Something Worth Reading… Never Thought Cucumbers Were So Useful

The Amazing Cucumber This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their “Spotlight on the Home” series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!! Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life’s everyday problems.

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To find easy simple summer meal ideas and for information on eating for a healthy heart visit http://healthylivinginformation.net/HUK

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Turnips

Nutritional Highlights:  One serving of turnips contains about 35 calories and is a good source of Vitamin C, especially if eaten raw.  turnips are naturally low in sodium and fat free.

Avg Price $1.49 lb Peak Season October-March

Turnips, a root vegetable, are often confused with rutabagas due to their similar size and shape.  They are typically bright purple at the top and fade to white at the bottom, with a white flesh.  Young fresh have a slightly sweet taste and delicate texture that becomes stronger and more fibrous with age.

Tip for selection:

Look for turnips that are firm, well-shaped and smooth.  They should feel heavy for their size.  if greens are still attached they should be fresh-looking and free of yellowing.  Avoid those that show signs of shriveling, cracks or soft spots.  Turnips may be stored for several months in a cool, dry spot.  For storage, remove green tops and store in the refrigerator for a week or two.  (Note:  the greens may be cooked separately. and a good source of vitamins.  I will have a feature on the greens soon).  One pound of turnips will yield about 4 cups diced.

Tips for preparation:

Wash turnips under running water and scrub with a vegetable brush.  trim ends and peel.  The turnips can then be sliced or cubed and cooked with many other vegetables or meats in stews, casseroles and soups.  Turnips can also be boiled, steamed or stir-fried and used alone or combined with other vegetables such as potatoes and used as a side dish.  They can also be served raw in salads or in vegetable trays with a dip.

Because turnips are so nutritious, simple to use, low in fat, calories and a good source of vitamin C, turnips would be a great food to include with any diet.

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Healthy living Information recommends taking a look at http://healthylivinginformation.net/HUK for a sense of the foods, snacks and menu ideas for eating for a healthy heart.