Pity the poor cucumber. How we underestimate you! Well, it's time for that to 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.

Nutrition Benefits of Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar

Cucumbers belong to the squash family. Other squashes include zucchine, yellow squash and pumpkin. When its dark green skin is peeled, a whitish or light green flesh can be seen. Pickles come in two main varieties: pickling and slicing. The slicing type is large, while the picklers are about two to four inches long. Most of us know some of the cucumber benefits, such as their cooling properties and that cucumbers are extremely good at relieving the eyes in the hot 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

Below are the amounts of nutrients in 100 gm (a little more than 3 ounces) of the raw, unpeeled cucumber in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar: Carbohydrates - 3.63 gm, Sugars - 1.67 gm, Dietary Fiber - 0.5 gm, Fat - 0.11 gm, Protein - 0.65 gm, Thiamin (Vitamin B1) - 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

Cucumber and Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar Health Benefits

- Raw cucumber cools the skin and reduces inflammation as well.

- 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.

- Eating Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar can ease symptoms of arthritis, gout and eczema.

- Cucumber has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from lung, stomach and chest problems.

- 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 is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.

- 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 can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from diseases of the teeth and gums, especially in 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.

- Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber water and juice.

And now it's time, finally, for the tasty recipe you've been anticipating, 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!)

Mix 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.