The Joy of Cucumbers!!

Cucumbers can make a big impression on a yogi’s diet, part of the melon, pumpkin and courgette family it is packed with goodness and naturally distilled water which makes it superior to normal water bringing hydration for the body.  After a great asana practice why not tuck into a cucumber, re-hydrate and also enjoy these other important benefits to take care of our bodies our ultimate home for our very being. 

A cucumbers skin has a high percentage of vitamin A (good for cell repair, immune system and good vision) so always best not to peel it.  Also there is a good percentage of vitamin C (good for healing of wounds, immune system and to prevent cancers) folate, manganese and anti-oxidants.  In lesser amounts it contains potassium, B complexes, sodium, calcium and phosphorus. 

Folate or folic acid (vit B12) is wonderful for cell repair, for the heart and keeping the brain young, sounds good to me!

It is really great at helping reduce or preventing water retention, hence when we have puffy eyes putting slices of cucumber over the eyelids will bring back softness and radiance!

It is soothing for gastric and duodenal ulcers.  It can help regulate blood pressure for both low and high because of its minerals and traces of sodium.

Cucumbers can help to build our connective tissues hence our muscles, bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, as it is an excellent source of silica.  And if you are suffering with any arthritis or rheumatism it can really help to counter uric acid that builds up in the joints causing inflammation and pain.   This is true also for anyone suffering with asthma or gout.

As well as all this it encourages detox as the toxins are removed through urination, which is encouraged from the water intake from the cucumber.

Give your immune system a boost with a cucumber!

Here is a lovely recipe for cucumber salad, it’s best to choose nice dark green ones that are firm to the touch, and I am talking about the cucumbers!!

1 large cucumber

1 tablespoon of unsalted cooked peanuts chopped in half

2 teaspoons of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

Salad dressing-

½ cup of fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons of water

½ teaspoon of sea salt or rock salt

½ teaspoon of black pepper

½ teaspoon of dark Soya sauce

Pinch of chilli

Cut the cucumber keeping the skin to the required size, add the peanuts, seeds and dressing and allow to sit for 10 mins or longer before serving.

Enjoy your cucumbers!!

Eat well, breathe well, sleep well, and live well!

Om Shanti shanti shantih

Mangala/Nicky.