National
Water Melon Month
Beat the scorching summer heat with a cup of wonderfully
delicious, juicy watermelon chunks – a great source of much-needed water to quench
thirst while re-boosting your body with anti-oxidant lycopene and vitamin-A.
Watermelons are very low in calories (just 30 calories per 100 g) and fats yet
very good source of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and
body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus offering
protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases (Rudrappa,
2014).
Watermelon research is expanding due
to health scientist’s interest in the citrulline content of watermelon. “Citrulline
is an amino acid that is commonly converted by our kidneys and other organ
systems into arginine (another amino acid). The flesh of a watermelon contains
about 250 millligrams of citrulline per cup. When our body absorbs this
citrulline, one of the steps it can take is conversion of citrulline into
arginine. Higher levels of arginine can help improve blood flow and other
aspects of our cardiovascular health” (The George Mateljan Foundation, 2014).
Botanically,
the fruit is related to the cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin. These family
members grow as vines on the ground surface. The Guinness Book of World Records
states that the heaviest watermelon weighed 262 pounds. To learn more
interesting watermelon facts, check out www.watermelon.org.
Smoothies are a great way to pack in
vitamins, minerals and energy on the go!
Watermelon
Smoothie
2 cups watermelon
1 cup cracked ice
½ cup plain yogurt
2 – 4 dates (pitted)
½ teaspoon ground ginger,
handful of almonds (or 1/8 teaspoon almond extract)
Combine all ingredients in blender
container. Blend until smooth.
Peach
Green Dream Smoothie
2 Handfuls of red leaf lettuce
4 dates (pitted)
2 cups watermelon chunks
2 tablespoon ground flax seed
4 small peaches (peeled, cut into
chunks)
References:
Rudrappa, U. (2014). Watermelon nutrition facts. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/watermelon.html
The George Mateljan Foundation. (2014). What's
New and Beneficial About Watermelon. Retrieved from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31
Yours in health!
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