stains and tarnish from stainless steel tools, countertops and walls in the house. It also restores the lost shine of the tools. The chemicals found in It are also used in making shoe polishes to make them more shiny.

Control Pest

Place slices of it in containers around the garden to control slugs and pests in the area. The chemical in these vegetables releases a scent that wards of the pests and insects.

Cucumber health benefits(kheera)

• Cucumber health benefits for Kidney

The water content in it aids the function of the kidneys by promoting urination. The regular consumption of it can also dissolve kidney stones over time.

• Fights Intestinal Worm

Cucumber seeds are considered as a natural remedy to eliminate tapeworm from the intestinal tracts. The seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties effective in the treatment of swellings of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

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• Antioxidants

Cucumbers contain a good amount of antioxidants like B-carotene, A-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein which act as scavengers against free radicals that lead to ageing and other age-related diseases.

• Cucumber health benefits for Diabetes

Cucumber juice contains hormones. These are needed by the pancreas for producing insulin that is extremely beneficial to diabetic patients.

• Anti-Cancer

Cucumbers are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These 3 lignans are strongly connected with reducing the risk of developing several kinds of cancer like breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

• Cucumber health benefits for Dental
  

Cucumber also cares for the dental health by combating bad breath. The vegetable releases phytochemicals that kill the bad breath causing bacteria. Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of the mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath. This is one of important Cucumber health benefits.

• Cucumber health benefits for Digestion

Digestive problems like heartburn, acidity, gastritis and even ulcer can be cured by the daily consumption of it or cucumber juice. It can also treat the problem of constipation.

• Fiber

Cucumber peel is a very good source of dietary fiber. Cucumber health benefits for constipation and indigestion and prevents stomach-related diseases by eliminating the toxic compounds.

• Cucumber health benefits for Bones

Vitamin K in it plays a very important role in strengthening bones by promoting orthotropic activity. The high amount of silica in it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissue.

Skin benefits of Cucumber

• Reduces Puffiness of the Eyes

The ascorbic acid and caffeic acid in cucumber brings down the water retention rate cucumber benefits the swelling and puffiness around the eyes.

• Revitalizes Skin

Most important skin benefit of cucumber is that it. cucumber benefits in revitalizing the skin. Facial masks containing cucumber juice are beneficial for skin tightening.

• Reverses Skin Tanning

It has a mild bleaching property that can reverse skin tanning and give a youthful and glowing skin.

• Treat Open Pores

Extract cucumber juice and use it as a toner. You can also mix it with apple cider vinegar, tomato pulp and Aloe Vera gel to make it more effective.

• Hydrates Skin

It contains 95% of water which keeps the skin hydrated and well moisturized. Its seeds are rich in Vitamin E and potassium, which help in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and other signs of ageing.

•  Cucumber for Dark Circles

Putting kheera slices around the eyes also reduces the appearance of dark circles quickly. Place 2 slices of cucumbers on the eyes and leave them for 20 minutes. Alternatively, soak 2 cotton balls in cucumber juice and place them on your eyes.

• Helps Soothe Sunburn

Putting cucumber slices on sunburnt skin brings instant relief.

Benefits of cucumber for hair

• Silky and Smooth Hair

Cucumber juice as hair rinse to get silky and shiny hair. Cucumber benefits for conditions the hair and makes it more manageable.

• Cucumber for Hair

It, in the form of the juice, contributes to the hair growth primarily due to its content of silicon, sulphur, sodium, phosphorus and calcium which are some of the most needed nutrients required for hair growth. Drink juice daily to control hair fall.

Ways to have Cucumber in diet (cucumber recipes)

Cucumber cooler

Ingredients:

2 cucumber , peeled and cubed
1 tsp lemon juice
4 tsp mint syrup
1/2 tsp black salt
8 tbsp crushed ice
4/5 mint leave (opt)

Method:

• Combine the cucumber, lemon juice, mint syrup and black salt with 1 cup water in and blend in a mixer till smooth.
• Strain the mixture using a strainer.
• In each shot glass, place 2 tbsp of crushed ice and pour equal quantity of the juice over it. Serve immediately.

Fresh salad

Ingredients:

2 carrot , finely chopped
2 cucumber , finely chopped
2 tsp finely chopped cabbage
2 onions , chopped
2 tomatoes , chopped
2 green chillies , chopped
1/4 mustard powder
2 tsp coriander leaves
2 tsp chopped mint leaves
1/4 tsp black salt
2 cups curds
salt to taste

Method:

• Combine all the vegetables in a bowl along with little salt and mix well. Keep aside.
• Add the curds and mix well.
• Add the green chilli and mustard powder, black salt and mix well.
• Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Serve chilled.