Big or small, seedless or not, red or yellow, nothing says summer like a big, juicy watermelon But there is a lot more to this melon than water. It is packed with phytonutrients, vitamins A and C, and a good hit of potassium, plus some vitamin B6 and thiamine, everything except fat, sodium, and calories. Here are some healthy reasons to indulge in watermelon this summer:
Stay healthier: Watermelon has alot of lycopene, a key plant antioxidant that is famous for fighting heart disease and prostate cancer. Tomatoes are usually considered the lycopene all-stars, but you have to cook them to release it. Watermelon, on the other hand, needs no cooking to unleash its lycopene. And, cup for cup, watermelon has 40% more of the antioxidant than tomatoes do.
Get your C: A big slice of watermelon (about 2 cups) provides almost half your daily vitamin C quota.
Fight infection: Two cups of the juicy red melon also supplies nearly a quarter of your daily beta carotene, which your body uses to make vitamin A. Running low on beta carotene can leave you vulnerable to viral infections and vision trouble.
Heal faster: Watermelon (especially yellow-orange varieties) is one of the rare food sources of citrulline, an amino acid used in wound healing and cell division. There is extra citrulline in the white and green part that most people toss. Pickled rinds anyone?
Soothe stress: Watermelon is a good source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure -- making it the perfect snack for stressful family reunions.
Quench cravings: There are only 96 calories in 2 fill-you-up cups of sweet watermelon, and its high liquid content makes you feel full. Eat this for dessert and you may not want anything else!
If you find yourself with leftover watermelon, use it to make slushies!
EASY WATERMELON SLUSHIES
4 servings
3 cups diced watermelon
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup crushed ice
1/2 cup water
Dash of black or cayenne pepper -- optional flavor twist for heat lover.
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor and mix into a frosty slush.
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