Healthy, Garden-Fresh Cucumbers for Summer

Great Care loves that cucumbers are in-season and nearly synonymous with summer, with many options to prepare them for healthy recipes. And, they’re great for the skin and tired eyes, too.

“A cucumber is more than 95% water,” says WebMD. “A half-cup of sliced cucumbers has 8 calories and more than 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K.”

WebMD refers to the popular green veggie as a “Watery Wonder” that’s not only refreshing to eat fresh from the garden. It’s also replenishing to drink infused in cold spring water and soothe the eyes.

“Cucumber slices over the eyes may help reduce puffiness, thanks to the fruit’s water content and caffeic acid,” WebMD says.

According to healthline.com, cucumbers supports healthy skin.

“Cucumber water can help soothe your skin from the inside out. Staying hydrated helps your body to flush out toxins and maintain a healthy complexion,” says Healthline. “Cucumbers are also high in pantothenic acid or vitamin B-5, which has been used to treat acne. According to the National Institutes of Health, one cup of sliced cucumbers has about 5 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin B-5.”

Cucumbers also lowers blood pressure and boosts bone health.

“Cucumbers are high in vitamin K. In fact, one cup of sliced cucumbers has about 19 percent of the recommended daily value,” reports Healthline. “Your body needs vitamin K to help form proteins that are needed to make healthy bones and tissues as well as to help your blood clot properly.”

Health line says a contributing factor to high blood pressure is having too much salt, or sodium, and too little potassium in your diet, so cucumbers help with that.

“The excess salt causes your body to hold fluids, which raises blood pressure. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of sodium retained by the kidneys,” says healthline. “Cucumbers are a good source of potassium. Drinking cucumber water helps your body get more potassium, potentially helping to lower your blood pressure.”

 

Crunchy Cucumber-Dill Salad

This simple summer recipe from the American Heart Association is a perfect way to enjoy all the health benefits of cucumbers with little prep. Add this vegetable salad bursting with flavor to your next meal. Enjoy!

 

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. olive oil, extra virgin
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 cucumbers
1/2 small red onion
1 Tbsp. fresh, chopped dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Quick Health Tip: 2 tablespoons per serving

 

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice oil and pepper.

2. Peel cucumbers, and slice in half lengthwise. Thinly slice halves into half-moon shaped pieces and place in a medium bowl. Thinly slice onion and add to bowl. Sprinkle dill on top of cucumber mixture. Add lemon juice mixture and toss well to coat.

3. Cover and chill 1-2 hours and serve.

 

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.

About Julie S.

Julie Sullivan is the Owner at Great Care of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Great Care is a licensed, personal services agency, providing in-home care services to the Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. We serve the personal health and daily care needs of seniors or individuals who prefer to stay at home, but require assistance with everyday activities, such as dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry or errands. Our team of certified nurse aids and home health aids can provide you with personalized, in-home care services to meet your needs, including:
• Daytime hourly in-home care
• Temporary or post-hospital respite care
• 24-hour, around-the-clock home care
• Morning and evening care
• Overnight / Slumber care
In addition, we offer our Care Compass service, to assist in setting the course for the next stage in your loved ones life. We guide you through the currents of aging, and help you find your true north. Our licensed nurses, with experience in hospice and geriatric care, will help guide you through the complex and often sensitive journey of selecting an in-home care service, and will provide a smooth transition to a new way of life for your loved one, without the anxiety and fear.
Our current nursing and management team has more than 75 years of combined experience in the home healthcare services industry. All of our caregivers are bonded, insured and screened thoroughly, so you know you’ll be receiving the greatest care possible. That’s why we stand by our mission: to deliver the same, quality care we expect for ourselves and our loved ones.