Cucumbers - Are they a Fruit? or a Veggie? A multitude of Health Benefits

It’s all about Cucumbers! 

According to Science: the cucumber is a fruit
By this definition, a cucumber is a fruit. It develops from the flower of the cucumber plant and contains the seeds. This also means that lots of other “vegetables” are also fruits: beans, peppers, pumpkins, peas, and of course, tomatoes.
How many of us have put cucumbers on our eyes?   Our grandmothers, mothers, friends, and TV commercials have told us how to keep those eye wrinkles down.   However, there are many other great benefits by adding that extra cucumber to your salad.   You can also try eating cucumbers as your base for your favorite appetizers in lieu of bread or toast.   This makes a great appetizer.  Not only will it reduce your calorie intake, cucumbers will help keep you hydrated, while reducing inflammation, increasing your overall brain health, and many other great benefits.

Bad Breath?  No Problem! Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. Fiber and water-rich vegetables like cucumbers can boost your mouth's saliva production, which in turn helps wash away the bacteria that cause the odor in the mouth.
 
Relieve Pain
Flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory substances, and tannin in cucumbers have both been shown to limit the release of free radicals in the body and to reduce pain.
 
Bone Strengthening 
Cucumber are a good source of vitamin K: One cup contains 22 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Vitamin K is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.

Constipated?
Cucumbers are rich in water, and their skin contains insoluble fiber. Both water and fiber help food to move through the digestive tract quicker and more easily, helping prevent constipation

Weight Management
Cucumbers are very low in calories (16 calories per cup) and they also contain fiber in the skin. And foods that contain fiber can help maintain a healthy weight.

Anti-Aging
There is a reason why cucumbers are used in skin care: They have been shown to be effective as a potential anti-wrinkle agent in cosmetic products, protecting our skin form the effects of aging. 
How many of us have put cucumber slices in our eyes?  It is one of the most common veggies used for wrinkles around the eyes.

Thirsty?
Cucumbers are 95.2 percent water, which means that a 5-ounce serving contains 4.8 ounces or 150 ml water. That's already about 26 percent of your daily water intake through food.    Add cucumbers to your iced water and you will have a refreshing drink.    You can also purchase a variety of cucumber waters at your local Fresh Market or other favorite grocery store.

Natural Potassium
Cucumbers contain potassium (152mg per cup), which can help lower blood pressure. A review of the best studies conducted on potassium intake showed that a higher intake "is associated with lower rates of stroke and might also reduce the risk of total cardiovascular disease."
Less than 2 percent of U.S. adults consume the recommended 4,700 mg potassium per day, eating cucumbers is an easy way to start increasing your potassium consumption.

Improve Brain Health
An anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin is present in cucumbers, as well as strawberries and grapes.

Fight Inflammation
Cucumbers can help lower the inflammatory response in the body. They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
 

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Cucumber Snack Recipe - Easy and Delicious 
This little snack will give you many health benefits by eating the cumbers along with Avocado Oil  Benefits.  

Ingredients:

1 large Cucumber 
Lowry's Garlic Pepper 
1-2 Teaspoons of Avocado Oil
Kraft Mozzarella/Parmesan Cheese

To Make:

Slice the cucumbers.    Top with Lowry's Garlic Pepper ( I use 3-4 good shakes all over the sliced cucumbers) and then top with 1-2 teaspoons of Avocado Oil.  Sprinkle a couple of teaspoons of the Kraft Mozzarella/Parmesan Cheese on top and serve.   I like to chill mine for about 30 minutes.

These cucumbers make a great snack for your grazing or (charcuterie) board.   They also are perfect to use as your base instead of crackers or toast.