Okay, sensational title for a post on health.  We realize you are all way too sexually sophisticated for ‘cumber sex. But eating Cucumbers really are your answer to strong nails and shiny hair! Guest Blogger and Nutritional Consultant Katherine Pennington of  Be In Balance gives us the how and why;

Have your nails been peeling or cracking or does your hair look dull after a long, cold, dry winter full of lots of late nights out and too many glasses of wine? With two children and a household to maintain (not to mention work), I am constantly washing my hands, helping with art projects, cooking, and the like. I also like to run outside (yes, even when it is cold!) By February my hair looked dull and my nails were peeling- I had officially become a mess!!! Aside from slathering lotion on your hands, putting conditioner on your hair and taking a multi-vitamin, just what did I and can you do to get the glow again? You won’t believe it but the simple answer is add cucumbers to your diet!!!

Cucumbers are very high in silicon, which is essential for building and maintaining strong nails, bones, teeth and promoting hair growth. Cucumbers are also a good source of vitamin A, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin K, the vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, folic acid and last, but not least potassium!

Because cucumbers are high in water, which helps replenish lost fluids, they are an ideal food to have before or after a workout and on very cold, dry days.  Cucumbers are also the ideal hangover food, not only replenishing the fluids you have lost during drinking but also the potassium and B-vitamins. Cucumber juice is like healthy Gatorade!  Cucumbers are also a good pick-me-up in the afternoon due to the carbohydrate content and B-vitamins. And, at 45 calories per cucumber, they won’t break your diet!

So, when I saw my tired, peeling nails and dull hair I went to work. For a few weeks, every day I would have cucumber in salads, in juices (my favorite was celery, cucumber and pear), and even sliced in my water. By the end of the two weeks, my nails are not peeling, my skin is much more supple and my hair definitely has improved its texture. Try adding cucumber to your diet and see an immediate difference!

Nutritional consultant Katherine Pennington, Be in Balance, offers holistic health and lifestyle counseling in New York for women and men who want to lose weight, gain energy, sleep better, reduce stress, get in shape and achieve a greater sense of well-being, balance and happiness in their lives and those of their families.  For more information, please visit her website at www.be-n-balance.com or  send an email to katherine@be-n-balance.com.