Cucumbers

This is a vegetable that most of us eat most days but did you know they provide so many health benefits:
- Immune support and anti cancer benefits; rich in vits C and K, beta carotene, manganese, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaemferol, and lignans; these nutrients help scavenge free radicals and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Digestive and probiotic benefits; fermented cucumbers (best in brine with dill and garlic) provide beneficial microorganisms and their digestive enzyme breakdown protein and help cleanse the intestines
- Reduce cardiovascular disease risks; rich in lignans
- Healthy weight control; low in calories, one cup contains only 16 calories

In Chinese Medicine, cucumbers are seen as cooling with diuretic properties. They cleanse the blood, moisten the lungs and purify the skin.
Tea made with cucumber skin reduce swelling in the hands and feet.
Juice applied topically relieves burns, especially sunburn.
Cucumbers help with heat conditions such as stomach, skin and eye inflammations. Grated cucumbers over the eyes relieve inflamed, hot, dry eyes.

Best to buy organic so that you can enjoy nutrients in the skin too; keep refrigerated and consume within 7-10 days. Be aware that cucumbers may worsen mucus or diarrhoea.

Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions (and parsley, if wanted) - known as Shepherd’s salad, is yummy... just try. #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #lifestyle #sunburn #vitamins #digestivehealth #eyes #healyourself #hearthealth #healthiswealth #immunehealth #alternativemedicine #cucumber