Cucumber - a refreshing slice

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), is an annual plant with a large, irregular toothed leaves and climbs by means of tendrils. It is a major food crop in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions and is on sale all year round in most local supermarkets and grocery stores.

It is thought to have originated in Southern Asia but the evidence is inconclusive, though it is known to have been cultivated for 3000 years and is mentioned in Egyptian writing in connection with the skin.

Research shows that cucumber was widely eaten by the Ancient Greeks and the Romans and was considered a delicacy in the East. However it was not until the 16th century that cucumbers was cultivated on a wide scale.

Cucumber are around 95% water but does contains vitamins A, B complex and C as well as manganese, sulphur and other minerals and is therefore very low in calories and reasonably nutritious.

Cucumber is essential ingredients in many types of salad and is often chopped into stripes and mixed into an array of cheese, tomatoes or spicy dips.

A small serve of salad will supply you with many vital vitamins, minerals, fibre and is a healthy choice of meal.

Do you suffer from strained or tired eyes as a result of artificial lift, smoky atmospheres or too many late nights? A couple of slices of cucumber may be the answer.

• Cut off two slices of cucumber.
• Lie down somewhere you won't be disturbed.
• Close your eyes.
• Place the two pieces of cucumber over your eyelids.
• Relax for 10 minutes.

Cucumber is a natural eye brightener and is very refreshing. You will find it helps to soothe your eyes and reduce any inlamation or swelling. If however, you have eyes that are extremely sensitive, it's advisable not to use a cucumber and it is best to consult a doctor.

Cucumber is very refreshing and cooling because of the large amount of water it contains.

it is widely used in cosmetics because it has gentle, soothing properties which are ideal for sensitive or dry skin that tend to be irritated by harsher products.

Cucumber is an astringent and is therefore an effective and popular ingredient in a wide range of toners.

Because of its astringent properties, cucumber is also commonly used in face masks to help combat oily skin and leave your skin glowing and healthy.

Cucumber has valuable diuretic properties, this means that it helps to increase the flow of urine, so it is excellent to eat if you have a swollen stomach as a result of water retention or chronic constipation.

Cucumber also has a high water content so it is very soothing when applied to skin inflammations and sores. its healing properties make it popular ingredients in after-sun lotion, as it is very cooling and will effectively soother the pain and discomfort that is caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

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