Pity the poor cucumber. How we underestimate you! Well, it's time for that to change! The cucumber is chock full of nutrition and health benefits, and is a must for the healthy lifestyle. See the myriad cucumber benefits below, and then try out my own personal recipe: Salad Cucumber á La VinBar.

Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar Health Benefits

Cucumbers belong to the squash family. Other squashes include zucchine, yellow squash and pumpkin. Cucumbers have whitish or green-tinged flesh on the inside, and a dark green skin or peel. There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties and the slicing varieties. In general the pickling types are smaller than the slicing types, only about 2 to 4 inches in length. 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.

Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar Vitamin Content

The raw, unpeeled cucumbers in Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar contain the following nutrients per 100 grams: Carbs - 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

Cucumber and Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar Health Benefits

- 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.

- Fresh cucumber water can provide relief from heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis and even ulcer. Here's where you can find my cucumber water recipe.

- Placing a cucumber slice over the eyes not only soothes them, but also reduces swelling.

- Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar fights eczeman, gout and arthritis, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

- 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.

- Being rich in minerals, Salad Cucumber á La Vinbar helps prevent nail splitting of the fingers and toes.

- 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 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 - salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon of 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.