The summers are here and how. Our kitchens and refrigerators are filled with all things cool and summery. There are plenty of summer fruits and vegetables that are not only delectable but are also some of the healthiest additions you can make to your summer diet. Mention summer, and our mind instantly pictures fresh and vibrant mangoes. But summers in India are a celebratory affair, and while mangoes are a big part of it, they are not the only highlight of this scorching weather. An increase in fiber intake is also recommended for regulating bowel movements. Other methods of weight loss include use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume. Bariatric surgery may be indicated in cases of severe obesity. Two common bariatric surgical procedures are gastric bypass and gastric banding.Both can be effective at limiting the intake of food energy by reducing the size of the stomach, but as with any surgical procedure both come with their own risks.Virtual gastric band uses hypnosis to make the brain think the stomach is smaller than it really is and hence lower the amount of food ingested. This brings as a consequence weight reduction. This method is complemented with psychological treatment for anxiety management and with hypnopedia. Research has been conducted into the use of hypnosis as a weight management alternative.Crunchy and cooling cucumbers are also an intrinsic part of our summer essentials (Think: raita, salads, detox water, smoothies).
Cucumber Nutrition Facts and Value
Cucumber is a treasure trove of bio-available minerals, electrolytes and vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, calcium and zinc. It is also helpful in maintaining body’s water balance on hot days. A proud member of the gourd family, cucumber is known to have plant sterols that are effective in lowering ‘unhealthy’ (LDL) cholesterol levels too. Cucumbers find a unique place in many skin and beauty rituals too. It is said that cucumber is packed with beauty mineral silica; it can exfoliate skin, remove dead cells and prevent tanning. Cucumber is renowned to be our gut and tummy’s best friend in summer. In these months, one is generally advised to eat fresh, seasonal and homemade food as digesting greasy and heavy food gets increasingly tough during summer.
Cucumber for summers — Here’s what makes cucumber ideal for gut, digestion and weight loss:
1. Cucumber For Gut:
According to the book, ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing House cucumber “Cucumber contains erepsin, a digestive enzyme that helps breakdown the protein. It also acts as an antiparasitic and helps cleanse and tone the intestines.”
2. Cucumber For Digestion:
Did you know about 96 percent of cucumber is just water? Yes, you heard us! Cucumber is all water and nutrients. Since it is densely filled with water, it is good for your colon. If you are suffering from constipation, cucumber may help in softening your stool and enable better bowel regularity.
3. Cucumber For Weight Loss:
There must be some reason as to why cucumber makes for a salad staple. As mentioned earlier, cucumber is packed with water, which makes the veggie a very filling one. If you are full, you would naturally binge less. Cucumber is also a negative calorie food. A 100 grams serving of cucumber contains only 15.54 calories.
