Ah, the lowly cucumber. The cucumber is perhaps the most underestimated vegetable. Well, after you read this article I'm sure your ideas about the cucumber will change. The cucumber is chock full of nutrition and health benefits, and is a must for the healthy lifestyle. Check out some of these cucumber benefits, and then try out my own personal recipe: Salad Cucumber á La VinBar.

Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar Health Benefits

The cucumber is a vegetable that belongs to the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis and other squashes. When its dark green skin is peeled, a whitish or light green flesh can be seen. There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties and the slicing varieties. In general the pickling types are smaller than the slicing types, only about 2 to 4 inches in length. The most famous cucumber benefit is how they make you feel cool, including the coolness they give to the eyes, especially in the summer. However, they are associated with a number of other health and nutrition benefits too. To know about them, read on.

Vitamin and Mineral Content in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar

The raw, unpeeled cucumbers in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar contain the following nutrients per 100 grams: Carbohydrates - 3.63 gm, Sugars - 1.67 gm, Dietary Fiber - 0.5 gm, Fat - 0.11 gm, Protein - 0.65 gm, Thiamin (Vitamin B1) - 0.027 mg, Vitamin B2(Riboflavin) - 0.033 mg, Niacin (Vitamin B3) - 0.098 mg, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - 0.259 mg, Vitamin B6 - 0.040 mg, Folate (Vitamin B9) - 7 mcg, Vitamin C - 2.8 mg, Calcium - 16 mg, Iron - 0.28 mg, Magnesium - 13 mg, Phosphorus - 24 mg, Potassium - 147 mg, Zinc 0.20 mg

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Cucumbers and Eating Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar

- Raw cucumber, when applied to the skin, can help reduce heat and inflammation.

- As a diuretic, the cucumber, when eaten, cools and cleanses, and is therefore beneficial to the skin.

- Cucumber water is great for heartburn, sour stomach and can even ease ulcer pain. Here's where you can find my cucumber water recipe.

- Cucumber slices on the eyes can reduce swelling and feels refreshing and soothing.

- Eating Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar can ease symptoms of arthritis, gout and eczema.

- Cucumber has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from lung, stomach and chest problems.

- Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar moderates the blood pressure because of its potassium content.

- Erepsin, a protein digesting enzyme, is found in Salad Cucumber á la Vinbar.

- Cucumber water and juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.

- Cucumber water and juice can help ease rheumatism by cutting down excessive uric acid in the body, especially when taken with carrot juice.

- Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from diseases of the teeth and gums, especially in cases of pyorrhea.

- The minerals in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar are good for the nails and help prevent them from splitting.

- Cucumber has been associated with healing properties in relation to diseases of the kidney, urinary tract, liver and pancreas.

- Relief of symptoms of diabetics.

And now it's time, finally, for the tasty recipe you've been anticipating, Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar:

- 2 whole scrubbed unpeeled slicing cucumbers (preferably organic, of course) - quarter cup white vinegar - pepper and salt (to taste) - 1 teaspoon of raw sugar (Remember, if it's white, it ain't right!)

Mix together, allow to mix and marinate for a little while, then voilá, you've got delicious Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar. It's simple, but it's succulent! For a delicious, cooling effect on a hot summer day, try adding some fresh dill or cilantro.

Salad Cucumber á la Vinbar is a nutritious, healthy and refreshing accent to any meal, while cucumber water is a delightfully refreshing drink on a hot summer day. Cucumber benefits are many, so it's important to integrate this valuable vegetable into your eating routine. Salad Cucumber á la Vinbar is a delicious way to do just that. Healthy eating!