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Cucumber: Uses and Benefits

Greetings to the people of the world!

I'm here again, after not posting for sooooo long. Today we will going to talk about CUCUMBERS! Yes, you read it right.  It's not about makeup or some artificial products today, but of course it's still beauty related and lets insert some health related topics. By the way guys, I want you to know that I did a lot of reading and researching just to finish this post and in the end of this post all the photo links and references are well stated. So let start, shall we?

What do we know about cucumbers? Hmm it contains a lot of water and we use it to refresh our eyes to get rid of those nasty eye bags but that's not it, cucumbers have lots and lots of benefits and this vegetable is abundant all over the world.

Cucumis sativus or commonly know as Cucumber is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It is a creeping vine that bears cylindrical fruits that are used as culinary vegetables. There are three main varieties of cucumber: slicing, pickling, and burpless. Within these varieties, several different cultivars have emerged. The cucumber is originally from Southern Asia, but now grows on most continents.

Cucumbers is considered as a Super Food for its effects on the overall health. It 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 plant is extremely easy to grow and is have various sizes, shapes and color. It has a light to dark green thin skin, moisture rich flesh and has tiny edible seeds in it. It has a slightly sweet flavor and is mainly eaten raw in salad or sandwiches or in the form of juice.

Skin Benefits:

Most of the hair care and skin care products are manufactured using cucumber as one of its main ingredients. The raw fruit is also used in many beauty parlors in facial processes.

Revitalization of the skin. Facial masks containing cucumber juice are beneficial for skin tightening.

Has a mild bleaching property which can reverse skin tanning and get youthful and glowing skin.

For eye puffiness, cucumbers can provide you with instant relief. The ascorbic acid and caffeic acid in cucumber brings down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the swelling and puffiness around the yes.

For sun burnt skin put cucumber slices or puree to bring instant relief. Thus cucumber is a natural and gentle way to treat sun burn.

Improve complexion and rejuvenate the skin by mixing cucumber juice with a few drop of lemon juice and apply it as a facial mask. This will improve the complexion and will add a glow to the skin.

Treat open pores by using the extract cucumber juice and apply it as a toner. You can also mix it with apple cider vinegar, tomato pulp and Aloe Vera gel to make it more effective.

Help to banish cellulite of thighs, get some ground coffee with cucumber juice and raw honey to make a thick paste. Apply this on the affected areas, wrap it in muslin cloth and exfoliate gently after 30 minutes.

Keeps the skin hydrated and well moisturized, cucumber contains 95% of water. Its seeds are rich in Vitamin E and potassium which help in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and other signs of ageing.

Reduces the appearance of dark circles by putting cucumber slices around the eyes also. The abundance of antioxidants and silica within the cucumber can rejuvenate the skin and fade dark circles. Place 2 slices of cucumbers on the eyes and leave it for 20 minutes or you can also soak 2 cotton balls in cucumber juice and place them on your eyes.

Treat freckles and blemishes by using grated cucumber. Apply cucumber juice all over the face to treat freckles and spots.

DIY;  Four Different Cucumber Face Packs

Cucumber offers multiple benefits when used as a face pack. Grated cucumber and cucumber juice can be used as a key component in facial masks to treat wrinkles, pimples and other skin problems.

Take a fresh Cucumber and blend it in a blender to make a fine paste. Add some lemon juice drops and 1 teaspoon of honey to it.  Apply it all over the face and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it off with tap water and pat dry. This face pack will help to reverse tanning.

Mix some turmeric and lemon juice with fresh cucumber pulp. Apply it on the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off after it dries. This will control oil secretion of the face.

Mix a teaspoon of oats with cucumber pulp and leave it aside for half an hour. Apply it on the face and neck and leave it to dry for 20 minutes. This face pack is very effective for dry skin. You can also add honey to this face pack to moisturize the skin.

Two Tablespoons curd, ½  tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, half cup  grated cucumber and also 3 Vitamin E tables. Apply on face and leave it for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water. This mixture acts as anti-aging cucumber mask.

Hair Care:

The most important benefit of cucumber for hair is its hair strengthening properties. Cucumber in the form of the juice contributes to the hair growth primarily due to its content of silicon, sulphur sodium, phosphorus and calcium which are some of the most needed nutrients required for hair growth.  Drink cucumber juice daily to control hair fall.

Cucumber juice can also be used as a hair rinse to get silky and shiny hair. It conditions the hair and makes it more manageable.

Health Related:

Since I'm a nurse I also inserted some health related benefits of cucumber, this things are good to know.

Calories in cucumber are very low and it contains just 15 grams of calories per 100 grams. It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.

Cucumber peel is a very good source of dietary fiber that helps to reduce constipation, indigestion and prevents stomach related diseases by eliminating toxic compounds from the gut.

It also has healing attributes in relation to the diseases of urinary bladder and kidney. The water content in cucumber aids the function of kidney by promoting urination. Regular consumption of cucumber can also dissolve kidney stones over time.

Digestive problems like heartburn, acidity, gastritis and even ulcer can be cured by daily consumption of cucumber or cucumber juice. It can also treat the problem of constipation.  It contains an enzyme called Erepsin which aids in the digestion of protein.

Cucumber seeds are also highly beneficial. It is considered as a natural remedy to eliminate tape worm from intestinal tracts. The seeds also have anti inflammatory properties which are effective in the treatment of swellings of mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

Cucumbers are one of the best sources of potassium and contain 147 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams. This heart friendly electrolyte reduces blood pressure level in the body and reduces heart rate by minimising the effects of sodium.

Cucumbers contain good amount of antioxidants like B carotene, a carotene, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds act as a scavenger against free radicals that lead to ageing and other age related diseases.

Fresh cucumber extracts are also known to reduce unwanted inflammation. It accomplishes the task by inhabiting activity of pro inflammatory enzymes like cyclo-oxyenase and by preventing over production of nitric oxides which leads to excessive inflammation.

Cucumber juice contains hormones which are badly needed by the pancreas for producing insulin which is extremely beneficial to diabetic patients. Copper in cucumber also aids to produce healthy blood cells and improves blood circulation in the body

Cucumbers are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These 3 lignans are strongly connected with reducing the risk of developing several kinds of cancer like breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.  When we consume these lignans, bacteria found in our digestive tract take hold of these lignans and convert them into enterolignans. These enterolignans bind on to the estrogens receptors to reduce estrogens related diseases like cancer.

Cucumber also cares for the dental health by combating bad breath. The vegetable releases phytochemical which kill the bad breath causing bacteria. Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of the mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath. Raw cucumber increases salivation and brings a neutralisation of acids and alkali in oral cavity. Cucumber juice can effectively treat gum diseases like pyorrhoea and weak gums.

Cucumber can also be used to cure hangover and headache associated with it. This is because they help to rehydrate the body’s nutrients and eliminate the toxins that are present due to the intake of alcohol. Eat few cucumber slices before going to bed. The sugar, vitamin B and electrolytes content in cucumber will reduce the intensity of hangover and headache.

Cumber has mild diuretic properties owing to its high potassium and water content.  It also has a good amount of manganese, potassium and fiber which regulates the blood pressure and treats both high and low blood pressure. Steam produced while boiling cucumber acts as a stress reliever and calms and relaxes the senses and muscles.

Cucumber contains 95% water which hydrates and replenishes the body by eliminating the toxins. The high water content in cucumber acts as a system cleanser and sweeps the waste products out of the system.

Vitamin K in cucumbers plays a very important role in strengthening bones by promoting orthotropic activity.  The high amount of silica in it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissue. It is also a good source of calcium making it perfect for vegan diet. Getting enough calcium also maintains the body’s hormone balance by controlling hormone release.

Copper in cucumber help the people to make neurotransmitters, the family of chemicals, which brain needs to communicate. It also helps in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by limiting neutral damage in the brain.

Other Uses of Cucumber:

For 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.

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.

To fight off that afternoon or evening snack binge, European trappers, traders and explores have used cucumbers for centuries for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

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.

Stressed out, 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 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.

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.

Cleaning those marks, 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.

Side Effects:

Cucumbers are not entirely reaction free. They do have some side effects.

Allergies, especially around oral cavity, itchiness and swelling may also develop due to allergy. This can be redeemed by cooking the food rather than eaten it in its raw form.

Cucumber can also lead to gastritis problems in some people which are mainly caused due to a compound known as cucurbitacin which causes indigestion. This can be avoided by eating cucumbers which have undergone breeding or whose compound has been removed.

Cucumber can also cause toxicity and baldness caused by chemicals found in the cucumbers. This usually happens when one consumes excess of cucumber.

Note:

Cucumbers can be stored in refrigerator for almost a week. If you have peeled the cucumber, then you can store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture escape. For optimum nutrition, cucumber should be eaten within 2 to 3 days of purchasing. They should not be left at room temperature for a long time as this can make them limp and wilt.

I hope you guys learn something on this post. Till next time and have a nice day everyone.

Please follow me at http://makeupexperiment.tumblr.com/ for more beauty related post.

Disclaimer: All the references I've used is stated and i don't claim all the information mentioned in this post, as well as the photos used in this are properly linked and in addition it is also written at the photo credits and references.

Photo credits, those pictures above is not mine here are the links:

http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/997703/growing-cucumbers

http://beautyhealthtips.in/best-home-made-natural-cucumber-face-packs-masks/

http://humannhealth.com/health-benefits-of-cucumber/77/

References, I admit i don't know everything, to be able to give you guys some facts rather some nonsense blab i did some research and the links are as follows:

http://www.realfarmacy.com/13-uses-for-cucumbers-that-will-amaze-you/

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-cucumber-for-skin-hair-and-health/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucumber

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Chance in Life..

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New post! #Review on #ESSENCE ALL EYES ON ME waterproof multi-effect #mascara. Visit at http://makeupexperiment.tumblr.com :)

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REVIEW: ESSENCE ALL EYES ON ME waterproof multi-effect mascara

Hello people, I'm really really sorry for the lack of post this past few weeks due to my busy schedule (ok enough for my excuses).

First thing first let’s talk about my stubborn lashes. I have short and very straight uncooperative lashes, that’s why I need to curl them for at least 15-30 seconds (no worries, i curl them gently) before applying a STRONG-HOLD mascara that can hold the curls of my lashes into place and at the same time will not clump it.

I’m searching for a great mascara that can hold the curl and voluminize my stubborn lashes, so my beauty review today is this Essence All Eyes on Me Waterproof Multi-effect Mascara (that’s a very long name).

Essence is launched on the German market in 2002 and is sold in over 60 countries. It stands for trendy and high quality cosmetics at a sensational low price. They do not conduct any testing on animals, nor commissions it to any third parties – not in Germany or anywhere else in the world.(reference inserted here)

It claims to be always reliable: the waterproof version of the all eyes on me mascara is smudge and waterproof. this all-round talent provides volume, length and curve. since it can also withstand sweat or tears, it’s ideal for sporting activities or girly movie nights with your best friends. opthalmologically tested. (this is stated in their website)

So let see if what they claim is true!

As you can see the brush is not too big nor too small.

Here’s a picture of my bare lashes :) (excuse the right eye for not having a concealer)

And here's a picture with 3 coats of mascara (1 coat doesn't mean one swipe, it means you've coated all your lashes with right amount of mascara and then allowing it to dry, then you put another layer doing the same process and that will be your 2nd coat.)

After 8 hours of wear:

Cost: 159.00Php (roughly $3-4)

Bought at: SM Watsons Cubao

Contains: 8 ml of product

Good News:

very pigmented

affordable price

doesn't irritate my eyes

gives natural look

doesn't budge until i take it off

no flaking

Down Side:

doesn't hold the curl for too long

can last for atleast 6-8 hrs

no lengthening effect

it clumps

Would i recommend this?

Yes for those who have natural curled lashes and those who seek for a natural everyday look, cause it may not be the best mascara for a professional look, but it does work pretty well for its price and it does a great job on natural looks. 

Would i buy it again?

No, cause it can't hold the curl of my lashes long enough which is a no no for me since i have a short straight lashes.

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post. I was not paid to mention/ endorse this product. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience while using the product. I bought this product with my own money.

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In God’s time..

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REVIEW: BYS CONCEALER IN LIGHT

Since I’m a concealer junkie, It’s time for another review about concealer.

BYS is a Australian cosmetic brand.

This water based concealer is in a plastic tube packaging and it is only available in 3 shades: Light, Medium and Medium-Dark.

The concealer that I’ve bought from Watson, SM Cubao is in the shade Light, it has a red-orange undertone and it’s still a bit dark for me, so i use a light powder to set it, so i can lighten it up a bit. (Ok too much light on that sentence. hahaha :D)

Since this product has a very thick consistency and i have a normal to dry skin, i have to put some moisturizer and primer first or else this concealer will settle on my crease, create patches and cake-up for sure. I also notice that this concealer works well with a brush, unlike most other concealers that works best with your finger tips.

Concealer in action: 

I first test the concealer at the back of my hand to check the consistency and color, as you can see the concealer tends to get dark once i blended it on my skin.

In this picture you can notice that my right eye that has ONE layer of BYS Concealer still have some redness and a dark area at the inner corner, that’s why I doubled the layer at my left eye to see if the concealer is build-able and for you to notice the difference.

Cost: 199.00Php (roughly $4-5)

Contains: 12 ml of product

Good News:

Very creamy concealer

Light to medium coverage

Build-able

Very pigmented

Counter act the color of my veins

Affordable price

Down Side:

Limited in 3 shades

Last 3-4 hours only

Can’t be use alone

Dries too quickly (You have to blend it fast or else it will look flaky on the skin.)

Solution:

Use a concealer brush rather than your finger tips. Since the product is too thick it will just transfer to your fingers and leave a less product on your face and I’ve notice that it blends more easily with a brush.

Put it on top of your primer or foundation, so it can glide/blend more easily on the skin.

Set it with powder to prevent from budging and to last a few more hours.

Would i recommend this?

Yes ONLY if: you don’t have a dry skin, you don’t have a problem on re-touching your makeup and only if any of those three available shades matches you.

Would i buy it again?

No, even though it covers my dark circles well, because it doesn’t last for a long period of time which is very important for me especially that I’m leaving in a hot country.

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post. I was not paid to mention/ endorse this product. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience while using the product. I bought this product with my own money.

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100 Reasons to Stay Alive~ Just a friendly reminder in case you had forgotten all of the wonderful little things that makes life worth the struggle~

Wrote up this list as an additional page on my blog and will be adding more as time goes on. If you have any suggestions you want to see on this list, feel free to message me. 

Life is worth it.  I love you.

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REVIEW: NICHIDO True Colors Collection Powder Blush

Hello guys, here am i again reviewing another Nichido product that I’ve bought.

What I have here is two matte blushes in the color PEACH GLOW and BLUSHING PINK.

So lets start with this nice pale pink blush, i love this color cause it gives me that natural flush on my cheeks. Blushing pink is a very subtle peach-pink color which is great for those who have fair to medium skin tone.

The next one is Peach Glow, this peach color blush reminds me of melon shakes (nom..nom..) during hot summer days. I love to put this blush if I don’t want too much flush on my cheeks but definitely want some color on it. I just grab it and sweep it just on the apples of my cheeks.

Here are the swatches of this two product:

Cost: 88.00Php/each (roughly $2/each)

Contains: 4g of product/ pot

Good News:

Pigmentation is perfect (not too pigmented and not too sheer)

Smooth in texture

Build-able

Affordable price

They have 6-8 colors that is suitable for fair to dark skin tone.

Down Side:

The packaging is kinda flimsy. (just be careful not to drop it or else everything will turn into dust.. :D hehe.)

Only last for about 3-4 hours (unless you put some great base/foundation underneath)

Would i recommend this?

Yes, cause this product is very affordable that can be use everyday and have a nice range of color depending on your type. If you love matte blushes and just starting to build your makeup kit this is definitely a great deal to try.

Would i buy it again?

Yes and I’ll definitely buy the remaining blushes that I’ve left behind.

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post. I was not paid to mention/ endorse this product. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience while using the product. I bought this product with my own money.

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Sassy Colors Nail Polish

Color: Iced Mint

Price: Php 19.00

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Hey guys,

It’s giveaway time! I will be giving away 2 Lorac Pro Palettes. They come with a mini Behind the Scenes Eye Primer.

Rules:

Must be following this page 

Must reblog once

Can reblog as many times as you want

Likes count

Worldwide

(2) winners will be chosen on April 30th, 2014 at 6pm PST

Have any questions feel free to ask.

Good Luck everyone

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So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

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You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth

William W. Purkey

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Sassy colors nail polish Price: 19Php/each Bought from Watsons SM Cubao

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REVIEW: NICHIDO EYE PENCILS This is another Nichido products that I’ve bought recently. The Nichido Eye pencil in 803 Brown and Nichido Gorgeous eye pencil in 05 Pink Diamond.

The Nichido Eye pencil in 803 Brown is a rich deep brown color, creamy and very well pigmented. I use it to line my eyes or as a eyelid base for a brown smokey eyes and sometimes to fill in my brows. In any ways it works perfectly cause it glides smoothly and can be blended easily (if i don’t want it to smudge, i just put some powder on top of it).

Cost: 100Php (roughly $2-3) Contains: 1.14g of product

On the other hand the Nichido Gorgeous eye pencil in 05 Pink Diamond is a nice pink-flesh color with a little bit of fine shimmer. It is not as pigmented like the brown eye pencil, I need to swatch it back and fort just to get a decent color pay off.

I bought it cause i thought I can use this pencil to line my waterline but as i tried to line my waterline, it seems like i didn’t put anything on it. The color pay off was too light to notice. But since it has a bit of shimmer, i tried to put it at my brow bone and Voila! my brows got a nice lift, i  sometimes use it at the bridge of my nose, inner corners of my eyes and at my cupids bow, in an instant it works like a handy highlighter.

Even though it didn’t work the way i want it to be, i’m happy to find some perfect ways to use it, but i wish they change the formula to make it more pigmented.

Cost: 80Php (roughly $2) Contains: 1.14g of product

Will i recommend this? Definitely the Nichido Eye pencil in 803 Brown cause it works perfectly, smooth in texture, easily blended, very creamy and pigmented. But the Nichido Gorgeous eye pencil in 05 Pink Diamond is a NO, cause it’s not that pigmented, to sheer to notice.

Would i buy it again? Just the Nichido Eye pencil in 803 Brown.

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post. I was not paid to mention/ endorse this product. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience while using the product. I bought this product with my own money.

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Makeup randomness..

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As we open our eyes today it symbolizes Life. Another chance to make it something worth while. So be grateful that your still here to see and experience God’s creation.

by silverjam