The Versatile Cucumber

The other night I had a dream about cucumbers. I was being served a huge plate of delicious, juicy sliced organic cucumbers--yes, I even dream organic! I am a huge follower of dreams, both in the sleep state and otherwise, and that being said, I pay attention when a food comes up in my dreams. Upon waking I ate sliced organic cucumbers and I dined on them again this morning.

When researching their many benefits, I was amazed at what cucumbers bring to the table in terms of health and vitamins. Cucumbers are rich in Vitamin C and have been used for centuries to bring down inflammation and fevers in the body. They have cooling properties, as well as cleansing, and work well to assist the body in ridding the skin of disorders. Naturally a diuretic, cucumbers act as a tonic to the kidneys. They can also be used to treat arthritis and gout. Drinking fresh organic cucumber juice daily works exceptionally well for those who are suffering from arthritis. The versatile cucumber will further assist those with lung and chest conditions. The digestive tract also benefits from this wonderful vegetable that hails from the squash and melon families, and individuals with ulcers, acid or heartburn will see relief when adding organic cucumber juice to their diet.

As many have seen in fashion magazines, cucumbers are also useful for bringing down inflammation in the eyes or relieving tired, strained eyes. Simply place cucumber slices over eyes, sit back and relax for a few minutes. When applied to skin, cucumber juice or fresh cucumber can also relieve sunburns. Juicing fresh organic cucumbers and drinking daily will assist the body with maintaining a healthy system. I have even heard that dried cucumber seeds will rid the body of tapeworm, good news for those who travel abroad.

For those still not sold on organic being better, here are the results of a study on the increased nutritional value of organic cucumbers as opposed to conventionally raised cucumbers. Going organic is the only way for me and my family!

Here's to your continued health and nutrition!
ClearSkies
photo compliments of: http://www.pdphoto.org/index.php
source: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies by C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph. D.