The amazing cucumber

Carbs: 6 grams

Protein: 3 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Vitamin C: 10% of the recommended daily value

Vitamin K: 57% of the DV

Magnesium: 9% of the DV

Potassium: 12% of the DV

Manganese: 9% of the DV content of fresh cucumbers makes them an ideal choice for glycemic control.

Cucumbers are popular long, lean and green garden vegetables. Technically, they’re fruits from the same family as watermelons and pumpkins, but most people consider them veggies.

The three most used varieties of cucumbers are:

Common slicing — smooth skin, 8-12” long.

English — seedless and referred to as burpless, 12-14” long.

Pickling — thicker and has bumpy skin, 3-7” long.

Nutritional value of a medium cucumber:

Calories: 30

Total fat: 0 grams

Being 95% water, cucumber are a good source of hydration and replacing of electrolytes, especially for people who have trouble drinking enough water.

Producers put synthetic wax on cucumbers, and though it is harmless, it is best to peel the skin, buy organic or use a vegetable wash before consuming.

Cucumbers are a nonstarchy vegetable, which is one of the best categories of food for managing diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association recommends three to five servings of non-starchy vegetables per day, but that’s just a minimum.

When hunger strikes, having more non-starchy vegetables can help satisfy appetite without raising blood sugar levels. The fiber and water

Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any diet. They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. Dare I say they are crunchy — like a cookie, only oh so much better for you.

Cucumbers are always soothing to place slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness and delicious to add to water for a cool flavor.

Simple Cucumber Salad www.acouplebooks.com

Ingredients:

2 large, thin cucumbers (English if possible)

1 small yellow or white onion

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)

½ cup white vinegar

1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Slice the cucumbers as thin as possible, using a mandoline if desired. Peel, cut in half top to bottom and thinly slice the onion. Layer the cucumbers and onions in a large shallow bowl; add the dill (if using).

2. In a small bowl, mix the white vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the cucumbers and onions, mixing everything together to ensure even coverage. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Stir again to evenly mix the dressing. Then serve with a slotted spoon. Store refrigerated for up to seven days.

The History Museum presents lecture on famous weddings

Deputy Executive Director Kristie Erickson will explore famous weddings through the years in her presentation, “Famous Weddings,” taking place at The History Museum’s “Insights in History” at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5.

Admission is $3. Reservations are required by Monday, April 3. “Insights in History” is sponsored by THK Law LLP.

Our team of caregivers works together to provide our patients and residents with the ability to reach their highest level of physical and social well-being in a home-like environment. To learn more about our short-term rehabilitation and extended care services, or taking a tour, call us at (269) 684-2810.

1211 Stateline Rd, Niles, MI 49120 www.peplinskigroup.com/west-woods-of-niles

A tour of “Unveiled: Wedding Traditions,” which showcases gowns, jewelry and more to provide an interesting glimpse of wedding traditions, will be offered.

“Insights in History” is a monthly series that features a lecture in conjunction with an exhibit at The History Museum.

For information, call The History Museum at (574) 235-9664 or visit historymuseumsb.org.

•

Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by April 15 at pmuthart@thepapers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events this month: general cancer support group, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5; beginning yarn work, 10 a.m. every

Thursday; Debbie’s Wig Salon, 1 p.m. every Thursday; Empowered Movement, 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday; Kim’s Bra Boutique, 2 p.m. April 12; chair yoga, 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday; seated strength, 10 a.m. every Monday; and gentle yoga, 5:30 p.m. every Monday.

—o—

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra performance of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” featuring Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 paired with innovative works by contemporary composers Mason Bates and Carter Pann, will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Morris Performing Arts Center.

—o—

Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, will host its annual First Friday Poetry Slam from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 7. Readings will begin at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and all are welcome to cheer on the performers, explore LCA’s art exhibitions and enjoy the cash bar and complimentary light refreshments. Admission is free year round. For more information, visit www.LubeznikCenter.org or call (219) 874-4900.

—o—

South Bend Civic Theatre presents “My Heart Says Go” April 14-23. Performances will take place at the Wilson Auditorium, located at the South Bend Civic Theatre, 403 N. Main St., South Bend. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. April 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. Sunday matinee show times are at 2 p.m. April 16 and 23. Tickets can be purchased for $27 to $32, through the South Bend Civic Theatre at sbct.org.

—o—

“Enchanted Tea,” presented by The History Museum is at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15. Tickets are $30/adults; $25/members; $15/youth 6-17; and $5/children 5 and under. Reservations are required by Sunday, April 9 and can be made online at historymuseumSB.org or by calling (574) 235-9664.