Watermelon - Fruit for Summer
Juicy red colored water melon is tempting in this summer season. The fruit is helpful in thirst quenching weather to prevent dehydration and energy loss. Although it is available throughout the year, in summers it’s in its best taste and quality. Its crunchy texture and sweet taste makes it more acceptable in this season.
How to select your melon?
Selecting good quality fruit is very important. One must go for uncut whole fruit which is heavy for its size and relatively smooth rind which not too shinny nor too dull in color. The fruit must have one area of the rind which is slightly different in color than rest of the rind with yellowish or creamy color. This is the side of the fruit which was resting on the ground during ripening process. And if this mark is not present it means fruit have been harvested prematurely. This kind of fruit is not good in taste, texture and juiciness.
What makes watermelon healthy?
This antioxidant rich fruit has many health benefits. As you choose ripped fruit, antioxidant content is also high. One can combine it with green tea to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Recent studies suggest that this effect is due to its high Lycopene content.
Why should I eat watermelons?
One cup of cut fruit provides 24% daily requirement of vitamin C (14.5 mg), whereas it is also very good source of vitamin A, B1 and B6. Potassium and magnesium is also present in the fruit. These B complex vitamins are required for energy production in the body. One serving of the fruit provides less than 50 kcal and has more nutrients. So it is called as nutrient dense fruit.
Why is it superb fruit?
The melon fruit contains 92% water giving it crunchy and juicy texture and taste. So, it helps in preventing dehydration in summer season and is the best option than energy drinks. Energy drinks contain caffeine which dehydrates body cells.
Vitamin C content of watermelon contributes to its high antioxidant properties. Its cooling properties are seen due to presence of amino acid called citruline.
This fruit is also beneficial during the pregnancy. It reduces heart burn and swelling in the body. Fruit sugar decreases morning sickness and dehydration. Regular consumption of the fruit helps in lowering third trimester cramps. Also consult your diet experts before adding it to your diet during pregnancy.
This nutrient dense fruit which is easily available throughout the year. We need to focus on natural food sources than synthetic and processed food to get health benefits. Enjoy this summer with juicy, crunchy melons in red.
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watermelon, healthy, summer, pregnancy, fruit, antioxidant, lycopene, melon, water melon, nutrient, nutritious |
