10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Cucumbers

Turns out that cucumbers aren’t just for placing over your eyes while you get a facial. (Who knew, right?!) Check out some fun and surprising facts about cucumbers and learn how to cure a headache, hangover, or even keep your breath in check!

The Facts

1. The term “cool as a cucumber” is actually derived from the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the blood. Also, when applied topically, cucumber really does cool the blood and ease facial swelling, which is why cucumbers are so popular in facial regimens.

2. Out on a date and realize that you forgot gum or breath mints? Relax! Ask your waiter for some sliced cucumber with your meal. Take a slice and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria that are responsible for causing bad breath.

3. Cucumbers contain Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, folic acid, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Who needs a multivitamin?

4. Stressed? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma. How’s that for a quick and easy stress-reliever?

5. Do you have a problem with your bathroom mirror fogging up after your morning shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

6. Do you have a hard time drinking your eight glasses of water per day? Try munching on some cucumbers. They are made up of 95% water! Snacking on cucumbers can also help curb hunger.

7. Using a pen and made a mistake? Move over, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Take the outside waxy coating of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing.

8. Want to brighten up your bathroom without harsh chemicals and still have all of your surfaces streak free? Look no further: Take a slice of cucumber and wipe it on any surface that needs a little TLC — your faucets, sinks, stainless steel, etc. — and it will remove tarnish and built-up residue and leave it looking beautifully clean and shiny.

9. Had a few too many? We’ve been there. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in balance. Eat a couple slices before bed and wake up headache-free!

10. Need a burst of energy in the afternoon but no time for a nap? Stay away from sugar-loaded energy drinks! Cucumbers are a great source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that afternoon pick-me-up that can be just the jolt that you need.

There you have it, 10 fun facts about cucumbers! Now, check out this super-easy recipe below and incorporate more cucumber into your diet.

Facts courtesy of The World’s Healthiest Foods, Danielle from Cucumber Marketing Inc., WebMD and Bobbie G at ThriftyFun.com.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 400 grams mixed baby plum tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 large salad cucumber, peeled and diced (around 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Generous splash olive oil
• 2 or 3 splashes fresh lime juice
• Fleur de Sel, to taste

Method

1. In a salad bowl, mix together the first six ingredients, one after the other.
2. Toss them well so that the oil and lime juice and oregano gets mixed well with the vegetables.
3. Just before serving, sprinkle the Fleur de Sel on top of the salad and serve generous portions.

• Photos: Bigstock