Not much air time is given to the humble cucumber. Most see it as an addition to a salad or perhaps a garnish but it is hardly ever the main affair. Look a little deeper, however, this simple “side dish” offers so much more than just being a decoration on your cocktail!
- It can cure bad breath!
Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth! A slice of cucumber pressed to the roof of your mouth for approximately 30 seconds or more with your tongue could kill the problematic bacteria that causes stinky breath!
Could the cucumber be the natural solution to fresh breath after a heavy meal?
2. It could reduce the risk of certain cancers
Cucumbers are said to contain lignans; lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol which have been said to be linked with reducing the risk of developing certain cancers such as breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancer. When consumed, bacteria in our digestive tract grab the lignans, converting them into enterolignans which in turn bind the estrogens receptors thereby reducing estrogen-related diseases including cancer.
3. Cucumbers have nutrients apart from water
Cucumbers contain Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium. So while they are a wonderful source of hydration, they do have nutritional value too!
4. Cucumbers can remove pen marks
The waxy coating of a cucumber can actually remove ink. Rubbing cucumber skin over ink writing can slowly remove the ink. Unlike the school erasers that were said to remove pen marks, these actually do!
5. Cucumbers can reduce water retention
Cucumbers can help reduce puffiness caused by water retention such as in the lower eye. The ascorbic acid and caffeic acid lower the water retention rate, shrinking the swelling and puffiness.
