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 12 Benefits of Cucumber (Kakdi)

12 Benefits of Cucumber, Kakdi

Cucumber is a widely cultivated plant and equally liked by most too. From kids to adults to senior citizen, everyone loves cucumber. Oh Yes, it’s a fruit! It is roughly cylindrical, elongated, with slightly tapered ends. Cucumbers grown to be eaten fresh are called slicers and those intended for pickling are called picklers. Add a firm cucumber with rounded edges and bright medium to dark green in colour to your shopping basket and you have crossed the first ladder of adding nourishment to your diet. 



Other Common Names of Cucumber

Kakdi, Kheera and Khira

Why is Cucumber Popular …

1. It’s made up of 95% water.

2. It’s absolutely refreshing and cooling. 

3. It’s an inexpensive food source. 

4. It’s available in plenty throughout the year.

5. It’s mild and pleasing in taste.

6. It’s low in calories.

7. It’s almost nil in fats. 

8. It doesn’t call for cooking. 

9. It need not be deseeded. 

10. It pairs well with most other culinary ingredients.

12 Reasons to Eat Cucumber 

1. Promotes Weight Loss – With just 16 calories and zero fat from a cup of cucumber, it certainly qualifies for a weight watcher’s diet. Pair it with another protein rich ingredient to make a healthy potion like Indian Chickpea Salad for Weight Loss.

Indian Chickpea Salad for Weight Loss

Indian Chickpea Salad for Weight Loss

2. Flushes Out Toxins – With that high water content, cucumber act a s broom for our system to sweep out harmful toxins from our body.  Try Cool Cucumber Cooler as a detox drink.

Cool Cucumber

Cool Cucumber

3. Build Immunity – Being a good source of vitamin C (8.75 mg / cup) it strengthens your immune system to keep virus and bacteria away. Try Carrot Spinach Cucumber Orange Juice. 

Carrot, Spinach, Orange and Cucumber Drink, Ibs Recipe

Carrot, Spinach, Orange and Cucumber Drink, Ibs Recipe

4. Friend of a Diabetic – 15 is the glycemic index of cucumber which makes it truly diabetic—friendly. Include it in the form of Cucumber and Pudina Raita.

Cucumber and Pudina Raita

Cucumber and Pudina Raita

5. Reduces Cholesterol – The sterols from cucumber aid in managing blood cholesterol levels well. Try the Cucumber Avocado Salad. Avocado is also considered good fats - MUFA, which benefits the heart.

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad

6. Succeeds in Managing Blood Pressure – Low sodium and fair amounts of potassium will help to control blood pressure. Try Radish Cucumber and Curd Dip. But remember do not serve chips with it, 

Radish, Cucumber and Curd Dip

Radish, Cucumber and Curd Dip

7. Brings Shine to Hair and Nails – Silica, vitamin C and water are 3 key nutrients which work hand-in-hand to get that glow on your skin and bouncy hair. Beetroot Cucumber and Tomato Raita is the best and simple way to include it in the diet. 

Beetroot, Cucumber and Tomato Raita

Beetroot, Cucumber and Tomato Raita

8. Slashes Down the Chances of Cancer – The lignans are the antioxidants cucumber holds, which is known to reduce the risk of various types of cancer. Try Carrot Cucumber and Rajma Salad in Mint Dressing to make up for all the antioxidants to build immunity and prevent the onset of cancer. 

Carrot Cucumber and Rajma Salad in Mint Dressing

Carrot Cucumber and Rajma Salad in Mint Dressing

9. Prevents Constipation – The gut loves 2 nutrients – water and fiber. Cucumber has it both, to help cleanse your digestive tract. You don't need to make anything exotic. A simple Tomato Cucumber and Onion Salad is quite nutri dense. 

Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad

Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad

10. Support Heart Health – The balance of high potassium and low sodium helps in muscle contraction and heart function. Herbed Cucumber Slices are a healthy option at snack time.

Herbed Cucumber Slices

Herbed Cucumber Slices

11. Act as a Breath Freshener – Holding a slice of cucumber in your mouth for about a minute can kill the bacteria which cause bad breath. 

12. Reduces Puffiness Under Eyes -  Applying cucumber juice around eyes and lying down with eyes closed for 20 minutes daily helps reduces puffiness around the eyes. 

5 Healthy Ways to Enjoy Cucumber

1. Slice it and pair them with Protein Rich Hummus. Try Spinach Hummus with Cucumber Sticks.

Spinach Hummus with Cucumber Sticks ( Tiffin Treats)

Spinach Hummus with Cucumber Sticks ( Tiffin Treats)

2. Complement it with Antioxidant Rich Mint to make a juice. Try Apple Cucumber Juice.

Pineapple, Apple and Cucumber JuicePineapple, Apple and Cucumber Juice

3. Puree it to make a low calorie cold soup – Gazpacho

Gazpacho ( Low Calorie Healthy Cooking )

Gazpacho ( Low Calorie Healthy Cooking )

4. Slice it and toss it with other veggies, sprouts and paneer to make a fiber salad bowl like Pineapple Cucumber Salad.

Pineapple Cucumber Salad ( Fibre Rich Salad)

Pineapple Cucumber Salad ( Fibre Rich Salad)

5. Grate it and add it to whip up low fat pancakes like Cucumber Pancakes. Replace rice flour with any other flour of your choice if need be. 

Cucumber Pancakes

 Cucumber Pancakes

Story At a Glance 

Cucumber is extremely nourishing which promotes overall well-being. It holds a horde of health benefits and can be included in a variety of ways to our daily meals. Available with every other vegetable seller, it shouldn’t be missed out on adding to your grocery basket and brining it out on the dining table.

Nutrition Facts of Cucumber

1 Cup of chopped cucumber is about 125 grams
RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Energy - 16 calories
Protein – 0.5 g
Carbohydrate – 3.1 g
Fat – 0.1 g
Fiber – 3.2 g

See full nutritional details of Cucumber in Nutrition Facts of Cucumber glossary

12 Benefits Of Cucumber, Kakdi



1.

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Cold soups are perfect to serve before lunch on hot summer days. They tingle awake the taste buds in a more pleasant way, without having to suffer sweaty foreheads! When it comes to cold soups, this low-cal Spanish soup Gazpacho is one of the best choices. A nice crunchy soup with cucumber and capsicum, it is a great source of fibre, vitamin A and folic acid. Keep it chilled and serve it immediately after adding the crunchy mixed vegetable topping.

2.

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Indian chickpea salad for weight loss | kabuli chana salad with pudina dressing | healthy chickpea salad for weight loss | with amazing 23 images. One of the most nutritious beans - chickpeas are rich in iron, protein and folic acid . Curds enrich this tangy Indian chickpea salad with mint dressing with more protein and calcium while coriander and mint increase its vitamin A content. So we have got you a salad with such a combination that is chickpea salad with mint dressing. kabuli chana salad for weight loss is very quick and easy to make. If you are on a diet or need to watch weight, this is a perfect healthy chickpea salad for weight loss recipe. This salad is light on the tummy and is super healthy. You can even have this for your lunch or dinner or you can also use it as a tiffin recipe!! The method to make Indian chickpea salad with pudina dressing is very easy!! We have soaked kabuli chana overnight and cooked them, but make sure you do not over cook them or the salad will get mushy will tossing. Take mint, coriander, curds, salt and pepper and blend them together to make the mint dressing. Cut cucumbers and tomatoes into cubes and chop the spring onion greens and white. To prepare the chick pea salad with mint dressing, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, spring onions, prepared mint dressing, salt and pepper to taste and toss everything well. You can even add few drops of lemon juice if you wish to. Refrigerate the healthy salad with dressing and serve it chilled to relish the flavours of kabuli chana salad with pudina dressing. Enjoy Indian chickpea salad for weight loss | kabuli chana salad with pudina dressing | healthy chickpea salad for weight loss | with detailed step by step photos and video below

3.

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cucumber cooler recipe | cool cucumber drink | cucumber mint cooler | with 11 amazing images. cucumber drink is a party style Indian mocktail which is slightly healthy. Learn how to make cucumber mint cooler. Cool cucumber drink is the ultimate go-to drink on a warm and sultry summer afternoon. A nice minty flavour combined with the freshness of cucumber gives this drink an instant rejuvenating effect. To make cucumber cooler, combine the cucumber, lemon juice, mint syrup and black salt with ½ cup of water in a mixer and blend till smooth. Keep aside. Place 1 tbsp of crushed ice in a serving glass. Pour the juice in the glass. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make 2 more glasses. Serve chilled. The sweetness of the mint syrup, accentuated by a squeeze lemon and a pinch of black salt, yields a well-balanced but zesty flavour. The nice, thick texture of the cucumber mint cooler is also very comforting. Cool Cucumber is best enjoyed chilled. You can buy readymade mint syrup or try our recipe of Homemade Mint Syrup for making cool cucumber drink. Tips for cucumber cooler. 1. Use crushed ice instead of ice-cubes as it blends quickly and properly. 2. Do not store the drink for too long. You might lose the colour and eye appeal. You can also try other refreshing drinks like Quick Pineapple and Mango Drink or Papaya Passion. Enjoy cucumber cooler recipe | cool cucumber drink | cucumber mint cooler | cucumber drink | with step by step photos below.

4.

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cucumber mint raita | cucumber pudina raita | mint cucumber raita | healthy Indian cucumber mint raita | with 7 amazing images. cucumber mint raita is made from curd, cucumber and mint mixed together with some cumin seed powder. Super quick and easy to make this cucumber pudina raita as every Indian has these ingredients in their kitchen. Like most fresh uncooked food, this cucumber pudina raita is really refreshing! Since cucumber is packed with water, it cools your body and hydrates your skin. The protein from curds is also sure to do wonders for your skin, all of which makes the Cucumber and Pudina Raita a wonderful remedy for those with pimple or acne. We have used low-fat curds, as excess fat tends to trigger pimples in some, but if regular homemade curds suits you, feel free to use that instead. Diabetic, on weight loss or heart patient, then use low fat curds in mint cucumber raita. If you are enthusiastic to fight ailments the time-tested way, naturally, we have a whole bunch of recipes for Home Remedies, from common ones like home remedies for Cold, home remedies for Sore Throat to home remedies for fever. Aside from cucumber pudina raita see our collection of healthy raitas. Enjoy how to make cucumber mint raita | cucumber pudina raita | mint cucumber raita | healthy Indian cucumber mint raita with detailed step by step photos below.

5.

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Indian style avocado salad recipe | cucumber tomato avocado salad | healthy avocado salad | how to make tasty avocado salad | with 16 amazing images. Indian style avocado salad is an antioxidant boost for people of all ages. Cucumber tomato avocado salad has an interesting combination of textures blended with a slightly sweet and tangy dressing. Learn how to make tasty avocado salad. To make Indian style avocado salad, first make a dressing by combining honey, lemon juice, mint leaves, salt and pepper powder. Then cut all the veggies as mentioned and combine them in a bowl. Pour the dressing on top and toss well. Healthy salad is ready for serving. Avocado in healthy avocado salad is considered as a ‘superfood’ due to its rich nutrient composition. Antioxidants like lutein help to ward of the harmful free radicals from the body and prevent damage to cells. They are also high in fats, they are all healthy fats – MUFA (mono unsaturated fatty acids). These help to reduce inflammation in the body. Cucumber tomato avocado salad, has all the fiber you would want to reach your weight loss targets not only because of avocado but due to the other veggies paired with it in this salad. If you wish you can reduce the amount of honey used in the dressing or avoid it completely. Remember to adjust the lemon juice accordingly. Also replacing baby corn with blanched broccoli then would be super health move. You can serve this tasty avocado salad for lunch, snack or dinner – the choice is yours. It is sure to keep you full for long hours. Pair it with a healthy bowl of soup and you are all set for a nourishing fare. Enjoy Indian style avocado salad recipe | cucumber tomato avocado salad | healthy avocado salad | how to make tasty avocado salad | with step by step photos.

6.

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Fresh out of the garden, that is how this dip feels! The Radish, Cucumber and Curd Dip comprises refreshing salad veggies with curd and fresh cream for richness and green chillies for flavour. Chill and serve this dip with freshly-sliced crunchy veggies.

7.

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beetroot, cucumber and tomato raita recipe | healthy cucumber tomato beetroot raita | Indian style veggie raita | healthy vegetable raita | with 15 amazing images. Beetroot, cucumber and tomato raita is a nourishing accompaniment to any main meal. Healthy cucumber tomato beetroot raita is sure to satisfy your taste buds and hunger both. Learn how to make Indian style veggie raita. To make beetroot, cucumber and tomato raita combine all the 3 veggies along with the curd, salt and green chillies in a big bowl. To that add some roasted cumin seeds and asafoetida. Add some coconut and coriander for added flavour if you like. Mix well and the raita is ready for serving. Gather antioxidants like vitamin A , lycopene, betalain and Vitamin C from this healthy vegetable raita. These antioxidants will improve your resistance against diseases. Further it is also a rich source of protein, due to the use of curd. Thus this raita is a nourishing addition to cancer patient’s diet too. For kids to adults to senior citizens all can enjoy this healthy cucumber tomato beetroot raita. Senior citizens who have problems with chewing, can grate the beetroot and cucumber for ease of chewing. Diabetics, heart patients, hypertensives, PCOS , pregnant women, lactating mother too can look forward to this Indian style veggie raita as a satiating option to a bag of chips or a deep-fried samosa. Remember that later are made up of refined ingredients and loaded with fat – both of which open door to many diseases. Enjoy beetroot, cucumber and tomato raita recipe | healthy cucumber tomato beetroot raita | Indian style veggie raita | healthy vegetable raita | with step by step photos.

8.

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tomato cucumber and onion salad recipe | healthy kachumber salad | cucumber tomato onion salad | how to make onion tomato cucumber salad at home | with 11 amazing photos. Tomato Cucumber and Onion Salad is a quick recipe with a mind-blowing crunch. This Healthy Kachumber Salad has a slightly spicy lemony dressing, which is the highlight of this recipe. While most kachumber have finely chopped veggies, in this salad we have cut the veggies into cubes for a slightly better mouthfeel. learn How to make Onion Tomato Cucumber Salad at Home. To make Healthy Kachumber Salad, you will need 3 veggies – tomatoes, cucumber and spring onions – all the veggies which are available year round. Wash them and cut the tomatoes and cucumber into cubes, while slicing the spring onions. Make a dressing of lemon juice, finely chopped green chillies, garlic and salt. Give a mix to the dressing and add it to the veggies together. Toss the veggies and dressing and serve. Cucumber in Tomato Cucumber and Onion Salad is a vegetable with a high water content and is therefore relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. Try having cucumber with its peel which itself is a great source of fibre and many more nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin A , both of which play their role as an antioxidant and help to keep inflammation at bay and also aid in clear vision. Tomato is also the ingredient in this Healthy Kachumber Salad which lends good amounts of fiber. The fat free lemon juice dressing enhances this salad, especially when Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is served chilled. With just 16 calories per serving, this salad is best for weight loss, low carb and keto diet. Enjoy tomato cucumber and onion salad recipe | healthy kachumber salad | cucumber tomato onion salad | how to make onion tomato cucumber salad at home | with step by step photos.

9.

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The all-time favourite indian cooler, cucumber, is topped with flavoured lebanese hummus. An innovative and irresistible way to relish the healthy cucumber, this snack can be had at any time of the day.

10.

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Bubbling with a blast of freshness, this amazing combination of fruits and veggies is sure to put you on the right track! The Cucumber, Spinach, Orange and Cucumber Drink is quite easy to make and light on the stomach too. When you do not feel like having a heavy snack, go for this great juice. Ideal for those with IBS , this simple juice can be made any time, without much fuss. Relish it immediately before it discolors.

11.

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A great way to incorporate sprouts into your diet. This nutritious, protein and fibre-rich salad is also easy to make. Sprouts, cucumber and spring onions are tossed together while vinegar, sugar, mustard and pepper add the flavours to the vegetables. Tastes delicious when served chilled- simply serve this garnished with peanuts, or try pomegranate seeds too. Simply crunch and munch your way to good health!

12.

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Cucumbers and pineapples are juicy, refreshing and rich with vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, fibre and water. These foods help in cleansing the system, maintaining body temperature, and hydrate the body. Chopping them up for this salad is a great way begin a meal and ensure that you don’t pile on too many calories.

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