Let your spirit soar as high as the temperatures this summer because we have got you covered in the beauty and wellness department with the ingredient of the season: Cucumber!
Fun fact! This little green buddy is probably more hydrated than any of us ever are. Cucumbers are made up of 95% water, which makes them a perfect match for your skin in the dry summers. This piece of green gold is infused with antioxidants, vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, manganese and polyphenols that help in keeping your skin glowing and hydrated at all times
Here are 5 ways in which you can reap the benefits of this wonder gourd:
1.Cucumber Circles to Fight Your Dark Circles:
Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a tiny cucumber disc by its looks, because believe it or not, these discs have the power to get rid of your dark circles, a problem which most under eye creams vouch to tackle but fail miserably at. The healing presence of antioxidants and silica in cucumbers, work well to gradually clear dark circles and also help in reducing discoloration of skin, if any, near the eyes.
Pledge to yourself that selfcare is not selfish! And out on your favourite song while your eyes reap the benefits of the cool cucumber discs.
Tip: Cut the cucumber into discs and place them in the freezer for at least an hour so that they are chilled when you put them to use.
2. Splash of freshness for your skin:
Please do not commit the ultimate cardinal sin for your skin by skipping the toner during your skin care routine. We all know why toning is so important. It cleanses the skin off any dust, dirt or impurities. So, if you do not wish to be graced by the presence of a giant zit, never skip the toner!
Cucumbers happen to be great toners. Want to know how? This wonder gourd helps to strike a balance in your skin’s pH levels, keeping oil secretions in control and acne at bay.
To fashion your DIY cucumber toner, you need to just grate a whole cucumber and squeeze out its juice. Keep this juice in the refrigerator for half an hour if you wish to so that it’s cool at the time of use.Using a cotton swab, apply this all over your face and leave it for 10 minutes. Splash your face with some cold water. If you wish to, you may also apply a few drops of cypress essential oil to give your skin that extra radiance.
3. Cool off the summers with cucumber cooler
If there was an award for the healthiest and yummiest summer cooler, I’d definitely give to the Cucumber Cooler. I mean, it is not only extremely refreshing but also hydrates your body and keeps it healthy. And if you’re in search of a great smoothie to boost your efforts to get the summer body of your dreams, this cooler is a perfect match.
Here’s a nutrition laden recipe by Jhelum Biswas Bose: Blend together 1 whole cucumber, 2 slices of capsicum, ½ tsp mint leaves, 1 tsp coriander leaves, 1 stick celery, salt to taste, and half a green chilli. Strain it into a tall glass filled with ice and add in a squeeze of lime.
4. “Nom Nom for me”
As correctly articulated by Annie Murphy’s character, Alexis Rose, in Schitt’s Creek; a healthy cucumber sandwich is for sure “Nom Nom” goals.
A few cucumber slices with a piece of salt and peppered salmon between two slices of a bread is your ideal tasty, healthy summer snack.
4. Soupy Goodness
Trust me, this chilled prawn and cucumber soup is so yummy, that it would even make my grandfather salivate who claims that “soups don’t suit me”.
To make this lip-smacking appetizer, infused with the goodness of the antioxidant rich veggie and the king of proteins, prawn; you will need: ½ cucumber (peeled), 250 grams cooked peeled prawns, 4 spring onions (chopped), 125 grams ripe tomatoes (skinned, deseeded and chopped), 2 tbsp dry sherry, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 100 ml half fat crème fraiche, 15 grams ground almonds (toasted), 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chilli sauce, 450 ml cold vegetable stock, salt and pepper to taste, ice cubes, diced cucumber and dill springs for garnishing.
Method:
1) Slice the cucumber into half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Dice the flesh, but keep some of it for garnishing.
2) Blend the cucumber together with all other ingredients, except the vegetable stock, in a blender until smooth. Gradually whisk in the stock, then cover and chill for an hour.
3) Serve the soup in chilled bowls topped with ice cubes and garnished with the reserved diced cucumber and some dill sprigs.
So don’t forget to “chill” with Mr. Cucumber this summer.
