Cucumbers for Health
From: Dr. Weil
Looking for a low-calorie way to get vitamin C and fiber into your diet?
Try cucumbers! These summertime favorites are part of the watermelon,
zucchini, pumpkin and squash family, and in addition to vitamin C and
fiber, provide vitamin A and magnesium. Their moist flesh makes them
cool to the touch and they contain ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, two
natural compounds which can help prevent water retention - this is why
people place cold cucumber slices on their eyes to help reduce puffiness.
When choosing cucumbers, look in the refrigerated area of the produce
section, as they are sensitive to heat and keep best when stored cold.
I recommend choosing organic varieties, and peeling commercially grown
cucumbers to remove any pesticide residue. For a simple and refreshing
warm-weather drink, add slices of fresh cucumber to ice water.
