Week of August 2 - 9, 2010

In honor of the cucumber……

Out of all the food in the world my latest craving has been cucumbers.  You must think I am nuts but just writing about it makes me want to go into my fridge, take one out, peel it and slice it. I love them with lime juice, a little salt and a little cayenne pepper. I will control my craving right now since I already had it with my lunch today. Yummm.

Cucumbers have great nutritional value and are low calorie (about 45 calories in a medium size), low carb (about 3-4 grams) and fat free. They are high in potassium; contain calcium, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9.  They can hydrate you as they are 96% water by weight.

The cucumber belongs to the gourd family. Other fruits in this family are melons, watermelon, zucchini, squash, pumpkins, etc. Until the late Victorian period, people believed that cucumbers were poisonous; wow did they miss out on this delicious fruit. They accredited their belief to the bitter taste the skin can produce sometimes.

Some of the health benefits offered by the cucumber are:

• It reduces inflammation.

• It aids in weight loss and it’s detoxifying.

• It balances the pH in your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

• It helps you achieve normal cardiovascular health.

• It normalizes sugar.

• It contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps digest protein.

• It contributes to the health of the kidneys, liver, pancreas and the bladder.

• It helps maintain healthy skin and hair.

Cucumber Mango and Avocado Salad

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 medium English cucumber, cut into 3/4-inch dice
• 1 avocado, cut into 3/4-inch dice
• 1 mango, cut into 3/4-inch dice (see Kitchen Tip)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Whisk lime zest, lime juice, oil and crushed red pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add cucumber, avocado, mango and cilantro; gently toss to coat. Serve garnished with lime zest, if desired. Add a little salt. Chill for an hour before eating.

ENJOY!!!!!

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