Whether at a picnic or in your backyard, if it’s summer, it’s time cut open a watermelon. Some of my favorite summer childhood memories involve family, cookouts and watermelon. I learned to eat my slice on the grass leaning forward because I couldn’t control that wonderful red juice that ran down my chin. Red, ice cold, and juicy – that’s the way I want it. I don’t even associate the pink balls in many restaurants fruit salad with the tasty “real thing”.
As an adult, I find it interesting that this summer treat is also great for my body. It’s low calorie and has no sodium or fat. No reason to feel guilty. Yes, watermelon is about 92% water but it also is a good source of those magical antioxidants, lycopene, vitamin C, potassium,vitamin B6, vitamin A, and amino acids. Phenolic compounds in watermelon—including flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids—make this fruit a choice for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits. The most important of these antioxidants is lycopene. Watermelon has more lycopene than tomatoes. Lycopene has been linked to heart health and the prevention of cancer. It has been found that the riper and redder the fruit, the more beta-carotene and lycopene benefits for your body. Be sure to ripen your melons to receive the maximum benefit.
Watermelon is great by itself. If you want to try something new, try adding it to juices, a smoothie, your yogurt, or even fruit water. Try cutting in small pieces and tossing with onions, feta cheese and your favorite herbs for a summer salad. For a fruit salad, mix watermelon, cantaloupe, and yellow seedless grapes with lemon juice and peppermint leaves. For a frozen treat, blend and freeze. In whatever way you choose, enjoy them at their peak this summer.
For more information:
7 Surprising Ways Watermelon Boost Health, Vitacost Blog
Health Benefits of Watermelon, Organic Facts
Watermelon: Health Benefits and Nutritional Information, Medical News Today
Watermelon: Health Benefits, Risks and Nutrition Facts, Live Science