It’s a proven fact when people are healthy they look and feel good. When you look and feel good you have higher self-esteem and a positive body image. So how do you get healthy? One way is the wonderful edible cucumber.

Cucumbers (“Cucumis sativus’) belong to the same family as watermelon, pumpkin, zucchini, and other types of squash. Even though fresh cucumbers are mostly composed of water, they still pack a lot of nutrition.  They contain most of the vitamins you need every day. The flesh of a cucumber contains six of the B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. The hard skin is rich in fiber and a variety of minerals including magnesium, silica, and potassium.    

Benefits

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue.  Connective tissue is what holds our body together.  

Effective when used for various skin problems.  Water retention is reduced due to the presence of caffeic and ascorbic acids in cucumbers. This may explain why when cucumbers are applied topically they are often helpful for burns, dermatitis, and swollen eyes.

They’re good for rehydration. Not only are they crisp and delicious, they also contain a high water content that makes them excellent for replacing fluids lost through sweating.

Studies have shown that diets high in potassium and magnesium, both present in the cucumber, helps to lower blood pressure. Some sources recommend drinking a daily cup of cucumber juice to help control blood pressure.

Feeling tired in the afternoon? Instead of picking up a caffeinated soda or a cup of coffee, choose a cucumber.  The B Vitamins and carbohydrates present in cucumbers can provide that quick “pick-me-up” that can last for hours.

Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool, beach, on vacation or maybe a special date with your significant other?   Try rubbing a slice of cucumber along your problem area for a  few minutes. The phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in  your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer reducing the visibility of cellulite.  Try rubbing the cucumbers on your face too to take care of any wrinkles that may have creeped into place.

Have a headache?   Eat some cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free.  Cucumbers contain enough B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients keeping everything in equilibrium. Headache be gone!!

Want to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers are the perfect food for anyone trying to lose a few pounds. One medium cucumber has less than 50 calories and is quite filling due to its high fiber content.

Stressed out? Don't have time for a visit to the spa for a massage or facial?  Create a spa-like atmosphere by cutting up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress.

Next time you’re not feeling up to par, be "cool as a cucumber" and reach for one. You may just improve how you look and feel and boost your self-esteem and body image in the process.