Nothing screams summer like a big, red, juicy slice of watermelon. Its very mention almost
inspires relaxation. Resplendent in thoughts of picnics, sunbathing, and backyard barbecues,
watermelons are a signal to slow down and enjoy family gatherings. Mark Twain wrote
of the watermelon,
"It is chief of this world's luxuries, king by grace of God over all the fruits of the
earth."
We couldn't agree more. Watermelon not only conjures up good vibes, but it is also oozing
with incredible nutritional and health benefits. If you aren't snacking on this superfood,
especially during the summer months when it is in peak season and at its sweetest, you
might want to reconsider.
Watermelon hails from Africa, where Egyptians feasted on it more than 5,000 years ago. Today,
there are 1,200 varieties of watermelon, with the U.S. and Mexico growing between 200 and
300 different kinds of this fruit.
The most popular kinds of watermelon are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow, and orange flesh,
and one of the many things that make all of these varieties so incredible is their composition.
The watermelon is 92 percent water, contains only 46 calories per cup, and has zero fat.
But that's just where all the goodness of watermelons begins. This fruit is so rich
in antioxidants, you aren't going to want to go without ever again.
Because watermelon is mostly water, it can play an important role in keeping you hydrated.
We know that proper hydration keeps our wheels running, as it helps to regulate our body
temperature, cushions our joints, and moves waste out of our bodies. At least 20 percent
of our water intake actually comes from the food we consume, and eating watermelon not
only keeps you hydrated, but that high water content also helps your body feel full.
As a bonus, it can also help alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women by restoring lost
hydration, while at the same time serving as a natural aid for easing heartburn and
reducing swelling.
And, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry,
if you drink watermelon juice — which is just watermelon that has been put in a blender
— before a strenuous workout, it can help reduce your heart rate and aid in recovery
by relieving muscle soreness the following day. This is largely due to the fact watermelon
is full of the amino acids that aid in improving circulation.
We're not done yet! Watermelon is also an incredible source of two powerful antioxidants:
beta-carotene and lycopene. Lycopene has long been touted for the role it places in lowering
the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and while tomatoes generally take center stage
when we talk about lycopene, just one cup of watermelon actually contains the same amount
of lycopene as two medium tomatoes. And while tomatoes need to be cooked to realize the
optimal amount of this rich antioxidant, watermelon does not, making it easily accessible. Lycopene
may help in keeping your eyes healthy, warding off macular degeneration.
Also? Watermelon contains large amounts of vitamins C and A, which play a critical role
in the health of your hair and skin. And who doesn't want good hair and skin? Vitamin C
is needed for your body to make collagen , which is an essential protein for keeping your hair
strong and your skin smooth and soft. Vitamin A aids in skin cell repair, too, which all
leads to better skin.
But eating watermelon isn't just good for you, it's good for our beautiful earth and
for your pocketbook. How so? It's truly a no-waste food.
Watermelon seeds are also full of nutritional value. The thought of eating them might be
scary, especially if you remember the old wives' tale about how if you swallow the seeds,
a watermelon tree will start growing inside of you.
First, just in case there are still some believers, that's not true. Secondly, watermelon seeds
are rich in magnesium, iron, and zinc, and provide plenty of health benefits in addition
to the flesh, which means you're getting some serious bang for your buck. And as for the
rind, that's edible, too: if you've never made watermelon rind pickles, you absolutely
need to. Watermelon — flesh, seeds, rind, and all — is a superfood that is not only
good to eat, but it's also good for you.
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