Benefits of eating watermelon:
When I ask why you should eat watermelon, I am sure most of you say because it is sweet and juicy. That is one of the great reasons but there is a benefit behind this red and green beauty that the earth gifts to us in the heat of summer. It is 92% water which is excellent for hydration, and so very sweet which makes it a hit with children. It gets my vote because it does not need added sugar or artificial colors, which I despise.
Another great benefit is that it is loaded with Vitamin C and the carotennoid phytonutrient, lycopene, which gives watermelon is distinct pinkish-red color. Mother nature really is a beautiful work of art that provides us with earth medicine. If you want to get even more scientific, it is rich in VItamin A, and beta-carotene that provides powerful antioxidant protection from the oxidative damage to cellular structures caused by free-radicals.
If you did not know about lycopene, it is simply amazing. It would take my whole page to write about so I will include a link with some information. Super Powers!!! Read about Lycopene here!!
As if that were not enough, there are only 49 calories in one cup! Hello!!!! I love you watermelon.
How to select the best watermelon:
Watermelons do not ripen after being picked so it is best to pick a ripe one at the market. Ripe watermelons have a yellow or cream yellow "ground Spot," the place where the melon rested on the ground. If this spot is green or white, the watermelon is probably not ripe. Also, if you thump a ripe watermelon it will sound like a dull thud rather than a tighter ringing or hollow sound. Avoid watermelons with NO ground spot as this is an indication of being harvested prematurely.
I consider watermelon to be a nutrient-dense food because you get so many healthy nutrients per calorie. It gets my vote!!
Recipes:
5 - Minute Watermlong Frappe
- 4 cups cold watermelon chunks
- 8 mint leaves
Place in blender and run at medium speed about a minute or until incorporated. That's its! Delicious.
Watermelon and Aloe Smoothie (From Earth Fare Recipes)
- 2 cups watermelon
- 1/2 large aloe leaf (Elephant Aloe sold in produce department)
- 1 cup coconut water (more or less depending on taste)
- pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt
Instructions: Cut aloe leaf along the side and scoop out flesh. Cut watermelon into cubes and add all ingredients to blender and run on medium speed for about 30 seconds or until blended well. Pour over ice or add to chilled glass. Seriously good and perfect after a workout to replace those electrolytes. Your skin will thank you for that aloe coming from the inside!!!!
Here are a few more recipes for watermelon.
If you are like my son and do not like birthday cake, then watermelon is perfect for getting creative. I just used wooden skewers and make fruit kabobs that I stuck into a carved watermelon. This one is simple compared to some I have seen on Pinterest.
Watermelon is amazing. You really do not need recipes...just cut open and enjoy.
Enjoy your Summer!!
Be Kind to the Earth!
~Lisa
