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Juicy Baby! Why You Shouldn’t Pass by the Watermelon

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August 7, 2009
	Jo Wehage : Head Operations Ego

I don’t remember who it was, but when I was little I was told that watermelon was about 90% water, which to me meant virtually useless and probably tasteless. Missed a lot of opportunities as a kid. Now I know better and I’m excited to share some outstanding facts about the summertime melon – and a rockin’ recipe.

Promotes Heart Health:
A little visit to our friends at whfoods.org and we learn that watermelon is rich in many heart-healthy nutrients. It is a concentrated and bioavailable source of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that is thought to be even more active than other well-known carotenoids, such as its cousin, beta-carotene. Body levels of lycopene have been found to be inversely associated with both cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disesase (such as stroke).

Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a very good source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), both shown in a number of scientific studies to reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s also a good source of magnesium and potassium, two minerals known for helping to balance blood pressure, as well as a very good source of vitamin B6, which helps to keep artery-damaging homocysteine in check.

Powerful Antioxidant:
Watermelon is loaded with antioxidants that help the body rid itself of free radicals that might otherwise do damage. The high intake of vitamin C and beta-carotene have been shown in a number of scientific studies to reduce the airway spasm that occurs in asthma, reduce the risk of colon cancer and alleviate some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Far from the “useless” tag I gave it as a kid!

Promotes Healthy Weight Control:
And if that wasn’t enough, one cup of watermelon is a measly 49 calories! You’d be hard pressed to find that kind of value of nutrients in such a low calorie source elsewhere.

Recipes:
Splash a little lime on your watermelon for an added zest. A must-try recipe for the summer is this watermelon salsa we found at EatingWell.com. What a refreshing twist with chips! Try it, we loved it.