Watermelon is a tasty, juicy fruit that many people enjoy eating at summer picnics, but it’s not one that is normally discussed in terms of health benefits. Unlike some of the other standard picnic fare, like hot dogs and macaroni salad, watermelon is a wonderfully nutritious treat to enjoy.
A study out of Purdue University that was published last fall found that because watermelon contains citrulline, it may ward off heart disease by stabilizing cholesterol levels, decreasing arterial plaque and helping to control weight gain.
Watermelons are also a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that can help reduce the risk of a number of cancers, including lung and colon cancer, prostate, breast and endometrial cancers. They are considered to be an anti-inflammatory food, which means eating watermelon can help prevent a wide range of disease and chronic conditions.
Of course, in order to receive all of the wonderful health benefits while avoiding harmful toxins, choosing organic watermelon is a must. Non-organic watermelon is often a genetically modified product. A real, organic watermelon has a fresher, more pure taste.
If all you’ve ever done is slice off a chunk of watermelon and eat it, that’s fine, but there are many other ways to prepare it, too. Some quick and easy ideas include:
- Puree watermelon with kiwi and cantaloupe. Add a little plain, organic (and not fat free) yogurt for a refreshing, cold soup.
- In many Asian countries, roasted watermelon seeds are eaten as a healthy snack food. Just toast in the oven at 325 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Mix watermelon with thinly sliced red onion, a little sea salt and pepper for a summer salad.
- Watermelon also makes a delicious addition to a fruit salad.
- For a refreshing drink, blend about 4 cups of cold watermelon chunks with 8 mint leaves in the blender for about 1 minute, or until it has been liquefied.
More watermelon recipes
There are so many great ways to use watermelon. Add a unique twist as well as a healthy punch to your next meal with some of these tasty recipes. Just be sure to choose organic ingredients!
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients:
- 3 cups diced watermelon with seeds removed
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup minced red onion
- ¼ tsp. sea salt
Blend watermelon, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice and onion in a medium bowl. Stir well and season with sea salt. Chill, or serve at room temperature.
Watermelon Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 T. rice vinegar
- 2 ½ tsp. raw, unprocessed honey
- 2 cups diced, seeded watermelon
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup raw chopped walnuts
Stir rice vinegar and the honey in a medium bowl until it reaches a thin consistency. Add watermelon, cucumber and cilantro, tossing gently to combine. Just before serving, sprinkle with walnuts.
Blueberry Watermelon Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 3 cups blueberries
- 3 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
- 1 ½ cups ice
Add blueberries and watermelon into a blender and blend on high for about 40 seconds. Add ice and blend for another 40 seconds until completely smooth.
How will you enjoy your next watermelon?
-The Alternative Daily
