For the summer heat, one vegetable that works perfectly is cucumber. Known mainly as a salad accoutrement, they have a lot more benefits than being that decorative piece around the buffet spreads.

The high water content and the rich nutrients present are the reasons why this vegetable is just right for this time of the year.

The vegetable is extremely low in calories, with it totaling to just about 16 calories for a cup of cut cucumbers. With no fat or cholesterol, it gives you essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, K and B.

Cucumber helps you get rid of toxins in the body than can make you sick. While it may not directly work towards burning fat in your body, it can help increase the fibre intake, which is an essential factor for fat burning.

Cucumber juice or freshly diced cucumber helps rehydrate your body.

Recipe: Cucumber and tomato salad
This simple salad can make a great snacking option between meals.

Ingredients:
Cucumber - 1, sliced
Tomato - 1, Sliced
Thyme - A sprig
Peppercorns - crushed, to taste
Mint - 1 bunch
Lime - 1
Olive oil - a little
Salt - to taste

Method:
Mix the thyme, mint, peppercorns and salt in the lime juice. Place chilled cucumber and tomato slices in your bowl, one beside the other. Sprinkle the lime juice mix and olive oil before serving. You could alternately add some feta cheese for taste.

Summer tip
Cucumber juice with fresh mint and lime not just works as a rehydrating source but also helps in weight loss.