The humble cucumber is the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world and is known to be one of the best foods for your body’s overall health, often referred to as a superfood.

“Cucumber is a great source of vitamin B, which provides you with the energy you need for your day. Instead of coffee or soda, you can slice some cucumber and chew on it early in the morning,” nutritionist Dr. Abdulmajeed said.

Many dermatologists highly recommend a daily intake of cucumbers. “This vegetable is 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping it remove toxins,” said Dr. Abdulmajeed. “Cucumbers can help with skin irritations and sunburns, exactly like what aloe does. You could also place cucumber slices over puffy eyes as its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness. The silicon and sulfur in cucumbers encourage hair growth,” she added.

Studies show that cucumber is a miracle vegetable that can fight cancer. “They contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer,” said Dr. Abdulmajeed. “The juice of cucumber contains a hormone that is needed by the pancreatic cells to help it produce insulin, which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers may help reduce cholesterol levels. Cucumbers also contain huge amounts of potassium, magnesium and fiber, which are needed to regulate blood pressure,” she added.

Dentists would also recommend cucumbers when patients suffer from bad breath. “I would recommend everyone to take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of the mouth using the tongue for almost a minute,” said the nutritionist. “The phytochemicals will demolish the bacteria that is responsible for bad breath in your mouth,” she added.

Cucumbers are known to aid in weight loss and digestion. “Due to its low calorie and high water content, this vegetable is an ideal diet food for people who are looking to lose weight,” said Dr. Abdulmajeed. “The high water content and dietary fiber in cucumbers are very effective in removing toxins from the digestive system, aiding digestion,” she added.

One of the foods that can help support the heart is the cucumber because it is rich in metabolism, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. “A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside the body cells is essential for the body to properly function,” said Dr. Abdulmajeed. “As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration in order to carry out its functions, which include interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and heart function,” she added.

She gave some tips on how to choose and store cucumbers. “Make sure that the cucumber’s color is dark green and firm. Always avoid those that are yellowish or are wrinkled at either ends. Thinner cucumbers have fewer seeds than those that are thicker,” said the nutritionist. “Also make sure to store them in the fridge to preserve their freshness. Cut cucumbers should be kept wrapped up or in an airtight plastic wrap in the fridge,” she added.

Dr. Abdulmajeed highly suggests everyone to have a daily intake of cucumbers in a salad, as a snack or as part of vegetable juice.

Below is a recipe for the famous green juice by Dr. Oz that Dr. Abdulmajeed recommends drinking daily.

Ingredients

• Apples: 2 medium 364g

• Celery: 3 stalk, large 192g

• Cucumber: 1 cucumber 301g

• Ginger Root: 1/2 thumb 12g

• Lemon (with rind): 1/2 fruit 42g

• Lime (with rind): 1 fruit

• Parsley: 1 bunch 150g

• Spinach: 2 cup 60g

Directions

Process all ingredients in a juicer, shake or stir and serve.

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