One of the best things about summer (besides mangoes), are watermelons.
They are the best fruit to gorge on— absolutely guilt-free. They’re cooling, sweet, filling, and super nutritious.
But do check with your doctor to make sure it doesn’t hamper any medical condition or medication that you may be taking.
Here are 8 reasons why we love watermelons:
1. Loaded With Lycopene
The cheery red colour comes from lycopene, an antioxidant. Studies show lycopene (also present in tomatoes), may help curb your risk of cancer and diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Watermelon has more of this nutrient than any other fruit or veggie — even tomatoes.
To load up on lycopene, choose a melon with bright red flesh rather than yellow or orange. And the riper, the better. Also, seedless melon tends to have more lycopene than those with seeds.
2. Heart Healthy
Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks.
3. Protects Your Joints
Watermelon has a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin that may protect your joints from inflammation. Some studies show that over time, it could make you less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Bright Eyes
Just one medium slice of watermelon gives you contains 9-11% of the vitamin A you need each day. This nutrient is one of the keys to keeping your eyes healthy. Foods are the best ways to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
5. Naturally Sweet Hydration
Juicy watermelon is 92% water, so it’s a simple way to help stay hydrated. Every cell in your body needs water. Even a small shortage can make you feel sluggish. Watermelon juice fills you up, hydrates you and helps in weight loss.
6. Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar
Trying to keep your blood glucose levels steady? You’re in luck. Watermelon has a glycemic index (GI) value of 80, about the same as a bowl of cornflakes.
Besides its low in carbs. That means its glycemic load (how quickly it enters your bloodstream and how much glucose it can produce) is a mere 5. Enjoy a slice without guilt!
7. Sweet Cravings are Sorted
A cup of ice cream will set you back around 300 calories. You can enjoy the same amount of watermelon for just 45.6 calories. And unlike many other desserts, it’s fat-free, low in cholesterol, and has no sodium. Plus, the water in it will help you stay fuller longer.
Tip: To make an easy sorbet, puree some watermelon in your blender, add a squeeze of lime, and pop in the freezer (you could fill up an ice tray) until it hardens.
8. Great Buddy at the Gym
Watermelon’s high water content, antioxidants, and amino acids may make for a better workout.
It’s also high in potassium, a mineral that could cut down on cramps at the gym.
You can sip watermelon juice after you sweat, too. Doing so could help prevent muscle soreness, as long as you don’t push yourself too hard.
How to Pick A Good Watermelon:
Look for a yellow, not white, spot on the bottom
Pick a watermelon that’s free of dents, nicks, and bruises. Look for a yellow, not white, spot on the bottom. This signals that it’s ripe. The yellow spot, known as the field spot, is the place where the watermelon rested on the ground. Ripe watermelons always have creamy yellow or even orange-yellow spots, not white.
A juicy, ready-to-eat watermelon will feel heavy for its size
It is better to choose neither the largest nor the smallest watermelon. Select an average-sized fruit. It should feel heavy for its size. When you knock on it, it should sound hollow.
A dried tail indicates that the watermelon is ripe
However, if the tail is green, it probably means that the watermelon was picked too soon and will not be ripe.
Girls are sweeter
Did you know that farmers differentiate between male and female watermelons? For example, ‘boys’ are bigger, have an elongated shape, and a watery taste. The ‘girls’ have a rounded shape and are very sweet.
Also Read –
How to Reduce Your Body Heat Through Summer — in 7 Simple Ways
Given the rampant poisoning of fruits including watermelons it is best to have Chaas or Buttermilk, the traditional Indian beverage. It is very sad we have conveniently forgotten our traditions that have stood the test of time. Chaas has many health benefits viz. Reduces Acidity, Fights Constipation, Cooling Effect, Prevents Dehydration, Helps in Detoxification, Provides Essential Vitamins and Nutrients, Rich in Calcium, Reduces Blood Pressure. With so many benefits Chaas is a much better option.
Watermelon is the best option to have during summers as you have to keep yourself hydrated to keep up to the heat in summers. Watermelons help you to maintain the water levels in your body during hot summers.
Thank you for sharing this useful information about watermelons to have in summer will help people know more about it. Keep sharing more such useful articles in the future also.