Uses for Cucumbers That Will Amaze You

Cucumbers are very easy to grow and make for a delicious treat. But did you know they can prevent hangovers, or clean the kitchen sink? Below is a list of tips and tricks you can do with cucumbers that you do not want to miss!

Cucumber Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits:

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day. Just one cucumber contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

This article also highlights some of the other health benefits of the familiar cucumber -- for example, did you know it is also extremely low in calories?

Cucumbers for Energy:

Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours, not to mention the extra water  some research shows that as many as 40% of Americans do not drink enough.

 Un-Fog Mirrors With Cucumber for a Spa-like Fragrance:

Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

This video is a quick (and a little goofy) demonstration. It really is that simple: rub the sliced inside of the cucumber on the mirror. If you are careful about how you clean your mirror in general, feel free to eat the cucumber after.

Cucumbers to Curb Hunger:

Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

This article explains how cucumbers work to take the edge off your appetite, without adding pounds to your "bottom line."

The Secret Super Cleaning Powers of the Mighty Cucumber:

Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks, or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean; not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won’t leave streaks, and won’t harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

This post from the site Apartment Therapy tells you how to make the most of your cucumbers as cleaning supplies you'll just have to rinse away the seeds.

Hangover Cure:

Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache-free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins, and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache. On top of that, they're 90% water, something your body will need after a little too much celebrating.

Freshen Your Breath (When There is No Mint in Sight):

Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath.

Steam Away Stress:

Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial, or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water; the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

Magic Eraser:

Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. The outside of the cucumber also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls and when you're done, you can peel and eat the cucumber for a healthy and guilt-free snack.