This summer I have developed an unusual taste…okay, more like an obsession for watermelon. I don’t know where it’s come from. I’ve always liked watermelon, but for the first time EVER, I am dreaming about watermelon over chocolate. Talk about a major Silver Lining! I’ve been eating it and even throwing it in the blender with a little mint and voila…deliciousness.
In addition to the magnificent taste, there are lots of health benefits of eating watermelon. Some of my favorites are:
The lycopene in watermelons is what gives it the powerful antioxidant qualities. In fact, there is more lycopene in red watermelons than in tomatoes. Shocker, huh? The immune boosting benefits come from the fact that watermelon is a rich source of beta-carotene which gives us lots of the wonderful vitamins C and A.
Because watermelon is so rich in electrolytes and 90% water, it is a Silver Lined option for hydration. Did you know that vitamin B contributes to increased energy and that watermelon has loads of vitamin B? Uh huh. The Silver Linings of watermelon just keep on coming!
Watermelon is a great snack and/or dessert option that is wonderfully filling and 100% fat free. Watermelon also contains the amino acids citrulline and arginine, which can help maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular health.
In addition to the great health benefits of watermelon, I thought I’d share with you a few fun little tidbits:
- There are 1200 varieties of watermelon that exist worldwide!
- Watermelon originated in the Kalahari Desert in Africa
- Every part of the watermelon is edible!
- Early explorers used watermelons as a canteen to prevent dehydration.
- In China and Japan, watermelon is a popular hostess gift.
Hope you’ll head out to your local farmer’s market and pick up a nice and juicy watermelon! Enjoy!
Loooove watermelon. My mom and grandmom taught me to make a fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe and mangoes, so good and good for you! Makes a great slushy too on hot days.
YUMMY, E.B.! And, yes indeed, it sounds like a delish slushy!
Thanks Hollye for informing me of all of the nutritional value of watermelon. Now I can enjoy them even more. It has been one of our favorite fruits of the season; especially juicy, sweet, and flavorful this year. Also I may be selecting better ones as my produce man shared with me how to find one that has been left to ripen on the vine, and not harvested too early as is often the case.
My Mother used to pickle watermelon rinds, but I never did. I wasn't very fond of them as a youngster. However I have made the vodka watermelon slushy's and they are very refreshing and colorful served with a sprig of mint. Cheers!
Welcome back, Carolee! I'm so happy to see you again!
Love the sound of a vodka watermelon slushy!!!