Cucumber Juice

All About Cucumbers

Cucumbers are ranked fourth among the most widely cultivated vegetables in the world. They belong to the gourd plant family called Cucurbitaceae that includes squash, pumpkins, luffas and melons. Cucumber plants grow as a creeping vine and they would bear an edible vegetable when ripe. These cylindrical, long, green colored, smooth-skinned vegetables actually come in various colors, sizes, shapes and texture. Some cucumbers have dark green edible skins while others have light green skins. You can also find white, yellow, and orange-shaded cucumbers, and they may be short, slightly oval, or round in shape.

Is it a Fruit? Or a Vegetable?

Cucumbers are considered by many as vegetables. The truth is, Cucumber is a FRUIT!, because it grows as a part of a flowering plant that came from the ovary.  However, referring it as a vegetable has been customary and widely acceptable.

Cucumbers in the Kitchen

Cucumbers can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be eaten raw and fresh, as a salad ingredient, as processed pickles and can be mixed into many types of dishes. But the healthiest way to prepare cucumbers and experience their nutritional benefits is to extract their juices , making a refreshing and healthy drink.

Cucumbers, due to its many uses in the kitchen are of two types, the slicing cucumbers and the pickling cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers include all varieties cultivated for the purpose of fresh consumption. These are usually large and thick skinned. On the other hand, pickling cucumbers include all varieties cultivated for the sake of “pickling” or processing them into pickles. Pickling cucumbers are usually smaller in size and have thinner skins. But for juicing, you can use both types of cucumbers.

The CUCUMBER JUICE

The juice of cucumber would not just hydrate and refresh your body during the hot days but would also keep your weight and blood pressure at normal levels.  Drinking cucumber juice gives you healthy skin, hair and even healthier joints. Traditionally, it was also used to treat and prevent Acne, Eczema, hair loss, sore throat, arthritis and psoriasis.

Benefits Of Cucumber Juice

Cucumber juice is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, beta carotene, manganese and potassium. Cucumbers also contain unique polyphenols called lignans, the beneficial substances which can also be found in broccoli, onions and garlic. The specific lignans present in cucumbers have a strong link in reducing risks to cardiovascular diseases as well as several types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine and prostate cancers.

The fresh juice of cucumbers contain both antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties due to its high levels of cucurbitans, the anti cancer phytonutrients found in most fruits/vegetables belonging to Cucurbitaceae family. Cucumber juice also contains several flavonoids, another group of phytonutrients that provide us with antioxidant support, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits.

Homemade Cucumber Juice Recipe

Ingredients/Equipments:

• 2 medium-sized cucumbers
• ¼- ½ cup honey or sugar
• 2 cups of water
• Cheesecloth/ fine strainer; Blender/ juicer; knife; bowl; pitcher

The mild taste of cucumber blends well with a variety of fruits including melons, apples and pears. If you want to add extra fruity flavors into your juice, try adding one or two of these optional fruit additions:

• 1/2 melon (honeydew, cantaloupe or watermelon)
• 1 pear
• 1 apple

Instructions:

Start by washing and peeling cucumbers. The peel/skins must be set aside. Chop the cucumbers into small pieces. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar or honey to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has become smooth and thick, add the chopped cucumber flesh and simmer until tender for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cucumber peels.

If you want to add one or two additional fruits, make sure to wash, peel and slice them into fine pieces before blending with the rest of the ingredients

Using a regular blender or juicer, blend everything together until smooth. Line a bowl with cheesecloth or a fine strainer. Pour the mixture into the bowl and gather the cheesecloth (if using one) in one hand to squeeze out all the excess juice. Store the juice in refrigerator until cool or for about 1 hour, and then serve over ice.

Other Cucumber Juice Facts

• Drinking and gargling cucumber juice will relieve the pain and soreness for people experiencing sore throat.
• A large percentage of this fruit is water which makes it an ideal drink for a healthier, cleaner, toxin-free body.
• Cucumber juice can be used to treat dehydration due to its high water content and electrolyte-restoring properties.
• Cucumber contains high amounts of sulfur and silicone which help increase the growth of hair and fingernails and make them healthier.
• Cucumbers contain Silica. Silica helps people with arthritis because it keeps your ligaments, tendons, and muscles healthy.
• Cucumbers have high alkaline levels. Since most cancer cells do not grow in high alkaline environment, cucumbers may offer protection against cancer.

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