Vegetables and Fruits For your Good Health >> Cucumber

The expression "as cool as a cucumber", befits this cool and refreshing plant. Cucumber has a very cool and soothing effect on the body. It is rich in vitamin A, e, B1 and calcium. It has a high content of aloe vera and is popular ingredient in face masks and creams. It is excellent for the stomach. This cooling agent quietens burning stomachs, soothes nerves and cools fiery tempers. The cucumber has a soft green color. Green, say color therapists, is the color of peace and calm. So if you want to soothe a queasy stomach or even calm a raging temper, just eat a cucumber and get instant relief. It gives you equanimity of mind and allays wild fears. It is a friend while chasing impossible deadlines, when under tremendous stress or even when feeling lonely and depressed.

Cucumber juice improves eyesight. It cures acidity and indigestion.

• Cut 2 slices of cucumber. Lie down in a dark room and place the slices over closed eyes for ten minutes. Follow this routine regularly to remove dark circles under the eyes. This adds luster to the eyes and removes tiredness.
  
• Cucumber purifies the blood and makes the complexion sparkle. It is an excellent moisturizer. It prevents ageing and smoothens wrinkles.
  
• Peel and grate a small cucumber and mix with 2 tbsp. of curd. Apply the paste evenly over face, neck and arms. This mask lightens the complexion, removes blemishes and acts as an anti-wrinkle agent.
  
• Peel and grate 2 medium sized cucumbers. Add into a bowl of smoothened curd. Add 4 chopped green chillies, one chopped onion, coriander leaves, cumin powder and salt. This makes for a delicious and nutritious raita.