Cucumbers

CUCUMBERS are a highly alkalinizing and hydrating fruit that is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, magnesium, silicon, and potassium.

CUCUMBERS are also one of the best natural diuretics around, aiding in the excretion of wastes through the kidneys and helping to dissolve uric acid accumulations such as kidney and bladder stones. They have wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits which can significantly benefit autoimmune and neurological disorders. It can also help to diminish swelling and puffiness underneath the eyes when applied externally.

CUCUMBERS also benefit teeth and gums as the fiber and nutrients help to massage the gums and remove bad bacteria from the teeth. Their high silica content promotes strong and healthy hair and nails which has earned them the reputation for centuries as being a “beautifying” food.

CUCUMBERS are also packed with antioxidants and enzymes such as erepsin which helps to digest proteins and destroy parasites and tapeworms. The high chlorophyll and lignan content in the cucumber skin makes it a great anti-cancer food and can be particularly helpful in reducing the risk of estrogen related cancers such as breast, uterus, prostate, and ovarian cancer. The high fiber content of cucumbers makes it an excellent remedy for constipation by adding bulk and hydration directly to the colon.

HEALTH BENEFITS

 

1. Help You Stay Hydrated

Cucumbers are 95.2 percent water, which means that a 5-ounce serving contains 4.8 ounces or 150 ml water. That’s already about 26 percent of your daily water intake through food.

2. Support Heart Health

Cucumbers contain potassium (152 mg per cup), which can help lower blood pressure. A review of the best studies conducted on potassium intake showed that a higher intake “is associated with lower rates of stroke and might also reduce the risk of total cardiovascular disease.” As less than 2 percent of U.S. adults consume the recommended 4,700 mg potassium per day, eating cucumbers is an easy way to start increasing your potassium consumption.

3. Protect Your Brain From Neurological Diseases

An anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin is present in cucumbers, as well as strawberries and grapes. It has recently been suggested that fisetin plays an important role in brain health: It would have “the ability to reduce the impact of age-related neurological diseases on brain function,” and it would also help maintain cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Protect Your Skin Against The Effects Of Aging

There is a reason why cucumbers are used in skin care: They have been shown to be effective as a potential anti-wrinkle agent in cosmetic products, protecting our skin form the effects of aging.

5. Fight Inflammation In The Body And Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

Cucumbers can help lower the inflammatory response in the body. They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

They also contain plant nutrients called cucurbitacins, which have anti-cancer properties: “Scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways required for cancer cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins.”

6. Relieve Pain

Flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory substances, and tannins in cucumbers have both been shown to limit the release of free radicals in the body and to reduce pain.

7. Reduce Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. Fiber and water-rich vegetables like cucumbers can boost your mouth’s saliva production, which in turn helps wash away the bacteria that cause the odor in the mouth.

8. Protect Your Bones

Cucumber are a good source of vitamin K: One cup contains 22 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Vitamin K is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.

9. Prevent Constipation

Cucumbers are rich in water, and their skin contains insoluble fiber. Both water and fiber help food to move through the digestive tract quicker and more easily, helping prevent constipation.

10. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Cucumbers are very low in calories (16 calories per cup) and they also contain fiber in the skin. And foods that contain fiber can help maintain a healthy weight.

This information was in The New York Times as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

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.

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.

Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?  Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool?  Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite.  Works great on wrinkles too!!!

Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge?  Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

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.

Just finished 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, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

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 you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

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Collard Greens

COLLARD GREENS are an incredibly nutritious and healing green leafy vegetable that contains anti-viral, anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds. They are packed with vitamins A, C & B-complex and minerals such as iron, calcium, selenium, and zinc. They are also exceptionally rich in vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids which are very important for neurological disorders especially those affecting the brain.

COLLARD GREENS are also a phenomenal source of folate which is an essential nutrient for woman of child bearing age as well as for overall cardiovascular health. They are particularly beneficial for hemorrhoids, constipation, high blood pressure, age related macular degeneration, chronic infections, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and weight loss.

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, COLLARD GREENS are also an ideal food for those suffering with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiomyopathy, Lyme’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Collard greens are also known to be very helpful in the prevention of stomach, colon, breast, ovarian, cervical, lung, skin, liver, and prostate cancers and can help to significantly lower cholesterol.

They are an excellent detoxifying food that helps to purify the liver and move it out of stagnancy.

COLLARD GREENS need to be cooked as they are a COARSE vegetable. Collard greens are also excellent added to soups or stews. Collard greens are a nutrient rich vegetable that can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket or health food store.

HEALTH BENEFITS

BONE HEALTH:

Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium.

One cup of boiled collard greens provides a whopping 770 micrograms of vitamin K; well over 100% of the daily-recommended need.

CANCER:

Since the 1980s, maintaining a high intake of cruciferous vegetables has consistently been associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer. Recently, cruciferous vegetable intake has been linked with targeting prostate cancer cells as well. These vegetables have sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates, which have been studied for their ability to impede the cancer process at different stages of development for lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. New preliminary studies have found that glucosinolates may also be effective against melanoma, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Collard greens and other green vegetables that contain high amounts of chlorophyll have been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature.

DIABETES:

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of boiled collard greens provides about 8 grams of fiber.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 g/day for women and 30-38 g/day for men.

COLLARD GREENS also contain an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes. Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown decreases in peripheral neuropathy and/or autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

DIGESTION:

Collard greens are high in both fiber and water content, which help to prevent constipation, promote regularity and maintain a healthy digestive tract.

HEALTHY SKIN AND HAIR:

Collard greens are also great for your skin because they are packed full of vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

Adequate intake of vitamin C (one cup of boiled collard greens provides over 50% of daily needs) is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.

Iron-deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which can be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-containing foods like COLLARD GREENS. Not getting enough iron in your diet can also affect how efficiently your body uses energy. Collard greens are a great non-heme source of iron, along with spinach, and lentils

SLEEP AND MOOD:

The choline in collard greens is an important nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation. Folate, also found in choline, may help with depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body, which can prevent blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess homocysteine interferes with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but also sleep and appetite as well.

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Got info from MMT classes.

Cold & Flu Remedy

Nature's/Russian Penicillin:

3 grapefruit

2 lemons

2 large onions (chopped about 1-inch pieces)

2 whole bulbs garlic (chopped)

½ t. peppermint oil (optional)

½ t. eucalyptus oil (recommended) 

1-inch piece of ginger grated (optional)

⅓ t. cayenne pepper (90,000 Heat Units recommended, but if you only have store-bought (40,000 Heat Units), that's okay.

Cut Grapefruit into 4 equal pieces, then cut those 4 pieces in half, leaving you with 8 pieces, and squeeze into a stock pot, squeezing all juice into the pot, then throw the whole peeling into the pot as well. Do the same with the lemons, only cut those into 4 equal pieces.

Mix everything together in the pot and add 8 cups of water, (½ gallon /2 quarts) and then bring to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, turn it on low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, then turn it off and remove from the hot burner to a cool burner eye.

Drink ½ c. of this every half hour....this stuff is known to KNOCK OUT A COLD/FLU/RESPIRATORY PROBLEM, etc. This is only one recipe for one person for one day. One recipe is usually all it takes.

Be sure to use 2 whole bulbs of garlic and not cloves...the bulb is the whole big thing...to cut each clove, first cut off the hard piece at the end, then simply take a large cutting knife and lay the flat side of the knife against the garlic and press down hard. The peel should come right off. Do this to all the cloves, then chop them. They don't have to be finely chopped.

Please share this recipe with all your friends & family.

WARNING: Those people who take cholesterol medication cannot use grapefruit, so they would use oranges instead. If they are high cholesterol & diabetic, they cannot use the oranges either, so have them do lemon & lime instead.

By the way, only drink the juice of this batch. You don't eat the garlic, onions, etc. You can if you want to, but it's not required. Only the broth.

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PLEASE DONATE TODAY, so I can continue to help others. (donate button is at the bottom and scroll to the right to see it on the top right) Thank you! 

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Got info from another source.

80 Uses For Coconut Oil

Not all of these are the best but many of them are great - so I thought I would post it!

1. Moisturizer – Simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.

2. Eye Cream – Apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.

3. Preshave – Coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.

4. Aftershave – Coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.

5. Deodorant – Coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder!

6. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment – Use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.

7. Hair Gel/Defrizzer – Rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).

8. Toothpaste – There are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and turmeric and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.

9. Make Up Remover – Use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!

10. Chapstick – Just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!

11. Massage Oil – Pretty simple; grab some and rub!

12. Lubricant – It is an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!

13. Sunscreen –

14. Stretch Mark Cream – Coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.

15. Nipple Cream – Works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.

16. Diaper Salve – Very comforting on a rashy bottom with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.

17. Cradle Cap – Having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.

18. Body Scrub – Mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.

19. Healing – When applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.

20. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.

21. Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

22. Swimmers Ear – Mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.

GENERAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
23. Stress Relief – Relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

24. Digestion – The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

25. Fitness – Coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.

26. Nose Bleeds – Coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.

27. Milk Supply – For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.

28. Cravings – Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.

29. Blood Sugar – Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)

30. Eczema – In addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don't

31. Skin Problems

32. Toenail Fungus

33. Hot Flashes

34. Bleeding Hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)

35. HIV

36. Head Lice

37. Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow

38. Migraines (with regular use)

39. Mononucleosis

40. Parasites

41. Thrush

42. Relieve gallbladder pain

43. Thyroid – Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal.

44. Energy Boost

45. Flaky, Dry Skin

46. Acid Reflux And Indigestion – May relieve when taken with each meal

47. Adrenal Fatigue

48. Alzheimer’s

49. H. pylori

50. Candida Albicans

51. Asthma, even in children

52. Autism

53. Cholesterol – Improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to LDL ('bad' cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol

54. Chronic Fatigue

55. Circulation/feeling cold all the time

56. Stronger Immune System

57. Mental Clarity

58. Depression

59. Helps with inflammation in Crohn’s

HEALTH PROBLEMS (THAT COCONUT OIL IS KNOWN FOR AIDING, RELIEVING, OR EVEN CURING WHEN APPLIED TOPICALLY)

60. Athletes foot

61. Back pain/sore muscles

62. Canker sores

63. Acne

64. Cellulite

65. Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)

66. Genital Warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)

67. Circumcision Healing – Although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.

COOKING
68. Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.

69. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.

70. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.

71. Nutritional Supplement – Melt and add to your food.

OTHER USES
72. Insect Repellent – Mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.

73. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.

74. Goo Gone – Just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.

75. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – Just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, and then roll the gum between your fingertips. Voila! It’s out!

76. Polish Furniture – Coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.

77. Polishing Bronze – All you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.

78. Seasoning animal hide drums

79. Seasoning cookware

80. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

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PLEASE DONATE TODAY, so I can continue to help others. (donate button is at the bottom and scroll to the right to see it on the top right) Thank you! 

CashApp – $ReneeBushor
PayPal – renee.bushor@gmail.com
Venmo – @Renee-Bushor
Zelle – rrbushor93@verizon.net
 

Got info from another source.