Watermelon and Cucumbers Make Cooling Cleansers

Of the squash family, cucumbers and watermelon are the best detoxifying foods. The high water and vitamin content of these perfect summertime melons cool your body while providing healing and hydration.

Both are members of the squash family, a group of plants that grow on vines along the ground. They are related to zucchini, pumpkins, cantaloupe and all the other squash.

Although they can be found in markets year-round, they are of the best quality during the summer months, fresh from the farm or garden. The heat of summer requires extra hydration. These water rich foods perfectly balance the conditions of summer by providing appropriate minerals and extra water to balance fluids. They cool your body, provide energy and help to clear out the toxins left from winter time foods and indoor living.

Watermelon

Watermelon is full of antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene. These are all cancer fighting compounds that clear the body of toxins and prevent a growing list of reproductive and digestive cancers. Lycopene is found in tomatoes and mangos as well and has been shown to prevent prostate cancer.

Watermelon is also high in B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and a special amino acid called citrulline. The vitamins and minerals are great energy providers – so watermelon cools the body and provides energy on a hot summer day. The citrulline removes ammonia from the body which has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve erectile function and improve insulin absorption for healthy blood sugar.

Watermelons should be vine-ripened for the best nutrient content. When shopping, look for melons that are heavy for their size and have an “underbelly.” The underbelly is the yellow or white part of the rind from where it sat on the ground while ripening. If there is no underbelly, the watermelon was probably picked before fully ripe.

Studies have shown that cut watermelon, and all cut fruits, maintain their vitamin content. So storing a melon after slicing does not deteriorate the quality. Just cover and chill so it doesn’t dry out.

Watermelon rinds and seeds are also edible and contain healthy fiber and nutrients. Use the rind in your green smoothies or for juicing, but make sure it’s organic. Use watermelon slices for a cooling, sweet snack or blend it in your fruit salads or fresh juices.

Cucumbers

The skins are also high in fiber and minerals. They contain silica, magnesium and potassium. These minerals contribute to fluid balance while the fiber combined with plenty of water helps to lower blood pressure.

These cool melons are also known for soothing skin irritations like sunburn or puffy eyes and creating a glowing complexion. You may have experienced a cucumber facial mask or fresh slices placed over eyes to reduce swelling. They cool the skin and reduce inflammation. The silica they contain, required for healthy connective tissue, repairs skin, muscles, cartilage and bones.

Look for organic unwaxed cucumbers so you can safely enjoy the powerful healing properties of the skin. Conventional ones are often coated with a petroleum based wax to reduce damage during shipping. Needless to say, petroleum wax is not recommended on your detox or as part of a healthy daily diet. Waxed cucumbers should be peeled before eating and will therefore be missing the exceptionally healing qualities that the skin provides.

Cucumbers should last several days in the refrigerator. Make sure they are well wrapped after partial use so they don’t dry out. Use them in salads, gazpacho soup or for juicing. They are great as a fresh crunchy snack all alone or for dipping in lemon tahini, super pesto or garlic spread.