Three ways with... the cool cucumber

The Cucumis Sativus comes packed with vitamins A and C and minerals, and prevents dehydration given its 96% water content.

The cooling vegetable is a good source of potassium, which works wonders on maintaining blood pressure.
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The humble green is also helpful in keeping urinary, liver and pancreatic diseases at bay.
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Here are three ways to get more out of this under-rated veggie:

Blitz it with some mint leaves: Blend one sliced cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves in a cup of water.

Once thoroughly blitzed, strain the puree, add more water and sugar according to taste.

Add half a teaspoon of roasted and ground cumin seeds for added flavour. This Cucumber-Mint Cooler works as an instant refresher on a hot day.

Eat it between two slices of bread: To make your own cucumber sandwich spread, add some finely chopped cucumber to a bowl of sour cream.
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Season with salt, a generous sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lime to add some tang.

Spread this over bread for a yummy post-workout sandwich or a dip served with vegetable crudites.

Beat an egg white into it: Make a paste of half a peeled and de-seeded cucumber.
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Add a well-beaten egg white to the paste. Apply the mask evenly on the face, leave for 20 minutes and then rinse off with water. The mask is helpful for the treatment of skin problems ranging from dryness to acne.