Stephanie Linus Daily

Tag: Cucumber

  • How To Make Cucumber Juice

    Remember I once told you that I learn a lot from you in the comment section of this blog? Yes, I do!

    Some days ago, when I put up a post on the 5 Healthy Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers, a reader mentioned that she makes cucumber juice. Now, this is something I’ve never done before so I did some research and found the recipe.

    Cucumbers are naturally high in vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. Sometimes, you might have lots of them and won’t want them to get spoilt. One way to use up those extra cucumbers is in homemade cucumber juice, which you can use for mixed drinks or sauces or consume on its own. Many people add cucumber juice to their diets to improve the quality of their skin, nails, and hair, and when consumed regularly, the drink can help treat high blood pressure and kidney stones.

    So, join me and let’s learn how to make some cucumber juice. I got this from Wikihow:

    1. Peel your cucumbers. The skin of a cucumber is coated in a protective wax. While you can eat this coating without much problem, the wax will distort the texture of cucumber juice. You can accomplish this task by using either a potato peeler or a sharp knife with a smooth blade.
    1. Peel your cucumbers. The skin of a cucumber is coated in a protective wax. While you can eat this coating without much problem, the wax will distort the texture of cucumber juice. You can accomplish this task by using either a potato peeler or a sharp knife with a smooth blade.
    2. Slice off the ends of your cucumbers using a sharp knife. The bottom and top stem are hard, inedible parts that you should not attempt to turn into juice.
    2. Slice off the ends of your cucumbers using a sharp knife. The bottom and top stem are hard, inedible parts that you should not attempt to turn into juice.
    3. Chop the cucumbers into large chunks. The pieces can be up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in height, width, and depth. Smaller pieces will also work, but you should avoid using pieces that are much bigger than that.
    3. Chop the cucumbers into large chunks. The pieces can be up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in height, width, and depth. Smaller pieces will also work, but you should avoid using pieces that are much bigger than that.
    4. Place the cucumber chunks into a food processor or blender. You should leave a couple of inches in between the top cucumber pieces and the rim of the machine. Do not fill the food processor to the top.
    4. Place the cucumber chunks into a food processor or blender. You should leave a couple of inches in between the top cucumber pieces and the rim of the machine. Do not fill the food processor to the top.
    5. Blend the cucumber pieces on a medium or high speed. Run the machine for approximately two minutes. The mixture should be pulpy, but it does not need to be smooth.
    5. Blend the cucumber pieces on a medium or high speed. Run the machine for approximately two minutes. The mixture should be pulpy, but it does not need to be smooth.
    6. Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl. The strainer should be small enough to fit inside the mouth of the bowl, but if possible, you should use a strainer with a wide enough rim to rest on top of the brim of the bowl. By resting the strainer on top of the bowl, you free up both hands.
    6. Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl. The strainer should be small enough to fit inside the mouth of the bowl, but if possible, you should use a strainer with a wide enough rim to rest on top of the brim of the bowl. By resting the strainer on top of the bowl, you free up both hands.
    7. Place cheesecloth inside the strainer. The cloth will allow you to strain out more pulp. You can also line the strainer with coffee filters to create the same effect.
    7. Place cheesecloth inside the strainer. The cloth will allow you to strain out more pulp. You can also line the strainer with coffee filters to create the same effect.
    8. Slowly pour the blended cucumbers through the strainer. Pour as much of the cucumber puree into the strainer as possible without causing the puree to overflow.
    8. Slowly pour the blended cucumbers through the strainer. Pour as much of the cucumber puree into the strainer as possible without causing the puree to overflow.
    9. Stir the puree with a rubber spatula or metal spoon, occasionally pressing down into the cheesecloth or mesh. By stirring the cucumbers, you encourage the juice to seep out and flow through the strainers, into the bowl. Continue stirring and pressing until no more juice comes out.
    9. Stir the puree with a rubber spatula or metal spoon, occasionally pressing down into the cheesecloth or mesh. By stirring the cucumbers, you encourage the juice to seep out and flow through the strainers, into the bowl. Continue stirring and pressing until no more juice comes out.
    10. Pour the cucumber juice into glasses, chill, and serve. You can also store fresh cucumber juice in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for one week.
    10. Pour the cucumber juice into glasses, chill, and serve. You can also store fresh cucumber juice in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for one week.

    Simple, isn’t it? Remember, if you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender. There is also the option of mixing it with honey for a sweetened taste but I tend to prefer this one.

    Would you try this soon?

  • 5 Healthy Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers

    Whether you add cucumber slices to your salad, toss them in your smoothie or take them as a snack, cucumbers help keep you full without ruining your diet.

    But not only are they satisfying, they are also great for your body. Here are some impressive health benefits of cucumbers:

    Cucumber Rehydrates The Body
    If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water loss.

    Freshen Your Breath
    Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath

    Fight Cancers
    Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

    Packed with Vitamins
    Cucumbers are rich in most essential vitamins that the body needs. They contain vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and gives the body more energy and a youthful glow.

    Good For Diabetics
    Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits. Cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.

    Protect Your Brain
    Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

    Good For Weight Watchers
    Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water, making them ideal for those who want to lose a few pounds. They are also high in fiber that aids digestion and can be a cure for constipation.

    Do you know of any other health benefits of eating cucumber? Do you eat cucumber often?