Recipes with Cucumber

Summer is here and it is time to start taking foods that cool down our system.

One such food is cucumber. Have it as such or make one of these dishes and relish the cooling / soothing properties of this vegetable!

Before going on to the recipes here are some interesting facts about cucumber

Cucumber is a dieters dream as it has very few calories [around 13 calories/100grams] yet it provides several nutrients.

Here are a few health benefits of cucumber…

Ø It is a great digestive aid and has a cleansing effect on the bowel.

Ø Fresh/raw cucumber is rich in water content and also a good source of Ascorbic acid [Vitamin C] and caffeic acid, which are soothing to the skin.

Ø The silica in cucumber is good for a glowing complexion.

Ø The water content in cucumber keeps us hydrated.

Ø It is low in saturated fats and has zero cholesterol

Ø It is a good source of potassium and molybdenum

Ø The skin/peel contains sterols which are said to lower cholesterol. So it is best to eat them as such. But the problem is that the cucumbers are sometimes waxed to prevent bruising during shipment and hence they may contain some harmful substances. It is better to buy organic varieties if you chose to eat the peel.

According to Ayurveda,

Ø Cucumber balances all the 3 doshas

Ø Cools the body and keeps it hydrated

Ø Quenches thirst

Ø Anti-poisonous and an antidote

With all this said you will now appreciate the greatness of cucumber for it aids in internal and external well-being!!

Here is another interesting thing about cucumbers – If you dream about cucumbers it means – It is a dream of plenty, denoting health and prosperity. For the sick to dream of serving cucumbers, denotes their speedy recovery. For the married, a pleasant change.
– [Source: 10,000 Dream Interpretations, by Gustavus Hindman Miller]

Now check out these interesting ways to use it! Also, check out the Food gallery section where there are recipes for 60+ ingredients/vegetables used in the kitchen.