Wonderful Watermelon

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Wonderful Watermelon

Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day, but his may also help reduce the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

Watermelon in jam-packed with antioxidants. On top of that it is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A. It’s amount of beta-carotene is one of the most important. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotene antioxidant, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause a great deal of damage. Lycopene is also a vital nutrient we need that watermelon offers. Lycopene has been repeatedly studied in humans and found to be protective against a growing list of cancers. The antioxidant function of lycopene—its ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen damage—has been linked in human research to prevention of heart disease. Protection of DNA (our genetic material) inside of white blood cells has also been shown to be an antioxidant role of lycopene.

How to Select and Store

The best way to choose a flavorful melon is to look at the color and quality of the flesh, which should be a deep color and absent from white streaks. If it features seeds, they should be deep in color. When choosing a whole watermelon, look for one that is heavy for its size with a rind that is relatively smooth and that is neither overly shiny nor overly dull. In addition, one side of the melon should have an area that is distinct in color from the rest of the rind, displaying a yellowish or creamy tone. This is the underbelly, the place that was resting on the ground during ripening, and if the fruit does not have this marking, it may have been harvested prematurely, which will negatively affect its taste, texture and juiciness.

To increase the lycopene and beta-carotene your watermelon delivers by storing it at room temperature.

Yet, once cut, watermelons should be refrigerated in order to best preserve their freshness, taste and juiciness. If the whole watermelon does not fit in your refrigerator, cut it into pieces (as few as possible), and cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from becoming dried out and from absorbing the odors of other foods.

Nutrients in
Watermelon
1.00 cup (152.00 grams)

Vitamin C 20.5%

Vitamin A 17.2%

Potassium 4.8%

Magnesium 3.8%

Calories (45) 2%

(Above Information thanks to www.whfoods.com)

(Picture thanks to www.statesymbolsusa.org)

Actions Steps:

1. Pick a good ripe watermelon.

2. Cut half and eat!

3. Use other half for a beverage: Watermelon Spritzer!

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Watermelon Spritzer

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium

Ingredients

1. Watermelon Juice (or ½ watermelon blended)

2. Club Soda

Optional

-for an alcohol kick add some vodka

Directions

1. Blend watermelon in blender 1 minute or put through a juicer

2. Add 1 part club soda to 2 parts watermelon

3. Garnish with fresh mint if available