5 Reasons To Love Watermelon
Nature provides sweet, juicy watermelons in the summer as a gift to the hot and thirsty. The cooling sweet juice of a watermelon beats a plain glass of water for quenching your thirst and packs a host of nutrients.
#1. Watermelons Hydrate
I know many people, including my clients, who don’t like to drink water. Whether it’s the taste of their particular water or that water lacks zing, many people want to quench their thirst with something more interesting. Enter the watermelon.
Watermelons are 92% water. Just two slices gives you one cup of juice—which equals a glass of water. A 15 to 20 pound melon yields about 6 cups of juice.[1] So if you don’t like plain water, enjoy a few melon slices.
#2. Watermelons Nourish
Lycopene gives watermelons and tomatoes their rich red color. Two slices of melon contain 6 mg of lycopene, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research shows lycopene lowers the risk of stroke and has potential anti-cancer activity.[2] Lycopene may also keep cholesterol in check and protect against UV rays.[3] Integrative physician, Dr. Andrew Weil recommends 9 mg daily.
These are just a few of their many nutrients: [4]
Two slices contain:
- 876 IU Vitamin A
- 12.5 mg Vitamin C
- 4.6 mcg folate
- 6.3 mg choline
- 10.8 mg Calcium
- 5 mg Magnesium
- 16.9 mg Phosphorus
- 173 mg Potassium,
- Many other vitamins and trace minerals
- 46 calories, 0 fat, 12 grams carbs, 1 gram protein, 1 gram fiber
- Glycemic load 3
#3. Watermelons Ease Muscle Soreness and Cramps
According to research, the amino acid L-citrulline may protect against muscle soreness after a workout, when eaten before the workout.[5] There’s even more citrulline in the rind, which can be blended for another drink. Just add lemon or lime for flavor.
Watermelons are also high in potassium, a mineral we need for water balance inside our cells. When potassium levels are low, we can experience cramps. The potassium in watermelon helps you stay hydrated and avoid muscle cramps.
#4 Watermelons Boosts The Immune System
With healthy levels of Vitamins A, C, and B6 to support immune functions, watermelon is a strong ally for defending against infections. Vitamin A supports lymphocyte activity, which help fight infection. Vitamin C helps the immune system fight against infection and aging. B6 helps the immune system produce antibodies to fight infection. Citrulline, a friend to athletes as mentioned in #3, converts into the amino acid arginine in your body. And arginine supports a healthy immune system, too.
#5. Watermelons Are Delicious
The juicy sweetness of a watermelon compels me to visit my grocery store twice a week to lug one home.
Watermelons leave a mess on the cutting board, but the sweet reward is worth it. You can scoop out the flesh and use the empty rind as a serving bowl, or cut the rind into slices and juice, stir-fry, stew, or pickle.[6] As with any fruit used for juicing, please choose organic.
How to Choose A Melon
Choose a heavy melon with a creamy yellow spot. This “field spot” develops when the melon sits on the ground and ripens in the sun. A white spot means it didn’t sit there long enough.
If you happen to find tasting samples at the store or farmer’s market, grab a toothpick and try one. Sampling usually means the melons are good. Store your melon in a cool place and refrigerate after you’ve sliced into it. Unless of course you finish it in one sitting as I sometimes do. Now go find yourself a watermelon and drink its summer gifts.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy watermelon? Please share your love for watermelon in the comments below.
Sources
- [1] http://www.watermelon.org/Watermelon-101
- [2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20386132
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23862566
- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/07/21/watermelon-nutrition.aspx
- [3] http://www.watermelon.org/Nutrition/Lycopene-Leader
- [4] http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2072/2
- [5] http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/07/21/watermelon-nutrition.aspx
- [6] http://www.watermelon.org/Watermelon-101
For watermelon geeks:
- http://www.watermelon.org/IndustryMembers/Watermelon-Research
Watermelon… Positive Change One Bite at a Time
wa·ter·mel·on
ˈwôdərˌmelən
A large fruit from the gourd family with a green skin, thick rind, red pulp, and sweet juice.
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