The plain jane cucumber. How we underestimate you! Well, after you read this article I'm sure your ideas about the cucumber will change. The cucumber is a highly nutritious, delicious vegetable with many health benefits. Check out some of these cucumber benefits, and then try out my own personal recipe: Salad Cucumber á La VinBar.

Health Benefits Of Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar

Cucumbers belong to the squash family. Other squashes include zucchine, yellow squash and pumpkin. It has a dark green skin, whitish or very light green flesh underneath. There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties and the slicing varieties. Of these, the pickling variety is relatively small, around 2 - 4 inches long. The most famous cucumber benefit is how they make you feel cool, including the coolness they give to the eyes, especially in the summer. However, they are associated with a number of other health and nutrition benefits too. To know about them, read on.

Vitamin and Mineral Content in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar

A 100 gram serving of the cucumbers found in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar contains: Carbohydrates - 3.63 gm, Sugars - 1.67 gm, Dietary Fiber - 0.5 gm, Fat - 0.11 gm, Protein - 0.65 gm, Vitamin B1(Thiamin) - 0.027 mg, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - 0.033 mg, Niacin (Vitamin B3) - 0.098 mg, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - 0.259 mg, Vitamin B6 - 0.040 mg, Vitamin B9(Folate) - 7 mcg, Vitamin C - 2.8 mg, Calcium - 16 mg, Iron - 0.28 mg, Magnesium - 13 mg, Phosphorus - 24 mg, Potassium - 147 mg, Zinc 0.20 mg

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Cucumbers and Eating Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar

- Raw cucumber, when applied to the skin, can help reduce heat and inflammation.

- The diuretic, cooling and cleansing property of cucumbers taken internally makes it good for skin.

- Cucumber water is great for heartburn, sour stomach and can even ease ulcer pain. Here's where you can find my cucumber water recipe.

- Cucumber slices on the eyes can reduce swelling and feels refreshing and soothing.

- Daily consumption of Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar can help control cases of eczema, arthritis and gout.

- Lung, stomach and chest issues are eased by cucumbers.

- Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar contains potassium which regulates blood pressure.

- Erepsin, a protein digesting enzyme, is found in Salad Cucumber á la Vinbar.

- Cucumber water and juice when added to carrot juice, spinach and lettuce, appears to grow hair.

- Cucumber water and juice can help ease rheumatism by cutting down excessive uric acid in the body, especially when taken with carrot juice.

- Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar is good for the teeth and gums, including cases of pyorrhea.

- The minerals in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar are good for the nails and help prevent them from splitting.

- Cucumber has been associated with healing properties in relation to diseases of the kidney, urinary tract, liver and pancreas.

- Diabetics have been found to benefit from eating cucumbers.

And now, the recipe you've been waiting for, Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar:

- 2 whole scrubbed unpeeled slicing cucumbers (preferably organic, of course) - quarter cup white vinegar - pepper and salt (to taste) - 1 tsp raw sugar (Remember, if it's white, it ain't right!)

Put the items in a bowl together, allow to mix and marinate for a little while, then voilá, you've got delicious Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar. It's simple, but it's succulent! For a delicious, cooling effect on a hot summer day, try adding some fresh dill or cilantro.