Female Focus
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.......... continued from previous page Cucumber juice is often recommended as a source of silica to improve the complexion and health of the skin. The silica along side the fluid in cucumbers makes it naturally hydrating which is great for keeping skin supple and glowing. Cucumbers are also used topically for various types of skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. The ascorbic acid and caffeic acid found in cucumbers help prevent water retention, which may explain why cucumbers applied topically are often helpful for swollen eyes, burns and dermatitis.
The magnesium and potassium in cucumbers make them a must for those wishing to maintain a healthy heart. Studies have shown that foods high in potassium, magnesium and fibre, can help significantly reduce blood pressure in those with elevated readings. Potassium and magnesium also help maintain a steady heart rhythm and also help ensure that the heart has the energy from food it requires to keep pumping.
I hope you enjoy the recipes below, which should give you a few more ideas on how you might include cucumber in your daily diet – enjoy!
Cacik - This classic cold soup from Turkey is wonderfully refreshing on a hot summer’s day.
Ingredients
800g skinned and grated or chopped cucumber 400g Greek yoghurt 1 or 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp finely chopped mint
1 tbsp finely chopped dill 400ml milk 2 tbsp olive oil Lemon juice to taste Salt and pepper
Toss the grated cucumber with a light sprinkling of salt. Leave for 30 minutes, drain and squeeze out all of the liquid. Place in a large bowl with all of the other ingredients and mix well. Season and chill in the fridge before serving.
Cucumber smoothie - A wonderfully refreshing drink, healthy and easy to make! You could replace some of the water with ice cubes to make it really chilled.
Ingredients
1 medium-sized cucumber ½ honeydew melon 250ml water A small handful of mint leaves (to taste) Lemon juice (to taste)
Place all in a blender and blend until smooth, pour into a glass and top with lemon juice.
Suzanne Laurie Bsc (Hons) NT MBANT is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and is running healthy 1 day cooking classes from Finca Mariola in the Costa Blanca mountains - courses include favourite food makeovers, wheat and dairy free cooking, healthy Mediterranean, gourmet vegetarian (meat eaters welcome, you may be surprised!), healthy Thai and Indian cooking, cooking for weight loss, diabetes, heart health and more. She is also available for 1 to 1 consultations to help manage conditions such as IBS and digestive issues, blood sugar imbalances, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalances, allergies and intolerances. Please see
www.fincamariola.com for more information or ring 615 536 994.
Over 1000 distribution points!
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