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Nutritious Watermelon – It’s Not Just for Picnics

Posted June 3, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Kathleen Blanchard

Section: Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Vegetarianism

Watermelon is a standard addition to most picnics.  It’s also full of health benefits, making it a good choice for your plate anytime.  Watermelon is full of essential nutrients, such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene, B6, potassium, magnesium, thiamin, and lycopene.  If that isn’t enough, one cup is only 48 calories. It can’t get much better than that.  Oh yes, did I mention that it’s delicious?  I guess it did get better!

Watermelon increases levels of citrulline in the body – an amino acid that is a precursor to arginine; necessary for nitric oxide production.  Nitric oxide is essential for good immune function and cardiovascular health.

To get the most from your watermelon, store it at room temperature.  Studies show that lycopene and beta-carotene content increase if you keep your melon away from the refrigerator until after it’s been cut. 

Most people don’t bother to eat the rind, but if you purchase organic watermelon, try it.  South Americans pickle, roast and candy the rind for consumption.  Asian cuisine incorporates roasted and seasoned watermelon seeds into their diet.  The seeds can be ground to make bread. Try it in a salad.  Many people eat watermelon with salt, but seasoning with pepper and adding some spring onion makes a delicious summer salad.  Here’s a recipe for bread salad with watermelon, feta and red onion. I’ve even found a Chinese recipe for deep-fried watermelon, but since we’re not eating fried foods…

Extra ripe watermelons are the best. Fruits that are on the verge of spoiling are the most nutritious.  This summer make it a point to enjoy watermelon for any occasion. It’s delicious and healthy. According to Mark Twain, watermelon is “chief of the world’s luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat.”

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