Vitamins in Cucumbers - The Overlooked Superfood
Want to know ONE fat melting, wrinkle fighting superfood that’s ALWAYS overlooked?
Right now I bet you are thinking that I’m going to talk about some ayurvedic herb throughout this article found deep in the rainforests of Mexico. All you have to do is travel 3,000 miles by plane, hack through endless vines thicker than Tina Turners hair, and potentially take a dart to the neck by the locals and VOILÀ! You pick a small timid yellow flower hidden in a moldy log.
Not to worry, this is much closer than the rainforest and a lot less work to harvest. This little beauty has been staring you in the face your entire life.
But what is a superfood?
Superfoods are natural foods that have an array of nutrients that synergistically work to together to exponentially expand the individual nutritional components. So these are some of the most nutritious foods on the planet.
Now superfoods are all the rage and are a great way to add a tonne of nutrients to your diet. But you don’t have to spend a lot of extra money to access superfoods.
Did you know that some inconspicuous grocery store isles have some of the most free radical fighting superfoods available today? Many raw, organic vegetables fall into this category.
Cucumbers Are A Superfood
Yep, one such superfood is cucumbers. Cucumbers are considered one of the absolute best foods for the health of the skin, joints, liver & kidneys. They are also a natural energy tonic with their rich array of phytonutrients and electrolytes.
Cucumbers are loaded with the mineral silica, which is an essential component for healthy connective tissue (muscles, ligaments, cartilage, bone, & skin). It is also full of ionic potassium, magnesium, & vitamin C which give it a powerful alkalizing effect within the body. Additionally, cucumbers are particularly rich in fluids that hydrate the skin, joints, and tissues.
More recently scientists have begun studying the unique chemical compounds called lignans found in cucumbers. These lignans include lariciresinol, pinoresinol & secoisolariciresinol. New research is linking these lignans with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease as well as breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancer.
Cucumbers also contain triterpene phytonutrients called cucurbitacins A, B, C, D & E. These phytonutrients have been the major focus of some extensive research looking deeply into their abilities to inhibit cancer cell signaling pathways.
Fresh cucumbers have been shown to improve anti-oxidant levels within the body and inhibit pro-inflammatory substances such as COX-2 and nitric oxide. The combination of alkalizing elements, electrolytes, & fluids make it one of the world’s best foods for enhancing energy levels. Cucumbers are also great for stabilizing blood pressure and stimulating the body’s natural detoxification process.
Look 10 Years Younger
Cucumbers are often used topically to enhance skin function. The natural ascorbic acid and caffeic acid within the cucumber act to prevent water retention in the skin. This reduces swelling under the eyes and helps the skin heal from sunburn, inflammation and exzema.
Cucumbers are also very effective when eaten and applied topically for removing unwanted cellulite. Cucumbers act to draw out excess fluids and tighten collagen which has the effect of a natural cellulite reduction. Simply eat some cucumber, juice it and/or place the cucumber on the regions of water retention.
Dr. Accurso’s Tip For Maximizing The Benefits of Cucumbers
Cucumbers are typically highly sprayed with pesticides so it is necessary to get organic varieties. If conventional is the only option it is best to scrape off the green skin rather than washing it. Many of the chemicals are waxy and do not come off easily when washed. Try dicing up cucumbers and putting some apple cider vinegar, oregano and pink salt. This makes a quick, electrolyte and enzyme-rich snack to boost energy levels.
You can also add cucmber to salsa’s, juices and soups. Here is a pretty awesome list of 58 ways to use a cucumber including lots of easy recipes.
Eat Real Food
So what I really want you to take away from this article is it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to really maximize your energy, health and performance. You just have to have a little information on what to eat and how to move and there are so many amazing superfoods that add lots of nutrients to your diet that are right under your nose. Want to learn more about how to maximize your health, energy and performance? Click HERE to apply for an initial consultation so we can focus on you. What foods and lifestyle strategies will help you maximize your health, specifically for you. Because everyone is different.
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