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DIRECTIONS
Recipe Source: AllRecipes.com
Botanically speaking, a cucumber is a fruit because it develops from the flower of the cucumber plant and contains seeds. By that definition, it’s in the same club as tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
But in the culinary world, cucumbers are treated as vegetables—used in salads, savory dishes, and rarely in desserts—so they wear the veggie badge in the kitchen.
So, depending on whether you’re a botanist or a chef, the cucumber plays both roles.
Cucumbers may seem humble, but they’ve got some serious superpowers, especially when it comes to aging gracefully. Cucumbers offer a refreshing way to support healthy aging thanks to their unique blend of nutrients and antioxidants. Some of the rejuvenating benefits include Hydration and Skin Health, Bone Support, Antioxidant Effects, Heart and Blood Pressure Benefits, Weight and Digestion.
Cucumbers are 95% water, but they pack a surprising punch of nutrients and beneficial compounds. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find in them.
Vitamins
Minerals
Antioxidants & Phytochemicals
Other Benefits
Cucumbers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They have a cool, crisp texture and can be combined with just about any flavor profile. Here’s a short list of culinary uses of cucumbers.
Eating healthy is the foundation of oral health for older adults. It won’t undo decades of damage, but it can prevent further decline, improve gum health, reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve quality of life.
Here’s a breakdown of what can and can’t be reversed through good nutrition after age 50, and where it helps most.
Good nutrition supports gum health and prevents gingivitis and mild gum disease.
Gum disease may be reversible with proper nutrition, hygiene, and dental professional care.
Nutrients That Help Improve Bone Health and Prevent Tooth Loss
Key Nutrients That Help With Early Signs of Jaw Bone Loss
What Good Nutrition Cannot Reverse
What Good Nutrition Can Do
Healing After Dental Work
Better nutrition fosters better healing after dental procedures. Protein, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C are crucial for tissue repair after extractions, implants, or periodontal treatments.
Online Information Sources: ada.org, nidcr.nih.gov, cdc.gov/oralhealth,eatright.org, hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource, nutrition.gov, nia.nih.gov, mayoclinic.org
Botanically, tomatoes are classified as a fruit since they contain seeds and grow from flowers. In cooking, tomatoes are treated as a vegetable. Tomatoes grow on vines and are native to South America. They were domesticated in Mexico.
Tomatoes are loaded with health supporting vitamins and nutrients. Here is a list of the benefits you get when including tomatoes in your diet.
Tomatoes are considered a low glycemic food, with a low index of 30. They are also very low in calories. A medium tomato contains about 32 calories.
Eaten raw or cooked, tomatoes are a versatile ingredient in your meal planning.
Fresh Strawberries
A strawberry is a small, heart-shaped fruit known for its vibrant red color, juicy texture, and sweet-tart flavor. It’s covered in tiny seed-like specks called achenes, which are actually the fruit’s true seeds. Strawberries are beloved for their aroma and are enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved in countless dishes.
Strawberries are considered a superfood due to their abundant nutrient profile. They’re packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which help fight inflammation, support heart health, and may even reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
What makes them especially “super” is that they deliver all these benefits while being low in calories and sugar, making them a smart choice for nearly any diet. They have a low Glycemic Index of 40.
Strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse with a wide range of benefits:
| N U T R I E N T | B E N E F I T |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Immune health, skin repair, antioxidant |
| Manganese | Bone health, metabolism support |
| Folate (B9) | Cell growth, especially important in pregnancy |
| Potassium | Blood pressure regulation |
| Fiber | Digestive health, satiety |
| Anthocyanins | Heart health, anti-aging |
| Ellagic Acid | Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory |
| Procyanidins | Vascular health, antioxidant |
Strawberries are incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Recipe Source: AllRecipes.com
Irene Pastore Fitness.com 