14 Most Amazing Beauty And Health Benefits Of Cucumbers
One of the most used vegetables in salads and sandwiches, cucumber is often referred as a 'super food'. This green vegetable is a sure shot favourite of all the health conscious people. This is one such veggie that finds its way in most Indian homes as soon as summers arrive.
Well, cucumber has some exciting health and beauty benefits that will make you pick it up right now. Here you go!
Cucumber is known to have slight bleaching properties that can help you in getting rid of skin tanning. In fact, skin burns can also be treated with cucumber paste. Not just that, it also helps in giving your sking that desired glow.
#2. Rejuvenated skin
The high amount of water content in cucumber flushes out toxins from your system and hydrates your skin, and helps to tackle skin woes.
#3. Fairer complexion
The silica present in this wonder vegetable improves skin complexion and makes skin radiant. Grate a cucumber and squeeze the juice. Dab it on your skin with clean cotton balls, and wash your face with cold water after 10 minutes. You will in notice the glow no time!
To lighten acne marks, prepare a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply it on acne scars. But, don’t expect immediate results. Improvement will be noticeable over a course of time.
#5. Smooth skin
For a blemish-free skin, blend a cucumber until it is entirely liquid, and then add rosemary essential oil and egg white in it. Apply this paste evenly on your face, and wash it off after 15 minutes. This way, you are sure going to get that silky smoooth skin.
#6. Anti-ageing benefits
It is filled with antioxidants, like Beta-carotene and lutein, which help to fight free radicals in your body. This provides protection to the skin against the signs of ageing.
Cucumber skin contains vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which prevent water retention and reduce skin irritation. This explains why cucumber slices work as natural eye pads and are used topically to tackle puffiness around your eyes.
#8. Chlorine-damaged hair
Love to go for a swim, but have an overriding anxiety that chlorine will damage your hair? Worry no more! Dive into the pool fearlessly, but before that prepare a conditioner to counter chlorine damage. Blend 1 cucumber, 1 egg and 1 tbsp. olive oil well. Apply this mixture on your hair evenly. Leave it on for 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it off. Use it regularly for best results.
#9. Strengthens hair
Drinking cucumber juice will provide your body with silicon, sodium, calcium, sulphur, etc., all of which are the nutrients that are needed for hair growth and hair strengthening. All you need to do is, rinse your hair with cucumber juice regularly and you will get silky, shiny hair soon.
If you are looking for natural ways to tackle cellulite problems, then let cucumbers be your go-to food. Eating cucumbers help to treat cellulite. Rubbing its slices on the problem area, can help you to get rid of cellulite. You can also prepare a paste of cucumber juice, grounded coffee and honey. Now, apply it on the problemetic area. Wrap this in a muslin cloth for 30 minutes before exfoliating and rinsing it off.
#11. Hydrates the body from inside
With a sudden spike in temperature, the only way to fight dehydration is drinking ample amount of water. But if you are too busy, eat more and more cucumbers as they contain over 90 per cent water. This helps in flushing the toxins out of your system for good and keeping the internal system clean.
#12. Aids in weight loss
Being high in water content and low in calories make it perfect for those who are trying to lose weight. Cucumber is one of the best sources of dietary fibre as its flesh, seeds and membranes contain high amount of nutrients. Also, it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.
Dental care routine includes brushing twice a day and flossing, but ever thought of adding cucumbers? Cucumbers contain a phytochemical that is known to fight the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath. Cut a slice of cucumber and hold it on the roof of your mouth with the help of your tongue for about 30 seconds. Try it to believe it!
#14. Cures headaches
Sort your nightmare of having a hangover before you doze off after a night of merrymaking. Cucumbers contain electrolytes, vitamin B and sugar. So, eat a few slices before going to bed to replenish your system with these essential nutrients. This helps in reducing the severity of headache the morning after.
Other benefits:
1) The minerals present in cucumber regulate the body’s blood pH levels and neutralises the acidity.
2) It keeps uric acid in check, which is known to cause inflammation in the joints and the silica strengthens connective tissues of the joint.
3) The seeds of cucumber are diuretic and broom the gut to alleviate constipation.
4) It also contains compounds called sterols that keep a check on cholesterol level.
5) Potassium, fibre and magnesium in this veggie regulate blood pressure.
6) Lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol present in cucumber are known to reduce the risk of various cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate and uterine.
7) Last, but not the least, cucumbers also help to relieve stress. Eating this amazing vitamin-rich veggie can help to regulate the functioning of adrenal glands. This is known to counter the effects of stress on your body.
7 DIY Aloe Vera Hair Masks That Boost Hair Growth And Increase Volume
Aloe Vera is a one man army. It can help you to get a better-looking skin and well-nourished hair. Aloe vera helps to keep the scalp hydrated and fastens hair regeneration.
If you have dandruff, thin hair, hair fall or your hair lack that much-needed shine, give these easy DIY aloe vera hair masks a try to say hello to those luscious locks!
#1. Yoghurt and aloe vera mask
Ingredients:
2 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tbsp yoghurt
2 tbsp honey
Direction:
Mix all the ingredients together and apply the mask on your hair starting from roots to end. Massage your scalp after the application for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off after 30 minutes. Follow it with a mild shampoo. Your hair will shine with the use of this mask.
#2. Apple cider vinegar and aloe vera mask
Ingredients:
1 cup aloe vera gel
2 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
Direction:
Whisk together both the ingredients and apply it on your scalp. Let it stay on for 30 minutes and wash off with shampoo. Apple cider vinegar leaves a pungent smell, but if this hair mask is used twice a month, it can help you to get rid of dandruff easily.
#3. Castor oil and aloe vera mask
Ingredients:
1 cup aloe vera gel
2 tbsp of castor oil
2 tbsp of fenugreek powder
Direction:
Blend all the ingredients together and apply it starting from your roots to the hair ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap and keep the mask in your hair overnight. Wash it off in the morning with shampoo and lukewarm water. This hair mask promotes hair growth
#4. Hibiscus and aloe vera mask
Ingredients:
1 cup aloe vera gel
2 tbsp hibiscus flower paste
Direction:
Mix both the ingredients together and apply it all over your head, especially on the hair ends. This will make your hair thick, smooth and shiny. It is a great mask if you don't want to cut your hair but get rid of split ends.
#5. Egg and aloe vera mask
Ingredients:
1 tbsp of aloe vera gel
1 tbsp of garlic juice
1 egg yolk
Direction:
Mix all the ingredients together and apply it on your scalp. Give steam to your hair by wrapping them up in a warm towel. After 30 minutes, wash your hair with shampoo. This hair mask is rich in protein. It will make your hair amazingly strong.
#6. Tea tree oil and aloe vera mask
Ingredients:
1 cup aloe vera gel
2 tsp rose water
A few drops of tea tree oil
Direction:
Combine all the ingredients together and apply it on your scalp and hair strands, After 30 minutes, wash off with just water. It will help you to get rid of dandruff and give you shiny and fragrant hair.
#7. Coconut oil and aloe vera mask
Ingredients:
1 cup aloe vera gel
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp raw honey
Direction:
Blend all the ingredients together and apply it all over your scalp and hair. Cover it with a warm towel. Wash it off and shampoo your hair. It will help you to get rid of dry and frizzy hair.
Aloe vera is a local ingredient which wouldn't burn holes in your pocket. You can grow it yourself in your home and use it for your hair and skin. It goes deep inside the surface and does its magic. We are sure that you will never go back once you start using aloe vera for hair on a regular basis.
