Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits, and for good reason. Not only does it provide excellent nutrition, but it’s also extremely versatile. You can eat it alone, or you can cut it up and use it in a variety of ways to make different salads, slaws, and garnishes. Plus, the creamy center makes it simple to add a little twist to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack or dessert, or if you just want to add a bit of flavor to your next barbecue, watermelon is a perfect summertime food.
Health Benefits Of Watermelon
In addition to being good for your wallet, watermelon is rich in nutrients, including vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and zinc. These nutrients provide powerful health benefits. According to studies, eating watermelon regularly provides antioxidant protection and increases your body’s vitamin levels. The antioxidants in watermelon battle free radicals in food, protecting your cells and preventing damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. However, when there are less of these radicals in your body, you look younger too. The nutrients in watermelon also nourish your other organs and support your immune system, helping to keep you healthy.
How To Lose Weight With Watermelon
While watermelon itself provides many health benefits, using it as part of a weight loss plan can help you slim down too. Because watermelon is high in water and fiber, it helps to keep you hydrated and fuller for longer. This, in turn, can help you avoid hunger pangs and cravings that lead to weight gain. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to drop a few pounds, incorporate some watermelon into your diet and you might just see the results you’re looking for.
People who eat watermelon regularly tend to be healthier and slimmer than those who don’t. A diet rich in watermelon can help you shed off those extra pounds and see the more sculpted you in the mirror, the better!
Types Of Watermelon
With so many varieties of watermelon available, it’s important to learn a bit about them before you consume any. There are two basic categories of watermelon: sweet and tart. While both are delicious, you may want to consider the differences between them when choosing which one to purchase and consume. A quick way to tell if a piece of watermelon is sweet or tart is to check the label. If there’s a list of ingredients, the item will likely be labeled “unsweetened” if it’s sweet, and “sweetened” if it’s tart. You can also tell by looking at the color: white watermelons are typically tart, while darker fruits are often sweet. Another way to identify sweet watermelons is by their texture, as they tend to have a higher moisture content than tart varieties. If you have a very dry mouth, you may find that the texture of sweet watermelons is more enjoyable, as they have a less grainy texture.
When & How To Eat Watermelon
Although watermelon is available all year round, you should consume it in the summertime, as heat makes it more efficient for your body to process. This is also the time when the fruit is at its peak, so you may be tempted to eat more in order to improve your culinary experiences. You may want to avoid eating it at room temperature though, as this will make it more difficult for your body to break it down and absorb the nutrients. Room temperature watermelon is also less refreshing, so you may experience a temperature rise if you consume it at warm temperatures. When selecting and preparing your watermelon, always cut away the very outer layer in order to expose the juicy interior. This way, you will get the most efficient nutrients, and also avoid any risk of contamination. When buying watermelon in bulk, always look for those with the smooth, shiny skin that has not shown any signs of spoilage. Staring at a watermelon for too long can cause its seeds to become moist and sprout, growing what is known as “fruiting grass”. This grass turns brown very quickly, and is unappetizing as well as health-threatening, so always try to avoid this as much as possible. Another important factor to keep in mind when choosing which varieties of watermelon to consume is the way they are grown. You want to purchase fruits from farms that practice sustainable agriculture. This way, you can be sure that your support for the local economy while also being sure that the food you eat is as healthy as it can be. Studies also show that watermelons grown without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers have a better flavor, and are more nutritious. So, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you may want to select these types of watermelons instead.
Watermelon is a wonderful summer snack that you can enjoy anytime. But if you’re looking for sustainable and healthy options, consider selecting those that are organic and grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals. Not only will they taste phenomenal, but eating such food often provides many health benefits. So, the next time you crave some watermelon, be sure to reach for a piece that’s been grown with care.