One of my favorite summer fruits is watermelon. I confess that my husband and I often eat one whole watermelon a week. Not the small ones either, but the big ones, and I like them with seeds, although the seedless are the most popular now because of the convenience. Do you know why I prefer the ones with seeds? The seeds, when eaten, are full of nutrients too and add to your daily fiber intake. And frankly, seeds slow you down' so you can fully enjoy the wonderful, crisp, juicy taste of watermelon.
Why all the fuss about the good stuff you get from watermelons?
In addition to having a 92% water content and providing hydration, watermelon provides a significant amount of vitamins a, C and B6 plus fiber. The biggest benefit for me is the high amount of lycopene I get from watermelons, a phytonutrient that benefits eye health and is linked to bone and heart health and prostate cancer prevention.
One cup of watermelon has a mere 46 calories and 7 to 10 milligrams of lycopene. I prefer my watermelons very ripe, because then they have reached their peak in sweetness, and the deeper red of the meat is indication of the higher lycopene and beta carotene contents. In addition, it is reported taht watermelon juice is use to prevent muscle soreness after intense workouts. Many athletes are now juicing watermelon and drinking the juice before and after workouts not necessarily for hydration, but to prevent muscle soreness. The juice of watermelons contains I-citrulline, an amino acid believed to protect against muscle soreness. Since the juice of any fruit is high in fructose, unless you’re engaged in a high level of activity, it’s best to eat the fruit itself.
Freeze and eat often
Freezing watermelon will preserve it almost indefinitely but I guarantee it won't last that long. Freeze watermelon balls, cubes or slices, and eat frozen or process into a frothy, icy drink. You can make these at home for a drink as hydrating as water but with the additional benefits of providing fiber, antioxidants and vitamins.
Did you know that all parts of the watermelon are edible?
When you cut into a watermelon there’s no waste.
Why all the fuss about the good stuff you get from watermelons?
In addition to having a 92% water content and providing hydration, watermelon provides a significant amount of vitamins a, C and B6 plus fiber. The biggest benefit for me is the high amount of lycopene I get from watermelons, a phytonutrient that benefits eye health and is linked to bone and heart health and prostate cancer prevention.
One cup of watermelon has a mere 46 calories and 7 to 10 milligrams of lycopene. I prefer my watermelons very ripe, because then they have reached their peak in sweetness, and the deeper red of the meat is indication of the higher lycopene and beta carotene contents. In addition, it is reported taht watermelon juice is use to prevent muscle soreness after intense workouts. Many athletes are now juicing watermelon and drinking the juice before and after workouts not necessarily for hydration, but to prevent muscle soreness. The juice of watermelons contains I-citrulline, an amino acid believed to protect against muscle soreness. Since the juice of any fruit is high in fructose, unless you’re engaged in a high level of activity, it’s best to eat the fruit itself.
Freeze and eat often
Freezing watermelon will preserve it almost indefinitely but I guarantee it won't last that long. Freeze watermelon balls, cubes or slices, and eat frozen or process into a frothy, icy drink. You can make these at home for a drink as hydrating as water but with the additional benefits of providing fiber, antioxidants and vitamins.
Did you know that all parts of the watermelon are edible?
When you cut into a watermelon there’s no waste.
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