I know, right?

Cucumbers?  Are they really good for ANYTHING other than being a little extra in your salad?

Yes!

One of my most peaceful memories involves this view.  And a waiter wading peacefully through sand with a tray – Ice water garnished with sliced cucumbers on one side and cool towels and sliced cucumbers to be placed over my eyes on the other.

Cucumbers are believed to have a hydrating effect on the eyes – reducing dark circles and puffiness because they are about 90% water.  And they are always cooler than the skin.

And much like Lemon Water, though not as sweet, cucumber water is extremely refreshing.

Here are a few other little bits of magic you might not know about cucumbers:


Photo Credit Jared Frazer

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

As a solid source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates, cucumbers can give you a quick pick-me-up that can last for hours…. replacing that afternoon dose of caffeine.

If you are stressed but don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa, you can cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water.  The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber react with the boiling water and will be released in the steam.  Placing your face nearby can be soothing….

And finally – it is believed that cucumbers can actually help to combat bad breath – soooo….  after a big meal, you can place a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds – it is believed the photo-chemicals in the cucumber kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Enjoy!